The rains are the real road test for any car in India. Smooth tarmac disappears under water, potholes multiply overnight, and even the most expensive sedans are humbled by flooded gullies. It’s in these conditions that the Virtus GT has revealed its more practical side.
The first surprise is the ride. Despite its sporty credentials and firm chassis, the suspension has enough compliance to take the sting out of monsoon-ravaged surfaces. The Virtus glides over craters and patchwork repairs with a maturity you don’t expect in a sedan of this class. Ground clearance is generous, too, which means you drive into standing water without the usual fear of scraping the underbody. For city use in the wet, that’s half the battle won.
Grip levels on soaked roads are reassuring. There is the occasional wheel-spin if you’re too heavy with the throttle from a standstill, but the ESC intervenes quickly, and the car never feels nervous. Braking performance in the wet inspires confidence, with good pedal feel and stable behaviour under hard stops. It’s a car that feels sure-footed, even when visibility is poor and the roads resemble rivulets.
Cabin insulation is generally good, though you do hear the rush of water and the thud of tyres through puddles. These are small niggles, but in a car carrying the GT badge, expectations are naturally higher. Day-to-day life in the wet also throws up practical annoyances. Door sills get messy, carpets need more frequent cleaning, and a small condensation inside a headlamp has been spotted.
Overall, though, the Virtus GT passes the monsoon test with flying colours. It feels solid, planted and more resilient than many rivals when the roads turn hostile. Yes, there are quirks, but the fundamentals ride comfort, stability and driver confidence are precisely what you want in a performance sedan that doubles as a city daily, even when the heavens open.
