Straight up, Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus have removed the manual gearbox alternative from their 1.5-litre rapid-petrol variations. For individuals who loved the actual thrill of performance and tools-transferring, you currently have to adjust to the automatic version. This 1.5-litre faster engine now comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, generating 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. Simply positioned, in case you need electricity and performance, automated is now mandatory.
Buyers who nevertheless want a guide gearbox can now best opt for the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This method the guide experience with the excessive-output engine is officially now not available. I do not forget a patron who have been ready two months for the Virtus 1.5 TSI guide the supplier reluctantly instructed him Sir, best the 1.0-litre manual is to be had. The scene became a piece awkward, but that is just how marketplace alternatives are shaping up.
Similar Update for Skoda Kushaq and Slavia
This step has already been implemented inside the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia. Essentially, guide gearboxes for excessive-output petrol engines are being eliminated to streamline the variant lineup and align with growing call for for automated transmissions. From my 10 years inside the enterprise, this was a predictable circulate city customers select automatics, and producers want to simplify manufacturing and compliance
But from an insider’s perspective, it’s a bit bittersweet. Manual enthusiasts who loved highway drives for the gear feel and clutch feedback now have a limited experience. A small anecdote during a test drive in Pune, I drove the Taigun 1.5 TSI manual the gear shifts and engine response were in a league of their own something you just don’t get with the automatic.
Also read : Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Review Stylish Looks, But Is It Really Worth Your Money?
Bottomline
Simply put Volkswagen’s move is logical in terms of variant simplification and aligning with buyer preferences. Customers still interested in the discontinued manual variants may find limited stock at select dealerships. However, moving forward, the thrill of the 1.5-litre turbo manual is officially gone. The 1.0-litre manual remains as the last option in the lower segment, where driving engagement and the traditional gear feel can still be enjoyed.
My personal take is that performance enthusiasts will need to compromise a bit; in the race for convenience and automatic demand, the original manual thrill has been sacrificed. And from an insider perspective, it’s clear that buyer responses and dealership feedback post-update are mixed some appreciation, but also nostalgia and a hint of disappointment.




