[kaviprem]

Originally Posted by steadfast

Subject: Request help for iPhone 14 IOS 18.4 CarPlay issues on Virtus Topline 1.0 At

Hi,
My IPhone connnects flawlessly every time however it starts considering the head unit as WiFi for Internet and stops using mobile data. I have kept the Wi-Fi option off on head unit yet my phone starts searching for Internet from car head unit. Please suggest if someone else has encountered this and what is the solution

Interesting you see/say this behaviour. When CarPlay is connected [or requesting to be CarPlay connection], the WiFi in your iPhone should be disabled automatically.

[msri3here]

Originally Posted by vividhavasthi

I have finally got the dug dug problem solved. Both rear shocks were damaged and required replacing. However this took a few months to figure out... why? First just one shock was changed and the sound became very faint, over the course of a few months the noise returned and became very loud. Then the second shock was replaced and now the noise is totally gone.

Both repairs done under warranty. Just blindly change the shocks (They are 1800 each - which kind of tells you how well built they really are; and worth changing if warranty doesn't work).

How much did your car run before the shocks got replaced?
I find it very odd that the shocks get damaged and needs replacement even when my car didn't even finish 18k Kms.

and did you get them replaced by SVC or from outside?

[vividhavasthi]

Originally Posted by msri3here

How much did your car run before the shocks got replaced?
I find it very odd that the shocks get damaged and needs replacement even when my car didn't even finish 18k Kms.

and did you get them replaced by SVC or from outside?

There are two things to note, my car was running cobra lowering springs for about 20,000km when the first shock was changed, then when I took it in for the 2nd shock change the car was at 28,000km.

I have removed the lowering springs and replaced them with the stock units and will keep it this way for a few thousand km to check if the noise comes back. If it doesn't, back to lowering springs.

Both shocks were changed under warranty at SVC.

[attrip2008]

11,000 km with my Highway Charm - Lava Blue Virtus GT Plus– A Long-Term Ownership Review

I have been meaning to do a review of my Virtus GT since I got it and I think this is a good time as I nearing two years of ownership and 11,000 KMs. So here it goes.

A bit of background first — we’re a family of five, including a toddler and my parents who now live with us more permanently at least until they decide to move to hometown. Our primary car until last year was a Hyundai Creta Petrol Automatic (first-gen facelift). It’s been a solid performer — reliable, good-looking, and equally capable of handling city runs and highway trips. It truly served us well.

But with the changing family dynamics — a growing child, more frequent family outings, and the need for flexibility — it became evident that a second car was no longer a luxury, but a necessity. I also felt the need for something safer and more dynamically engaging, especially since I’ve become more informed (thanks to Team-BHP and other automotive deep dives) since purchasing the Creta.

The Creta is undoubtedly easy to drive, but it’s not what you’d call an effortless cruiser for longer highway drives. It lacks that confidence-inspiring, planted feel I was now craving — something more connected, more sorted.

The Buying Journey

Initially, the plan was for my father to get a car — something he could use while he’s here and eventually take back to his hometown. We explored everything from the Tiguan, Octavia, Superb, and Kodiaq. While I was personally impressed by many of them, he was undecided, leaning more toward EVs. So we decided that he would wait for the right EV, and I would go ahead and pick up a new car for myself — a second car for the house. I also thought that my wife can use Creta to learn driving - which is a continuing journey to say the least.

With that, the focus shifted to my requirements, and the budget became more controlled — around ₹20 lakhs. That ruled out the higher-end D-segment vehicles I had been eyeing earlier. I’m based in Delhi NCR, so a petrol engine was a deliberate and obvious choice. And then I knew I wanted a turbo petrol having thoroughly researched engines and gearboxes.

