Along with updates for Taigun and Virtus, Volkswagen has increased prices by 2% across its portfolio
Ahead of the March 31st deadline, Volkswagen has updated its cars to comply with the stricter BS6 Phase II and RDE norms. The new rules also enforce cars to be ready to receive the greener E20 ethanol mix fuel. Over the next decade, the percentage of ethanol blending will be increased gradually.
Along with mandatory compliance, Volkswagen has introduced some updates for lower-spec variants of Virtus sedan and Taigun SUV. Prices have been increased across the range. Along with Virtus and Taigun, Volkswagen India portfolio also has Tiguan premium SUV.
Taigun, Virtus feature updates
To bolster sales of lower-spec variants of Taigun and Virtus, Volkswagen has introduced some premium features that were earlier available with only higher-spec variants. For example, Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline and 1.5 TSI GT variants get auto headlights with follow me home function. Earlier, this feature was available with only 1.0 TSI Topline and 1.5 TSI GT Plus variants of Taigun.
In case of Virtus, rear fog lamps are now standard across all variants. Earlier, only higher-spec variants of Virtus had this feature. Apart from these, there are no other major changes to the equipment list of either Taigun or Virtus. Both cars have quite a few features in common such as Volkswagen connectivity platform. It includes functions such as real-time vehicle location, geo fencing, anti-theft alarm, remote commands and vehicle health reports. Common safety features include 6-airbags, electronic stability control, multi-collision brakes and hill hold control.
Virtus and Taigun share the same powertrain options, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor. The smaller unit churns out 115 PS of max power and 178 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.
The 1.5-litre unit makes 150 PS and 250 Nm. While Taigun has transmission options of both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG, Virtus has only the 7-speed DSG with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor. Tiguan has a 2.0-litre petrol motor that makes 190 PS and 320 Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission.
Taigun, Virtus BS6 Phase II prices
Volkswagen has increased prices of all its cars by 2%, which is likely to be linked to the cost of compliance with new emission norms. The new prices will be effective from April 01, 2023. As of now, Virtus is available in the price range of Rs 11.32 lakh to Rs 18.32 lakh. Price hike is in the range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000. Virtus takes on rivals such as Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Taigun is available in the price range of Rs 11.56 lakh to Rs 18.96 lakh. Price hike is in the range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 37,000. It competes with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder. Prices of Tiguan premium SUV start at Rs 33.5 lakh. It goes up against rivals such as Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross and Hyundai Tucson.
