It’s about time that Volkswagen launched the Virtus 1.5-litre TSI with a manual gearbox. Guess what? It’s happening, and the Virtus 1.5-litre TSI engine that was only available with a 7-speed DSG in GT Plus trim will also have an option of a 6-speed manual gearbox. Of course, it’s the same gearbox offered on Volkswagen’s cousins like the Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq. Good things take time, eh?
The performance figures remain unchanged, however. Its 1.5-litre TSI engine still produces 148 bhp and 25.49 kgm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It would have been great if Volkswagen offered the manual gearbox on the lower GT trims. Also, the new ‘Lava Blue’ and ‘Deep Black Pearl’ paint shades for the special edition models will be introduced later in the year on the ‘GT Edge Limited Collection’. Anyhow, Volkswagen’s going to announce its prices by June 2023.
As for the Volkswagen Taigun, the manual gearbox will be available in the top-spec 1.5-litre TSI GT Plus trim and the DSG option on the lesser GT trims of the 1.5-litre TSI. The Taigun also gets the ‘GT Edge Limited Collection’, which brings two new colour shades — Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Matte.
Furthermore, there are two new variants — Trail Concept and Sport Concept — for the GT trim. The Trail Concept features a roof rack and black wheels. The Sport Concept, on the other hand, has chequered flag-inspired decals on the bottom half of the doors and back fender, as well as a TSI label on the rear doors. If you dig the Lava Blue paint shade on the Virtus, then Volkswagen’s offering it on the Taigun, too. As for us, we can’t wait to test the Virtus 1.5-litre TSI manual against the all-new Hyundai Verna‘s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol manual variant.