Here are some of the cars I considered and ruled out:

• Hyundai Verna: Already had a Hyundai, and I wasn’t convinced the Verna would offer the driving dynamics I was looking for. Checked out but did not TD. I did not really like the design either.
• Honda City (NA petrol): Smooth and reliable, yes — but I wanted a turbo-petrol punch. The NA engine didn’t cut it for me.
• XUV700 / Scorpio-N: Great presence and features, but they’re too large for my needs. Maneuverability and ease of use in the city were concerns, and they just didn’t match my taste.
• Grand Vitara / Hyryder: Didn't appeal to me on the performance front. The power on offer felt inadequate, especially when thinking about highway overtakes or fully loaded hill drives.
• Jimny: Liked the concept and packaging, but again — power was a concern. For highway usage or hill climbs with passengers and luggage, I wasn't confident it would be enough.
• Thar: I was genuinely 50-50 on this. It's appealing for what it is, but practicality was a big question mark — especially in terms of boot space, ride comfort, and family usability.
• Compass: Was a top contender, but by mid-2023, the petrol version was discontinued. I genuinely kept hoping it would come back.

That brought the spotlight back to the Kushaq, Taigun, and Virtus — particularly the GT trims with the 1.5 TSI.

And here, the Virtus GT stood out. Clean looks, a proper sedan stance, sorted ride-handling balance, and a real boot. Since I already had a crossover in the garage, the idea of pairing it with a sedan just made sense. Plus, I’ll admit — I’ve always liked the way the Virtus GT looks. It has presence without trying too hard.

So, after several test drives and a lot of internal debate, I signed on the dotted line. The Virtus GT became our second car.

What I’ve Loved After 11,000 km with the Virtus GT

Having done over 11,000 km, with nearly 10,000 km of that on highways, I can confidently say the Virtus GT has lived up to its badge.

• Effortlessness in Motion - Whether it’s gliding through city traffic or cruising at triple digits on the highway, the car never feels strained. The 1.5 TSI and DSG pairing is truly effortless. Overtakes, sharp gaps, or just relaxed highway rolls — it delivers without drama.
  
• Dynamics with Comfort - With decent ground clearance and sedan underpinnings, it strikes a beautiful balance. While there's mild body roll, the high-speed stability and confidence are leagues ahead of the Creta. The maneuverability even in tight corners or hill roads is reassuring.
  
• Long-Distance Champion - From Dalhousie to Delhi in a single day — with family and toddler in tow — I’ve done multiple 600+ km drives without fatigue. The suspension has a firm edge, but it's controlled and comfortable. Even after traffic-heavy long hauls, I’ve stepped out fresh.
  
• Driver-Centric Cabin - Subtle design cues like the slightly tilted dashboard and the central tunnel layout give the cabin a driver-oriented feel. Ergonomics are spot-on for long hours behind the wheel.
  
• Practicality & Boot Space - I was pleasantly surprised by the usable boot and cabin storage. It’s more than enough for road trip luggage or toddler essentials.
  
• Visual Appeal - It’s the kind of car I look back at after parking. The design is understated yet classy, with enough sporty cues to remind you it’s a GT.

What Could Be Better: Cons & Niggles After 11,000 km

1. Could Use a Bit More Weight (or Grip) - The car maintains composure always, but have felt traction dips ever so slightly over poor roads or unpaved patches — possibly due to the OEM CEAT SecuraDrive tyres. Looking forward to seeing how much of that improves post a tyre upgrade.
   
2. Dead Pedal Size- There’s enough footwell room, but the dead pedal could’ve been larger. On long drives, a bit more real estate here would help.
   
3. AC Touch Panel -
4. Functional but fussy. I’ve gotten used to it, but tactile knobs would’ve been more intuitive, especially on the move.
   
5. Cabin Noise Insulation - Tyre and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds. A bit more damping could’ve gone a long way in enhancing cabin refinement and comfort. These things impact the fatigue element in long journeys is what I have noticed
   
6. Seat Ergonomics (Personal) - While generally comfortable, I had some lower back and hip discomfort on long drives — likely sciatica-related. With a cushion, backrest, and neck pillow, it’s sorted for me now.
   
7. Lava Blue – A Double-Edged Sword - Stunning to look at. Tough to maintain. Shows dust, swirl marks, and water spots very easily. Still wouldn’t pick another colour though!

Driving Observations & Personal Tips

Highway

- Engine braking is well-calibrated. Unlike my Creta’s stronger engine braking, the Virtus feels smoother on long runs.
- Fuel efficiency is excellent, especially with cruise control and a light foot.

