#BreakingSedanStereotypes with the Volkswagen Virtus – The best road trip car?

In a world where conventions often dictate our choices and preconceived notions shape our experiences, breaking stereotypes becomes an audacious adventure in itself. Imagine this: a road trip that defies expectations, a sedan in a domain traditionally reserved for SUVs and a journey that challenges the very essence of what we deem possible. That’s exactly what happened to us recently and I found myself at the crossroads of conventional wisdom and a daring proposition.

Confused? Let me simplify things. My friend Amit and I had been planning a road trip for a while and the long weekend seemed like the perfect opportunity to hit the road. I had already decided on an adventurous route to Jaipur and nearby destinations. However, Amit had a different idea — one that would challenge our expectations. Instead of opting for the practical SUV I had planned, he insisted on taking the Volkswagen Virtus as he was yet to test it on the highways.

Don’t get me wrong; I absolutely love the Virtus for what it offers. However, taking a sedan on a road trip meant for spontaneity and adventure, amidst the heavy monsoon, was not something I was initially prepared for. But my friend’s confidence was contagious and I couldn’t resist the urge to take on this challenge. 

So, we packed up, hit the road, and put the Virtus through its paces. What followed was an epic journey filled with surprises and unforgettable moments. 

Despite our plans for an early morning start to avoid the rush-hour traffic in Delhi NCR, we ended up hitting the road at the same time as everyone else. However, despite our delayed departure, we had no complaints as the Volkswagen Virtus kept us both comfortable and entertained. I’ve always admired VW cars for their well-appointed cabins, and the Virtus is no exception. An elegant dashboard layout, a no-nonsense infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a great-sounding audio setup meant I was enjoying my time in the passenger seat. What stood out as soon as I entered the car were the seats, which were not only comfortable but made it easy to find an ideal seating position, thanks to the first-in-segment power adjustment for both the driver and co-passenger. Additionally, the seat ventilation was a real bonus, especially for those in the hot and humid northern regions.

But before we go any further, let me be completely honest: I have a knack for stirring up a hornet's nest and I made sure to give Amit a run for his money in convincing me that replacing SUVs with sedans could be a viable option. To make the challenge a bit more taxing for him, I left no stone unturned. To begin with, I packed the largest of my bags along with additional camping gear, including extra chairs, a tent, utensils, and more. To my surprise, the Virtus had more than enough space in the boot to accommodate it all.

We soon found ourselves on the open roads and then onto the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, where the Virtus felt right at home. While Amit enjoyed pushing the limits of the engine, I couldn't ignore the comfortable ride quality and stability at triple-digit speeds. Sedans have always been excellent for highway cruising, and there is no denying that the Virtus outperforms any SUV in terms of performance, dynamics, and high-speed manners.

Our first pitstop came after about two hours, and I had a hard time resisting the urge to ask for the keys when we resumed our journey. To be honest, I loved the driving position and overall experience from the driver’s seat as soon as I got behind the wheel. Finding a comfortable position was easy, thanks to the six-way adjustable seat and the tilt-and-telescopic adjustments for the steering wheel. Having been driving an SUV for a long while, I truly missed the low-slung, sporty stance that only a sedan can deliver.

First things first, I loved the performance of the 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine, and the gear shifts were quick and seamless, thanks to the 7-speed DSG transmission. The steering was direct, with impressive feedback that kept me grinning all the way. This was also my first experience with active cylinder deactivation technology. While it enhances fuel economy during highway cruising, I was particularly impressed by the system's smoothness. It was nearly impossible for me to notice when the engine was running on only two cylinders. The result? Despite pushing the car on the highway and trails, we still managed to achieve an impressive mileage of a little over 15 km/l.

Despite the heavy rain, we quickly covered miles and exited the expressway to enter the busy state highway leading to Jaipur. The reduced speed limit gave me more time to explore the features of the Virtus, including the electrically operated sunroof, digital instrument console, and a range of other tech and equipment that make living with the Virtus both enjoyable and effortless.

To conclude the day, I had planned to camp at the Kalpana Nagar dunes. For those familiar with Jaipur, this location is a popular hotspot for dune bashing and 4X4 adventure activities. However, heavy rains had thoroughly soaked the sand, which made driving the Virtus up the dunes less challenging than expected. What also aided our ascent was the Virtus’s impressive high ground clearance and the wild horses under the hood. 

Awaiting us at the top were mesmerising views, a couple of friendly dogs, and lovely weather. We quickly set up our tent, cooked a meal, enjoyed some music, and reflected on how the Virtus had been a great companion throughout the day, ensuring that I never missed my SUV for a moment.

The next day started at a leisurely pace, with the day’s itinerary still unknown to Amit. As we got ready, I took the wheel and drove straight to the central market in Jaipur to taste the authentic local cuisine before soaking ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Pink City. We loved the Pyaaz Kachori and Jalebi, and couldn’t imagine a better way to start our day.

As I shared the day's plans, it again started raining in Jaipur, and the streets were waterlogged. This was for the very first time that I was slightly concerned but all my worries were soon thrown out as the ample ground clearance of the Virtus helped us clear the streets without any hassle. 

Our first destination for the day was Nahargarh Fort, where I had the opportunity to experience the sporty handling of the Virtus while navigating the winding roads. It was also at this moment that I realised the visibility from the driver’s seat was impressive and driving this car was not a difficult affair. The rest of the day was spent visiting other notable places in Jaipur, including Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and more.

As our weekend outing drew to a close, we seized the opportunity to have some fun behind the wheel on the deserted roads on the outskirts of Jaipur before merging onto the expressway for our journey back home.

The open roads and a comfortable cruising speed gave us the perfect opportunity to reflect on our trip and deliver a final assessment. This two-day expedition offered numerous chances to experience the Virtus and evaluate it against other SUVs in the Indian market within this price range. While it is undeniable that the Virtus excels as a car for driving enthusiasts and has enough performance to keep most of us happy, it also shines in several other crucial areas, including in-cabin comfort, practicality, features, and more. It's no surprise that the Virtus continues to hold the title of the No.1 selling sedan in its segment, month after month.

I must admit that while SUVs have certain advantages, sedans like the Virtus are not far behind in terms of practicality and suitability for Indian conditions. Despite all my efforts and the rain working in favour of the Virtus at the dunes, I couldn’t find a single scenario where any other SUV would have outperformed the mighty Virtus.

More importantly, I must admit the Virtus had not only defied my initial scepticism but had also proven itself to be an exceptional companion — one that offered performance, comfort, and practicality in equal measure. The trip had been a revelation, showing that while SUVs have their merits, the Virtus stands tall in its own right. With every mile travelled and every twist of the road, the Virtus had done more than meet expectations — it had rewritten them.