Volkswagen India Quietly Removes Manual Transmission Option
Volkswagen India has made a significant change to its popular models. The company has silently discontinued the manual transmission option from the 1.5-litre engine variants of both the Virtus sedan and the Taigun SUV.
What This Means for Buyers
Earlier, customers had a clear choice. They could select either a manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission with the larger 1.5 TSI engine. Now, that choice has vanished for this engine size.
With the manual option officially dropped, the automatic transmission stands as the only available choice for the 1.5-litre variants. This move simplifies the lineup but limits options for driving enthusiasts.
The Alternative for Manual Lovers
Buyers who still prefer the control of a manual transmission are not completely out of luck. They will need to look at the smaller 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This engine remains the only variant in Volkswagen's current Indian lineup to offer a manual gearbox.
The 1.0-litre engine also provides an option for a 6-speed torque converter automatic. So, customers have flexibility, but only with the smaller powerplant.
Engine Specifications at a Glance
Let's break down the power figures:
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol: This engine delivers a robust 150 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of torque.
- 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder: The smaller unit produces 117 horsepower and 178 Newton-meters of torque.
The performance gap is noticeable, which makes the loss of the manual option on the more powerful engine a point of discussion.
A Look Back and Industry Context
The 1.5 TSI paired with a manual gearbox had been a part of the Taigun SUV's range since its launch. For the Virtus sedan, this combination was introduced later, around 2023.
This decision by Volkswagen is not happening in isolation. In September 2024, Skoda, which shares platforms and engines with Volkswagen, similarly phased out the manual transmission option for the 1.5-litre engine variants of its Slavia sedan and Kushaq SUV.
Reasons Behind the Move
Volkswagen has discontinued these manual gearbox options quietly. The company has not released an official statement explaining the decision. However, industry observers point to two likely reasons.
First, this move helps simplify the variant range for the manufacturer. Fewer combinations mean less complexity in production and inventory. Second, it reflects a clear shift in customer demand. Automatic gearboxes are becoming increasingly popular, especially in higher-powered petrol models.
Last Chance for Enthusiasts
For those customers who are passionate about driving a manual transmission with the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine, there might still be a small window of opportunity. Limited stock of these discontinued variants could still be available at select dealerships for a short time.
It is a chance, though not a guarantee. Buyers would need to act quickly and check with their local Volkswagen showrooms.
This strategic shift by Volkswagen India highlights the ongoing trend towards automatic transmissions in the market. It prioritizes convenience and aligns with broader consumer preferences, even as it phases out an option cherished by driving purists.
