Volkswagen Virtus, Taigun Manual Gearbox Axed With This Engine Option

Volkswagen India has quietly revised the powertrain lineup of its two most important models, the Virtus sedan and the Taigun SUV. The German automaker has discontinued the six-speed manual transmission option with the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine on both models. As a result, buyers opting for the 1.5 TSI motor will now have to choose the seven-speed DSG automatic as the only transmission option. The move mirrors a similar decision taken earlier by Skoda for the Slavia and Kushaq, signalling a clear shift in strategy within the Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 portfolio. Read on to find out more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.

Also Read- 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Variant-Wise Features Explained

Volksawagen Virtus, Taigun 1.5 TSI Manual Variants Officially Phased Out

Until recently, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine was offered with a six-speed manual gearbox in select trims of the Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts who wanted strong performance at a relatively accessible price point. The Virtus 1.5 TSI manual was earlier priced from Rs 17.09 lakh, while the Taigun 1.5 TSI manual started at Rs 17.04 lakh (ex-showroom). With the manual option now removed, these variants have been delisted from Volkswagen's official website and dealer systems.

Going forward, the 1.5-litre TSI engine will be available exclusively with the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. This powertrain continues to produce 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, delivering strong acceleration and highway performance. Prices for the Virtus GT Plus Chrome DSG now begin at Rs 18.80 lakh, while the Taigun GT Plus Chrome DSG starts at Rs 18.95 lakh. Sportier GT Plus Sport DSG variants are priced at Rs 19 lakh for the Virtus and Rs 19.19 lakh for the Taigun (ex-showroom).

Also Read- Jetour T2 Set For India Debut As JSW Partners With Chery

Manual Gearbox Still Available With 1.0 TSI

Buyers who prefer a manual transmission can still opt for the smaller 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This motor, producing 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque, continues to be offered with both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Virtus 1.0 TSI range now starts at Rs 10.49 lakh, while the Taigun 1.0 TSI is priced from Rs 10.58 lakh (ex-showroom), keeping entry-level manual options intact.

Manual transmissions paired with higher-output petrol engines tend to attract lower demand, especially as urban buyers increasingly favour automatics, which could be, and also be a reasonable factor behind this move. Skoda's earlier discontinuation of the same configuration on the Slavia and Kushaq further reinforces this group-wide strategy.