Volkswagen Drops 1.5 TSI Manual Gearbox from Virtus & Taigun in India

Volkswagen India has made a significant change to its popular lineup by quietly discontinuing the 6-speed manual transmission option for the 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol variants of the Virtus sedan and Taigun midsize SUV. This move, reported on January 16, leaves the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic as the sole gearbox choice for the enthusiast-oriented 150 PS, 250 Nm engine. The decision follows a similar step by sister brand Skoda, which phased out the 1.5 TSI manual from the Slavia and Kushaq back in September 2024.

The 1.5 TSI manual was introduced to make the powerful engine more accessible and appealing to driving enthusiasts. For the Taigun, it was available from launch in 2021, while the Virtus gained the option in June 2023. Priced lower than their DSG counterparts, these variants started at around Rs 17.04 lakh for the Taigun and Rs 17.09 lakh for the Virtus (ex-showroom), offering a responsive driving experience without the premium of the automatic. With the manual gone, entry-level prices for the 1.5 TSI models now begin at Rs 18.80 lakh for the Virtus GT Plus Chrome DSG and Rs 18.95 lakh for the Taigun equivalent, with top-spec GT Plus Sport DSG variants at Rs 19 lakh and Rs 19.19 lakh respectively.

The shift is viewed as a strategic move to streamline production, improve business efficiency, and focus on higher-margin automatic transmissions, which have gained popularity in the premium compact segment. Manual options remain available only with the less powerful 115 PS 1.0-litre TSI engine on both models. This leaves the Hyundai Verna as the sole midsize sedan offering a 4-cylinder turbo-petrol with a manual gearbox, giving it an edge for buyers seeking engaging performance without an automatic.

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Volkswagen’s Virtus and Taigun continue to be key volume drivers for the brand in India, benefiting from strong safety ratings (5-star Global NCAP) and features like ventilated seats, sunroofs, and premium interiors. The discontinuation comes ahead of expected facelifts for both models in the coming months, which could introduce cosmetic updates, enhanced tech such as Level 2 ADAS, and possibly refreshed interiors to keep them competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and updated sedans.

This update reflects evolving market preferences toward automatics in urban driving conditions and the push for simplified lineups amid upcoming model refreshes. Enthusiasts may feel the loss of the manual 1.5 TSI’s fun-to-drive character, but the DSG remains a quick-shifting and capable option. Prospective buyers should check with dealerships for availability of any remaining manual stock.

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