2023 Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus Get RDE-Compliant Engines, Updated Features

Volkswagen has announced a couple of new upgrades for the Taigun SUV and the Virtus Sedan of model year 2023. Along with the powertrain-related upgrades, the German carmaker has also introduced a couple of additional features across the models. As we know, the Taigun and the Virtus were launched under Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 Project that is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform. This platform is exclusive to India and meets all the requirements for our home market, including new safety norms. Meanwhile, the company also announced a price hike of 2 per cent across all its models, including the Taigun and the Virtus. The price hike is effective from April 1, 2023.  

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"Our products are developed and packaged keeping in mind important and relevant features that add value to the lives of our customers. Product development is a continuous process at Volkswagen and we strongly believe the additional and new feature offerings across the Taigun and Virtus variants will increase their accessibility as well as a value proposition for our customers", said Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India.

2023 Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus: Upgraded Powertrains

The Volkswagen Taigun and the Virtus are now RDE-compliant and E20 fuel-ready, according to the carmaker. Ahead of the implementation of the stricter BS6 Phase II or RDE (Real Driving Emission) norms, the engines of both the 2023 Taigun and the Virtus have been updated to comply with the upcoming regulations. 

Both cars are developed on the MQB-A0-IN platform and have got a 5-star GNCAP rating, making them more safer in the country. The models draw power from a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that generates a maximum output of 113bhp. Another engine on offer is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 148bhp. As for the gearbox options, they offer a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The options vary depending on the engine. 

Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus: Updated Features

The carmaker has added some new features to the lower-spec variants of both the models. Of the two, the 2023 Taigun now comes with auto headlights and auto coming/leaving home lights, which is available on the Highline trims of the 1.0-litre TSI Dynamic Line. Besides, the same features have been added to the GT variants of the 1.5-litre TSI Performance Line. 

As for the 2023 Virtus, it has now rear fog lamps as standard across its trims, thereby enhancing the visibility while driving the car. Before that, they were available only on the top-spec variants of the sedan.   

Also Read: Volkswagen Registers 3,313 Unit Sales in February 2023

As of now, the 2023 Volkswagen Taigun is priced between Rs 11.56 lakh and Rs 18.96 lakh. The brand's best-selling car rivals the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, and the Kia Seltos. On the other hand, the 2023 Virtus has a starting price of Rs 11.32 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.32 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. Among competitors, it takes on the recently facelifted Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the brand-new Hyundai Verna. The price hike of 2 per cent across these models will be effective from April 1.