Hills

I don’t switch to manual or S mode. I just use paddle shifters while in D, especially for downslopes, and the car holds the gear smartly based on speed/load for engine breaking. Very effective. But not sure if that stresses the gearbox.

City

• Feathering the accelerator during slow turns or potholes helps reduce DSG jerks.
• In stop-go traffic, I switch to S mode, which leads to fewer shifts.
• I don’t shift to N at signals, just fully depress the brake in D — the car seems to disengage on its own.
• While crawling, I either completely stop or gently accelerate — no brake-feathering, as it seems to confuse the gearbox.

Fuel Efficiency – Better Than Expected

City (Delhi NCR):
I consistently get 9–10+ km/l, which is impressive for a car in this segment and performance bracket.
Highway:
-Easily 15–17+ km/l on most runs.
- On cruise control at 80–90 km/h, I’ve touched 19–20 km/l.
- Even with some spirited driving, it rarely drops below 15 km/l.

Service Experience – Responsive, Though Not Without Hiccups
- The steering column was replaced due to a clicking noise — sorted under warranty.
- Brake noise while reversing was acknowledged and minimized by the service team.
- A few visits were required, but the team eventually addressed the issues with sincerity.


The car will complete two years in June 2025, and apart from the early niggles, it's been mechanically sound and hassle-free since.

Modifications & Maintenance: A Stock Look with Thoughtful Additions

• - Dual-tone horn upgrade (OEM channel)
• - VW accessory pack: premium mats, sunshades, car cover
• - Boot bag kit: Michelin tyre inflator, microfiber cloths, Turtle Wax detailer, glass cleaner, spare engine oil
• - CarPro CQuartz ceramic coating from Team Car Craft, Noida — highly satisfied (detailed post shared separately)
• - DIY kit: pressure washer, Meguiar’s shampoo, Turtle Wax spray wax — though I now mostly use a garden hose and sponge for efficiency
• - Annual ceramic coating refresh planned
• - Oil change at 6 months, just to flush early metal deposits
• - Exclusively run on XP-95 or Power 95 fuel

Battle Scars

- A few underbody scrapes from potholes and unmarked obstacles at night
- Rear-ended by a BluSmart cab — driver fled, no resolution from their support. Claimed insurance, but the paint finish on the replaced boot and bumper doesn’t match factory quality
- A minor front scratch from a rolling car in traffic — no fuss made
- These incidents are why I prefer to keep the Virtus away from daily city traffic and preserve it for those highway journeys

Final Thoughts – Why the Virtus GT Feels Special

If I had to sum up my experience with the Virtus GT, it would be through a moment I often relive — cruising down a highway, the car calm and composed beneath me, slicing through a sea of vehicles, unbothered and confident. It feels much like sitting on a sunbed at Calangute Beach — cool breeze, warm sunlight, and a wide, beautiful view in front of me. That’s the kind of effortless, satisfying freedom this car offers when it’s in its element.

Sure, getting to Calangute Beach takes effort — just like reaching this kind of ownership joy with the Virtus takes a bit of care. There are niggles to handle, a few scratches along the way, and the occasional frustration. But to me, that’s just the price of admission to something that delivers this much satisfaction, drive after drive.

Because at the end of the day, I didn’t just buy a car.
I bought a reason to look forward to the journey.

Parting shots...

[kpkeerthi]

Originally Posted by attrip2008

I don’t shift to N at signals, just fully depress the brake in D — the car seems to disengage on its own

Finally, relieved to hear some one is NOT doing senseless thing.

Happy motoring!

[kaviprem]

Originally Posted by attrip2008

11,000 km with my Highway Charm - Lava Blue Virtus GT Plus– A Long-Term Ownership Review

AC Touch Panel - Functional but fussy. I’ve gotten used to it, but tactile knobs would’ve been more intuitive, especially on the move.

Cabin Noise Insulation - Tyre and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds. A bit more damping could’ve gone a long way in enhancing cabin refinement and comfort. These things impact the fatigue element in long journeys is what I have noticed

Seat Ergonomics (Personal) - While generally comfortable, I had some lower back and hip discomfort on long drives — likely sciatica-related. With a cushion, backrest, and neck pillow, it’s sorted for me now.

