Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 liter TSI vs 1.5 liter TSI: Service cost comparison

Automatic variants are more expensive to maintain than manuals, but by a smaller margin than you might expect

Volkswagen India had set out to improve its after-sales services, as part of the brand’s India 2.0 goal, be it limited network coverage or higher service costs. Since then, the German automaker has introduced two new vehicles based on MQB A0-IN platforms, with up to 95 percent localization. Here, we will compare the maintenance costs of the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI variants of the Virtus sedan.

Below is the breakdown of Virtus service charges, in three variants, over a period of ten years (or 1,50,000 km).

Service cost table

Disclaimers

• The frequency of changing transmission fluid, spark plugs, brake oil and coolant is subject to driving style and the condition or age of the vehicle.

• We considered the Topline variant for the 1-litre turbo petrol engine, in both manual and automatic transmission models.

• Consumables such as lock cylinder lubricant spray and windshield cleaner concentrate are optional.

• The maintenance program described in this article follows Volkswagen’s recommendations.

• The service costs mentioned in the table are provisional and do not include taxes (for Delhi), the actual cost may vary depending on the vehicle, dealer and location.

See also: Here’s how the Honda City Hybrid compares to its petrol version in terms of service cost

• As expected, the 1.0-litre petrol model of the Virtus is the least expensive to maintain of the three variants. It has a total service cost of Rs 76,388 over the 10 years, which is Rs 17,132 less than the 1.0-litre AT model and Rs 4,998 less than the 1.5-litre DSG petrol model.

• Periodic maintenance is performed every 15,000 km/year and includes replacing the oil filter, drain plug, dust and pollen filter and engine oil. Since the selected variant comes with a sunroof, this part is also serviced at each service with periodic lubrication.

• In the first service, the periodic maintenance of the three models does not include the labor cost. All subsequent services will include labor charges which will vary depending on the work done. All three variants of the Virtus require replacement of the brake fluid and air filter on their second service. This is also repeated in the sixth and tenth service intervals.

See also: How the Hyundai Verna has evolved since its debut in India in 2006

• The third, fifth, seventh and ninth services perform the same set of changes and top-ups as the first, i.e. engine oils, air filters, etc.

• The cost of the service increases every fourth maintenance cycle which is paid every 60,000 km or in the fourth year of the car. For this round of service, the 1.0-litre TSI AT variant gets an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) change, which costs Rs 8,647. In addition, all three variants require spark plugs and a poly V-belt replacement. The same maintenance cycle is repeated for the eighth service interval after another four years or 60,000 km.

Power train details

The 1.5-liter engine features “Active Cylinder Deactivation” technology, which increases fuel economy by shutting down two cylinders in low-stress circumstances. Meanwhile, the more affordable 1-litre turbo-petrol engine is the only one to offer a manual transmission option.

Price rivals

Priced between Rs 11.32 lakh and Rs 18.42 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Volkswagen Virtus locks horns with Honda City, next-gen Verna, Skoda Slavia and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Read more about: Volkswagen Virtus on the road price