Volkswagen India has quietly removed the manual gearbox option from the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol versions of the Virtus sedan and Taigun SUV.
Earlier, both models were available with a 6-speed manual paired with the 1.5 TSI engine, which produced 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. This setup was popular among driving enthusiasts because it offered strong performance, a more engaging driving feel, and a lower price compared to the automatic.
The manual variants were priced around ₹17.04 lakh for the Taigun and ₹17.09 lakh for the Virtus. Now, customers can only buy these 1.5 TSI models with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
This update also brings the Volkswagen lineup in line with Skoda, as the Kushaq and Slavia had already discontinued their 1.5 TSI manual versions in September 2024. The decision appears to be part of a plan to simplify sales and production processes, especially since more buyers in India now prefer automatics for higher-powered petrol cars.
Although Volkswagen has not officially explained the reason, some dealerships may still have remaining stock of the manual variants for buyers who want to pick one up before they completely disappear.
After the update, the prices for the GT Plus Chrome DSG variants now start at ₹18.80 lakh for the Virtus and ₹18.95 lakh for the Taigun. The sportier GT Plus Sport DSG trims are priced higher at ₹19 lakh for the Virtus and ₹19.19 lakh for the Taigun. Customers who still want a manual gearbox can choose the smaller 1.0-litre TSI engine, which produces 115 hp and 178 Nm.
This engine continues to be offered with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. These lower-end versions start at ₹10.49 lakh for the Virtus and ₹10.58 lakh for the Taigun, keeping the models more affordable for budget-focused buyers.
In the mid-size sedan market, the Virtus continues to lead sales over rivals like the Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City. With the removal of the 1.5 TSI manual, the Hyundai Verna becomes the only car in this segment still offering a manual with a turbo-petrol engine, and it delivers 160 hp and 253 Nm.
In the 4.2–4.4 metre SUV segment where the Taigun competes, the impact is expected to be smaller, because most rivals do not prioritise manual turbo-petrol options. The Hyundai Creta offers its 1.5 turbo only with a DCT, the Kia Seltos provides iMT or DCT options, and models like the Maruti Grand Vitara do not have turbo-petrol engines at all.
Both the Virtus and Taigun are expected to receive facelift updates in the coming months, which may include refreshed styling and new features like Level 2 ADAS for improved safety and convenience.
By removing the manual variant from the 1.5 TSI lineup, Volkswagen may be preparing for these updates while focusing on options that most customers prefer. Driving enthusiasts who enjoyed the manual version may miss it, but the DSG automatic keeps the strong performance and continues to be an important part of Volkswagen’s strategy in India.