Glad, I am not the only one with these short-comings.

AC User Interface/Experience - The MOST Pathetic to say the least. I dont know how a corporate could approve a design like this!

Cabin and Road Noise - Yes, definitely, poor than the REAL VW vehicles [read Polo/Vento]. I circumvented to an extent by a "red wine" in the door top edge tubes. Still, there is some wind-cutting noise at triple digit speeds.
Road noise could be reduced by going for better tires, but I am waiting for another 10K to complete as I am at 15K in an year on ODO.

Seat Ergonomics - I come/came from Honda City and I could immediately get this in my first few months of Virtus ownership. No, am NOT talking about the stifness of the seats. Something is not right with it as I get "pricking" pain in my left thigh to butt in a drive of about 3 hours.
I have been doing long [hours] drives for the past 20 years. So, it's only this pain is new to me.

Thanks and Happy motoring with Virtus GT. A great ride overall in today's dying sedan segment!

- Prem.

[ankitsharma]

Originally Posted by attrip2008

1. Could Use a Bit More Weight (or Grip) - The car maintains composure always, but have felt traction dips ever so slightly over poor roads or unpaved patches — possibly due to the OEM CEAT SecuraDrive tyres. Looking forward to seeing how much of that improves post a tyre upgrade.
2. Cabin Noise Insulation - Tyre and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds. A bit more damping could’ve gone a long way in enhancing cabin refinement and comfort. These things impact the fatigue element in long journeys is what I have noticed

Originally Posted by kaviprem

Glad, I am not the only one with these short-comings.

Cabin and Road Noise - Yes, definitely, poor than the REAL VW vehicles [read Polo/Vento]. I circumvented to an extent by a "red wine" in the door top edge tubes. Still, there is some wind-cutting noise at triple digit speeds.
Road noise could be reduced by going for better tires, but I am waiting for another 10K to complete as I am at 15K in an year on ODO.

- Prem.

Change the tyres and both of these issues will be solved. The OEM tyres are low quality. Change to a reputed brand and softer compound, the noise and feedback along with braking will improve by leaps and bound.

[lancer_rit]

Finished over 550km on my wife's Virtus GT Plus. Highway drive is very enjoyable and car is planted on sweeping curves towards Kolar The Michelin Primacy4 ST tyres feel so much better than the MRF Ecotred.
For the DSG behavior, D vs S vs M,
I had posted on the DSG demystified thread, probably makes sense to cross link here.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post5963943 (DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift Gearbox)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post5966474 (DSG, demystified! All you need to know about VW's Direct-Shift Gearbox)

[raycers_honda]

Originally Posted by vividhavasthi

Both repairs done under warranty. Just blindly change the shocks (They are 1800 each - which kind of tells you how well built they really are; and worth changing if warranty doesn't work).

The Curious Case of the Virtus: A Love Story with a Few Red Flags

Funny thing—I owned a Honda City i-VTEC from 2011 to 2021. That’s a solid decade of zero drama, except for one lonely battery replacement. It was the automotive equivalent of a well-behaved golden retriever. The only drawback? A bit of rust here and there—classic Honda City quirk. But even that never gave me real trouble. Even after placing—and I mean literally placing—two tubs in the boot to collect dripping water, it still didn’t cause any issues. There was a point I genuinely felt like I was driving a portable rainwater harvesting system. But hey, at least it was eco-friendly!

We also had a 2011 VW Vento Highline 1.5 petrol in the family. Again, no issues for over a decade—until it politely coughed its way into retirement in 2023. The family moved on to the Kia Sonet, while I, still starry-eyed from the Vento experience, went for the Virtus. Because let’s face it—the Vento was a dream. It handled like a charm, the interiors aged like fine wine, and it had that unmistakable German sturdiness.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love the Virtus. It’s a beautifully engineered machine. But sometimes, I feel like Volkswagen went full over-engineer mode, like they sat in a boardroom and said, “Let’s make it perfect… but just for a little while.”

