The VW Taigun and Virtus also receive a new Highline Plus variant to offer more features at attractive prices
VW Virtus GT Line, GT Plus Sport and Highline Plus and Taigun Highline Plus trims have been launched in India. Apart from that, the VW Taigun GT Line now offers more amenities. These upgrades are introduced to enhance the appeal of VW products to a wider range of potential car buyers. Amidst stiff competition, it becomes necessary to ensure that you are offering the most value for money. Both Virtus and Taigun belong to brutally competitive segments. Hence, it is critical to keep them in top shape and have enough variants to take care of the needs of all kinds of buyers.
VW Virtus GT Line and GT Plus Sport
To make the ‘GT’ badge more accessible to the public, the prices of the VW Virtus GT Line start at Rs 14.07 lakh, ex-showroom, while the GT Plus Sport starts at Rs 17.84 lakh, ex-showroom. The former has a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options. This configuration generates a decent 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque. The main highlights of the GT Line include:
- GT badging all across the exterior
- KESSY – keyless entry and start-stop system
- 16-inch ‘Razor’ black alloy wheels
- 6 Airbags
- ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, BA, Muticollision brakes
- Tyre pressure deflation warning
- Hill hold control
- Front & rear fog lamp
- 8-inch Digital Cockpit
- 10.1-inch cm VW Play touchscreen infotainment
- Smart touch Climatronic AC
- Black coloured Interiors – headliner, sun-visors, grab handles, door trim
- Glossy black dashboard décor
- Red ambient lights
- Alu pedals
- Black leatherette + fabric seat upholstery with Gray stitching
On the other hand, the GT Plus Sport is available with the larger 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine which can pair with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. This results in a healthy 150 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. The main aesthetic and interior elements are:
- GT badging all across the exterior
- Aero-kit – Front bumper, rear bumper, side running board, rear diffuser
- Blackened front grille
- 16-inch ‘Razor’ black alloy wheels
- Dual tone roof
- Black coloured Interior
- Red-coloured stitching on the steering wheel
- Red-coloured stitching on the seat covers
- GT Clasp with Red Accent on Steering wheel
- Black coloured headliner
- Black-coloured ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Pillars
- Glossy black dashboard décor
- Glossy black door handle décor
- Black grab-handles
- Black sun-visor, holders
- Black roof lamp housing
- Red ambient lights
- Alu pedals
- Black leatherette seat upholstery
VW Taigun GT Line and New Highline Plus
Now, the VW Taigun GT Line was already on sale in our market. However, this time around the German car marque has improved its offerings to attract more buyers. In addition to the already available functionalities, the updates incorporate:
- 8-inch cm Digital cockpit
- Electric sunroof
- KESSY – Push button start stop
- Alu pedals
- Rain sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming IRVM
Furthermore, the German carmaker has even launched a new Highline Plus trim with the philosophy of ‘More for Less’. Note that this trim will be on offer with both Virtus and Taigun. The aim is clear, offer loads of new-age features at enticing prices. In this manner, more people are drawn towards a particular car model. Both Highline Plus cars bear a 1.0-litre TSI petrol mill. The prices start at Rs 13.87 lakh for the Virtus Highline Plus and Rs 14.26 lakh for the Taigun Highline Plus. Both prices are ex-showroom. The main highlights of this model are:
- 8-inch cm Digital cockpit
- Auto-dimming IRVM
- KESSY – Push button start stop
- Electric sunroof
- Auto Headlights
- Rain sensing wipers
- Auto coming/ leaving home lights
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “India is a dynamic market where we have seen trends evolve rapidly and to stay competitive in this market, we have continued to amplify customer excitement with introductions such as GT Line and GT Plus Sport. With the quintessential car being a sedan body style, we are delighted by the stellar success of the Virtus. This sporty sedan now gets an evocative new avatar that caters to discerning customers who are looking for differentiated aesthetics. With the repackaging of GT Line, we are also introducing more features that cater to the convenience needs of customers. The introduction of the Highline Plus variant gives us another opportunity to cater to customers looking for specific value and price combinations.”
My View
Volkswagen understands the mindset of the Indian customers. The reason why the Indian automobile market is considered one of the most competitive is that consumers look for the best value-for-money proposition. There are all sorts of alternatives available, particularly in the mid-size sedan and mid-size SUV segments to which the Virtus and Taigun belong, respectively. Hence, it is imperative to be flexible and generous with the offerings if you wish to succeed as a car marque in India. By democratizing the lineup in this manner, the German car company is aiming for exactly that. Now we just need to wait to see how well the customers embrace these new trims.
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