Volkswagen has updated the powertrain options for its Virtus and Taigun in India, discontinuing the six-speed manual gearbox for models powered by the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. With this revision, the higher-capacity TSI motor is now available only with an automatic transmission across both models in the Indian market.
Volkswagen India has quietly made an important update to its product lineup by discontinuing the six-speed manual transmission option for the 1.5-litre turbo petrol variants of the Virtus and Taigun. With this change, customers can no longer buy these models with a manual gearbox when paired with the more powerful 1.5L TSI engine in the Indian market.
Until recently, select trims of both the Virtus sedan and Taigun SUV were available with a six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving enthusiasts who preferred full control behind the wheel. However, Volkswagen has now removed this option from its official website and dealer listings. Going forward, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor will be offered exclusively with an automatic gearbox.
For buyers who still prefer a manual transmission, the only option now is the smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This unit produces 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque and continues to be available with both six-speed manual and automatic transmission choices. While it may not match the outright performance of the larger engine, it remains a practical and efficient option for everyday use.
Importantly, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine itself remains mechanically unchanged. It continues to deliver 150 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque, making it the most powerful petrol engine in Volkswagen and Skoda’s locally manufactured lineup. This engine has always been positioned as a more premium and enthusiast-oriented offering, and pairing it only with an automatic gearbox further reinforces that positioning.
The decision also reflects a broader shift in buyer preferences across India. Automatic transmissions have been gaining rapid acceptance, especially in higher-output petrol cars, where customers increasingly prioritise driving convenience without compromising on performance. By limiting the 1.5L engine to automatic variants, Volkswagen is also able to clearly differentiate between its two petrol powertrains in terms of both performance and target audience.
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It is worth noting that the Virtus continues to perform strongly in the market and is currently among the best-selling midsize sedans in India. The Taigun, too, remains a key player in the compact SUV segment. Given that the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq share the same MQB A0 IN platform and engine options, there is speculation that Skoda may also discontinue the six-speed manual gearbox for its 1.5L turbo petrol models in the future. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from Skoda.
Meanwhile, Skoda is preparing to introduce the facelifted Kushaq, as indicated by recent teasers. The update is expected to bring cosmetic changes and interior improvements. Volkswagen is also likely to roll out similar updates for the Taigun in the near future. Additionally, Volkswagen plans to expand its India portfolio with the introduction of the premium seven-seater Tayron SUV via the CKD route. Based on the global Tiguan, the upcoming model will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine.
Overall, the removal of the manual gearbox from the 1.5L variants marks a strategic shift for Volkswagen in India, aligning its offerings with changing market trends while streamlining its powertrain lineup.
FAQs: Volkswagen Virtus & Taigun 1.5L Manual Discontinued in India
Q1. Has Volkswagen discontinued the 1.5L manual variants of Virtus and Taigun in India?
Yes, Volkswagen has discontinued the six-speed manual gearbox option for the 1.5-litre turbo petrol variants of both the Virtus and Taigun in the Indian market.
Q2. Is the 1.5L turbo petrol engine still available in Virtus and Taigun?
Yes, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is still on sale. However, it is now offered only with an automatic transmission and no longer comes with a manual gearbox option.
Q3. Which transmission is now available with the 1.5L TSI engine?
The 1.5L TSI engine is currently available exclusively with an automatic transmission across both the Virtus and Taigun lineups.
Q4. Can buyers still choose a manual gearbox in Virtus or Taigun?
Yes, buyers who prefer a manual gearbox can opt for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which continues to be available with a six-speed manual as well as an automatic option.
Q5. What are the power and torque figures of the 1.0L turbo petrol engine?
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque, making it suitable for daily city and highway driving.
Q6. Has anything changed mechanically in the 1.5L turbo petrol engine?
No, there are no mechanical changes to the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It continues to produce 150 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque.
Q7. Why did Volkswagen remove the manual option for the 1.5L engine?
The decision aligns with the growing demand for automatic transmissions in India, especially among buyers of higher-performance petrol cars who prioritise comfort and convenience.
Q8. Will Skoda also discontinue the 1.5L manual variants of Slavia and Kushaq?
Since the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq share the same platform and engines, a similar move is possible. However, Skoda has not made any official announcement regarding this yet.
Q9. Is the Volkswagen Virtus still selling well in India?
Yes, the Volkswagen Virtus continues to perform strongly in the market and remains one of the best-selling cars in the midsize sedan segment in India.
Q10. Are there any upcoming Volkswagen launches in India?
Yes, Volkswagen is expected to introduce the premium seven-seater Tayron SUV in India via the CKD route. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine.