Anyway, here’s my experience so far with my July 2022 Virtus 1.0 TSI Highline MT (the one with the manual rotary AC controls—because back then, VW generously gave us a choice).

⸻

1. The Roof Lining: More Mood Swing Than Material

The roof liner in the early batches? Yikes. Flimsy, soft-edged, and looked like it was installed during a power cut. Not a critical failure, sure—but one touch and you’ll immediately know someone on the production line just stopped trying. Thankfully, I hear VW fixed this in later batches. Good job, guys… eventually.

⸻

2. The Gear Lever: Surprise! It’s Detachable!

This one’s not even funny—it’s mildly terrifying. The gear lever popped out mid-drive. Yes, popped out. If you’ve got a firm grip, may the torque gods be with you. VW was kind enough to replace it under warranty (good on them), but guess what? The replacement did the exact same thing a month later. Déjà vu, but with sweaty palms and rising blood pressure.

VW, if you’re listening—maybe, just maybe, bolt it down this time?

⸻

3. Battery Blues: Gone Too Soon

I’m one of those obsessive drivers. Auto Start-Stop? Off. Headlights? Off when not needed. Accessories? Just a dashcam, always unplugged when parked. And yet, the battery gave up in March 2024—less than three years in. A 10k surprise expense.

I’m part of several Virtus groups, and guess what? People told me I’m lucky mine lasted that long. Apparently, most batteries conk out right after the 2-year mark. Coincidence? Or the automotive version of a time bomb labeled “warranty expired”?

Pro tip: Get your battery tested at exactly the two-year mark—unless you enjoy the thrill of being stranded at a signal with your hazard lights blinking like disco lights.

⸻

4. Wipers of Doom

These deserve their own horror short film. Within just three months of ownership, my wipers gave up on life. No warning. No noise. Just plain resignation. If you’re a new Virtus owner: replace them immediately. Don’t argue. Don’t wait. Just do it. You’ll thank yourself—and me—when the monsoon comes knocking.

⸻

5. Knock Knock… Is That My Car or a Tin Can?

One fine day, I found myself knocking around the Virtus’s panels and comparing them to my sister’s Vento. The Vento? Solid “German vault” vibes. The Virtus? More “recycled steel tiffin box” tones. Even the Vento’s rear glass felt thicker.

The Virtus seems to attract dings and dents like a magnet at a demolition derby. Maybe I’m imagining it… but I genuinely feel the Vento was more tank-like than this India 2.0-lite build.

⸻

6. The Curious Case of the Jammed Window

Because why stop now? My rear left window now refuses to roll up all the way. It goes down just fine—but on the way up, it loses motivation halfway. All the buttons work. The motor works. It just… gave up. Like me trying to go to the gym on Monday. I’ll update after I visit the service center.

⸻

Final Thoughts (Yes, I Still Love It)

Volkswagen, if you’re reading this—please do take this personally. Because I care. I love the Virtus. It’s sharp, planted, and a pleasure to drive. I wouldn’t pick any other sedan in this segment. Every kilometre is genuinely enjoyable. And yes, if I upgrade, I’d go for the next-gen Virtus. That’s how much I like it.

But this car could’ve been legendary. It just needed a touch more old-school VW toughness, and a little less bean-counting. The Virtus already has a cult following—and honestly, it’s not your marketing campaigns fueling the hype. It’s the passionate ownership groups, real-world experiences, and India’s unspoken love for a good sedan.

Surprisingly, there are still a lot of people who want sedans. SUVs are just being shoved down our throats like a free side dish no one ordered. And yes, some will say, “But the sales charts say otherwise!” But deep down, we all know the truth—there’s something about a sleek, low-slung sedan that just hits differently.

So here’s hoping you take this feedback seriously—because nothing would make us happier than recommending the Virtus to the next person who asks:
“Bro, should I buy the Virtus?”

[ranjeet_sam]

Originally Posted by raycers_honda

The Curious Case of the Virtus: A Love Story with a Few Red Flags

Anyway, here’s my experience so far...”

Now that's some honest feedback from a genuine VW fan. I like the way you have documented your opinion and I have to say I agree with all of them. Personally love sedans for their looks and comfort. Have been a sedan guy throughout and my current rides are also sedans.

