Skoda had discontinued 1.5 TSI from Kushaq and Slavia in Sep 2024 – Now VW has done the same with Virtus and Taigun
Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun are the primary volume generators for the brand in India. In a move that could be linked with the need to improve business efficiency, Volkswagen has discontinued the manual transmission option with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. Virtus and Taigun 1.5 TSI variants are now available with only the 7-speed DSG transmission. Let’s check out more details on these developments.
Virtus, Taigun 1.5 TSI MT variants discontinued
Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun 1.5 TSI 6-speed manual variants were preferred for their responsive driving experience. These were also available at a more accessible price point. The starting price was Rs 17.09 lakh for the Virtus 1.5 TSI manual and Rs 17.04 lakh for the Taigun. With the 6-speed MT no longer available, Virtus and Taigun 1.5 TSI variants now have only the 7-speed DSG transmission option.
For the GT Plus Chrome DCT variants of Virtus and Taigun 1.5 TSI, prices start at Rs 18.80 lakh and Rs 18.95 lakh, respectively. In the case of GT Plus Sport DCT variants of Virtus and Taigun, the prices are Rs 19 lakh and Rs 19.19 lakh, respectively. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine generates 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The output numbers are the same for both the manual and DCT variants.
Volkswagen’s decision to discontinue the manual option with the 1.5 TSI engine follows a similar move by Skoda for the Slavia and Kushaq in September 2024. As mentioned earlier, the decision could be linked to improving the efficiency of the Virtus and Taigun lineup. The manual variants could be catering to a niche segment of users, resulting in limited sales potential.
Buyers who want a manual option with the Virtus or Taigun can still get it with the 1.0-litre TSI variants. This engine continues to be available with transmission options of a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. Output is 115 PS and 178 Nm. Virtus and Taigun 1.0-litre TSI variants are available at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh and Rs 10.58 lakh, respectively.
1.5 TSI Virtus, Taigun – Competition check
Volkswagen Virtus is currently the top selling sedan in its class. It is ahead of rivals like Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and Honda City. With the manual option discontinued with the Virtus 1.5 TSI variant, Hyundai Verna remains the only sedan in this segment to offer a 6-speed manual option with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. This engine generates 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque. Verna is also available with a 7-speed DCT transmission.
Coming to Taigun, there are many rivals in the 4.2m – 4.4m SUV segment. Leading the pack is Hyundai Creta, which has a 7-DCT transmission option with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. Maruti Victoris, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder do not have any turbo petrol engine option. Kia Seltos 1.5-litre turbo petrol variants have transmission options of 6iMT and 7DCT.
As is evident from the above, Taigun 1.5 TSI is unlikely to see any major impact with the discontinuation of the manual transmission option. Moreover, both Virtus and Taigun are expected to receive their facelifts in coming months. One can expect cosmetic touch-ups and new features such as Level 2 ADAS.
