Announces the discontinuation of both models' 1.5-liter TSI manual transmission
Only a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission is currently available with the larger engine.
Volkswagen India has eliminated the manual gearbox option for the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol (TSI) versions of the Taigun SUV and the Virtus sedan, a decision that will have an impact on drivers and consumers looking for a more thrilling driving experience.
Customers used to be able to select a six-speed manual with this engine, but dealer systems and sales brochures no longer mention this option.
Drivers who want a closer relationship with the car's performance, combining the powerful turbo-petrol engine with conventional stick-shift control, particularly value this manual transmission.
However, only a seven-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic transmission is currently available with this engine in the revised lineup.
What's Still Up Next
Volkswagen still offers a six-speed manual gearbox with the smaller 1.0-liter TSI petrol engine in both models; the 1.5-liter TSI manual versions are no longer offered. These lower-powered models, which offer less performance than the 1.5-liter option but are more reasonably priced, will be the only choice for those who still want a stick-shift.
The 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine in the Taigun and Virtus still produces about 148–150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, but it is currently only used with an automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen's Reason for Making This Change
Volkswagen has not made the reasons for the change public, but industry reports indicate that it is in line with a clear trend in the Indian market, where automatic gearboxes are becoming more and more common, particularly in gasoline-powered vehicles with higher horsepower.
According to reports, sales of manual models with the 1.5-liter engine were low, which made it less cost-effective for the company to keep selling them.
The 1.5-liter TSI manual options for the Slavia and Kushaq were removed back in 2024 by sister company Skoda, which made a similar decision.
The 1.0-liter Taigun or Virtus models are the options for prospective purchasers who are still interested in a manual gearbox. Even though they are usually more expensive, the automatic-only 1.5-liter models might be more attractive to people who value convenience and ease of driving in urban traffic.
Some manual 1.5-liter units may still be available in dealership stock, so consumers who are interested in this configuration may have a little window of opportunity to buy one before supplies run out.
This shift may indicate more significant changes in the coming months as Volkswagen improves its Indian model lineup. There are numerous rumours that the Taigun and Virtus will receive facelifts and improvements in 2026, maybe with new features and technologies.
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