[TheFonz]

Originally Posted by kaviprem

Cabin and Road Noise - Yes, definitely, poor than the REAL VW vehicles [read Polo/Vento]. I circumvented to an extent by a "red wine" in the door top edge tubes. Still, there is some wind-cutting noise at triple digit speeds.

Hi Prem, apologies for my ignorance, can you please explain what you mean by red wine in the door top edge tubes.

[supernova105]

Originally Posted by raycers_honda

3. Battery Blues: Gone Too Soon

I’m one of those obsessive drivers. Auto Start-Stop? Off. Headlights? Off when not needed. Accessories? Just a dashcam, always unplugged when parked. And yet, the battery gave up in March 2024—less than three years in.
People told me I’m lucky mine lasted that long. Apparently, most batteries conk out right after the 2-year mark.

I remember seeing your video on the WhatsApp group, with the dash lit up like a Christmas tree!

Reading through the forum for Virtus and Taigun, indeed the battery seems to go kaput just after 2 - 2.5 years.

I explicitly told the SA the above while buying and he had the audacity to say there's only a 1 year warranty on the battery!
This is especially after their clear instructions to not use after market batteries since it voids warranty, and buy the overpriced VW battery only.

But all these shortcomings go away when you get behind the wheel and floor the pedal, and VW seems to know that.

I hardly enjoy driving my NA Ciaz anymore, ever since I've been introduced to the world of Forced Induction.

[anshuman_b]

Originally Posted by raycers_honda

4. Wipers of Doom

These deserve their own horror short film. Within just three months of ownership, my wipers gave up on life. No warning. No noise. Just plain resignation. If you’re a new Virtus owner: replace them immediately. Don’t argue. Don’t wait. Just do it. You’ll thank yourself—and me—when the monsoon comes knocking.

⸻

you are lucky that the wipers lasted for 3 months, mine have already given up within a month and 500 km of ownership
waiting for first service to fix them up.

[VIN No]

Originally Posted by raycers_honda

The Curious Case of the Virtus: A Love Story with a Few Red Flags

“Bro, should I buy the Virtus?”

I absolutely love the way you have described all the niceties and niggles , really tells the
VW-SKODA 2.0 story. Even though I love the cars they had the potential to be just that much better!!

[Dhanush.skvr]

Volkswagen Virtus Topline MT — 4 Years / 45,000 km Ownership Review (Compared to Polo 1.5 TDI)

As an owner of both the Volkswagen Virtus Topline MT and a Polo 1.5 TDI over the past 3–4 years, I must say I’m disappointed with the overall product quality of the Virtus when compared to the Polo.

Issues Faced During Ownership (4 Years / 45,000 km):

1. Body Panel Quality: All metal panels on the Virtus feel noticeably weaker and thinner compared to the sturdy build of the Polo.

2. Dashboard Rattling: There are constant rattling noises from the dashboard. Despite multiple visits to the service center, there's no permanent solution. The issue usually reappears after about 2,000 km post-service.

3. Interior Plastic Quality: The plastic panels inside the Virtus feel cheap and flimsy. They tend to bend and creak, whereas the interior of the Polo feels solid and robust.

4. CarPlay Disconnects Frequently: Apple CarPlay connection is unstable and frequently disconnects during usage.

5. Front Left Grab Handle Broke on Delivery Day: The front left grab handle came off by hand on the day of delivery. When I raised this with the dealership, I was told, "It’s only meant for light use."

Warranty Claims During 3 Years of Ownership:

1. Gear Selector Knob – Replaced shortly after delivery
2. Rear Left Suspension Strut – Replaced at 12,000 km
3. Boot Light – Replaced at 12,000 km
4. Both Front Headlights – Replaced at 40,000 km
5. Clutch Master Cylinder – Replaced at 40,000 km
6. Steering Box – Replaced at 40,000 km
7. Rear Left Suspension Strut (Again) – Replaced at 42,000 km

Positives:
- I appreciate that Volkswagen covers some wear-and-tear items (like suspension components) under warranty.
- Thankfully, all warranty claim processes were smooth and hassle-free.