Volkswagen Virtus GT Sedan vs. Skoda Slavia RS – The clash between the Volkswagen Virtus GT and the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI is, undoubtedly, one of the most thrilling ones in the domain of mid-size performance sedans. To put it another way, it is quite hard to separate one from another in terms of performance as their comparison is made easier by the very aspects of the cars being almost the same the same MQB A0-IN platform, the same state-of-the-art 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, and the same quick-shifting DSG gearbox. Still, the enthusiasts grapple with the question of which is the fastest in the real world, and that is the biggest one of all. The numbers suggest that it is almost impossible to tell them apart but a more thorough examination of acceleration and driving dynamics reveals the Virtus GT to be ever so slightly ahead.
Engine
Apart from the engines, the two sedans are indeed the same. The strong 1.5-litre TSI EVO four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with the readability to deliver 150 PS of power and the ability to handle 250 Nm of torque is used by the sedans, which proclaims the technology of Volkswagen Group with the use of Active Cylinder Technology that deactivates two cylinders when the car is in light throttle to maximize efficiency. The power output is the same in both cars at 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, transmitted through a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The common powertrain is the very cause why their performance in a straight line is so close to the average driver’s perception that he cannot tell the difference.
Performance
Despite having the same specifications, real-world acceleration performance is a little different and indicates a slightly different story. The official 0-100 km/h is the same for both cars at 8.8 seconds, however, independent testing and drag racing have continuously claimed that the Volkswagen Virtus GT is a second quicker. It is said to straddle the 0-100 km sprint range around 8.5-8.7 seconds while Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI usually takes 8.8-9.0 seconds in the process. For the average driver, the difference is virtually unnoticeable, but for those performance-conscious motorists who live for every tenth of a second, the Virtus GT is the one with the advantage. The two sedans achieve a maximum speed of approximately 190 km/h, and the two provide firmly powerful acceleration even when overtaking at high speed.
Driving
It is in this area that the distinct personalities of the vehicles come into full view. The tuning of the Volkswagen Virtus GT has been done to make it feel sportier and more like a driver’s car. The suspension has been made a little firmer, giving the car the ability to stay flatter and more planted at high speeds. The steering mechanism also has more weight, which contributes to the driver’s feeling of road connection and hence gives him the confidence to push the car hard. Conversely, the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI adopts a more comfort-oriented strategy. The suspension is made softer and absorbs city bumps and potholes more gently. The steering is light and user-friendly in tight spaces and in traffic, which makes the Slavia more relaxed for daily commuting. Both automobiles are exceptionally stable at highway speeds and provide the mature, solid driving feel characteristic of European sedans.
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Verdict
The Volkswagen Virtus GT is the slightly faster car in terms of pure acceleration and speed. The difference is negligible and can only be recorded with professional timing equipment, but the GT still wins the title. Nonetheless, the dispute between the Virtus GT and the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI is not only about figures. It is also about character. If you prefer a sportier look, an all-black racing-style interior, a harsher ride, and a more assertive driving feel, then the Virtus GT is the sedan for you. On the other hand, the Slavia 1.5 TSI is the one to go for if you like a chic design, a friendly and demurring cabin, and a bit more comfort for your daily city commute.
