Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Sport VS Hyundai Verna Turbo: Turbo-petrol Sedans Compared

Volkswagen very recently unveiled a new GT Plus Sport concept version of the Virtus. It receives certain exterior and interior visual changes that give it a sportier appearance than the standard GT variant of the sedan we get today. It will directly compete with the Hyundai Verna turbo-petrol versions, which also gets several sporty exterior and interior design elements. This article compares the two sedans' sportier models side-by-side, with pictures:

Front

The Virtus GT Plus Sport shares nearly identical design elements with its standard models, distinguished by the addition of the red 'GT' badge on the grille. Volkswagen has also opted to black out all the chrome accents on this special edition concept, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Even the grille gets completely black treatment with GT badging in red. The only element which remains in chrome is the VW logo. 

Conversely, the Verna turbo retains an unaltered fascia compared to the regular model, featuring the familiar LED DRL light bar and grille with a mesh-like pattern. From the front, the Verna Turbo resembles the standard variants as there are no design cues which highlight the sporty variant. 

Side Profile

The Virtus GT Plus Sport has a striking profile, with black side skirts, dark chrome door handles, black ORVM housings, red brake calipers, and red 'GT' emblems on the front fenders. It also features a black roof to add to its sporty character.To enhance its sporty appearance, the alloy wheels are completely blacked out as well.

On the other hand, the Verna Turbo retains its stock exterior from the sides but major changes include the blacked-out alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The door handles get the same silver finish like the standard variants. 

Rear

View it from the back and the Virtus GT Plus Sport has a red 'GT' emblem on the tailgate, a black boot lip spoiler, and a black diffuser on the bumper. Look closely and you’ll also notice that the ‘VIRTUS’ badge is also finished in black. 

Alternatively, the Verna turbo's rear looks exactly the same as the regular model's, but it has a '1.5 Turbo' badging on it, which is the only way to differentiate it from the regular variants when viewed from the back. 

Interior

Volkswagen's upcoming sportier version of the Virtus features an all-black interior with black seat upholstery; a red inlay and a 'GT' emblem on the steering wheel as opposed to the black/beige scheme in the standard car. Red ambient lighting and an all-digital driver display with a red motif are also included.

It's interesting to note that the Verna has a more new-age interior design, with contrast red stitching on the leatherette upholstery, the dashboard, the center console and gear lever. The cabin feels more upmarket than the Virtus here. The interiors of the turbo variant are all black, while the standard variants get a dual-tone paint scheme.

Powertrain

Upon its arrival later in the year, the Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Sport is expected to be powered by a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine producing 150 PS and 250 Nm. It will possibly be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. 

The Verna Turbo, on the other hand, is powered by a similar capacity 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 160 PS and 253 Nm, a little more than the Virtus on paper. It can be opted with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. 

Price

The new GT Plus Sport variant of the Volkswagen Virtus is anticipated to go on sale by the second half of 2024; it is likely to be a fully equipped model, which can command a higher starting price. The current GT variants of the Virtus are now available from Rs 16.62 lakh to Rs 19.41 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

The Hyundai Verna Turbo starts at Rs 14.87 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up till Rs 17.42 lakh (ex-showroom). In contrast, with its more reasonable pricing, the more powerful and well-equipped Hyundai Verna offers a greater value for the money.