German carmaker Volkswagen has announced the launch of a new manual variant of the Virtus sedan with the 1.5 TSI engine. This new variant is expected to be the final mechanical update for the midsize sedan in India, and it comes with a 150hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 7-speed DSG gearbox in the GT Plus trim was the only option for this manual gearbox in the past. With the introduction of the manual gearbox, the entry point to this more powerful engine has now been lowered. In this article, we will take a closer look at the new Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI MT variant.
New Variant for Volkswagen Virtus
The new manual variant of the Virtus 1.5 TSI will likely be offered with higher-spec trims only, and the price announcement is expected in June 2023. This model’s manual gearbox is the same 6-speed unit that comes with the Slavia, Kushaq, and Taigun. The Virtus was the only India 2.0 model that did not have a manual gearbox, but Volkswagen has now introduced it for the Virtus’ first anniversary in India. This new variant is expected to make the model more accessible to a wider audience and delight car enthusiasts.
Competition in the Midsize Sedan Segment
Hyundai has just released the latest Verna model, which features a turbo-petrol engine that delivers 160hp and is available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. This new offering is aimed at the top-end, performance-oriented midsize sedan segment, which was previously dominated exclusively by Volkswagen and Skoda. However, with the introduction of the new manual variant of the Virtus 1.5 TSI, Volkswagen will provide customers with another option in the performance-oriented midsize sedan segment.
Virtus 1.5 TSI MT Launch and Price
Volkswagen plans to offer the Virtus 1.5 TSI MT exclusively on the top-spec GT Plus trim, which includes several visual enhancements like black alloy wheels, GT badges, and a black-and-red color scheme for the interior. Although the price for the manual variant has not been announced yet, it is expected to be revealed in June 2023, one year after the car’s launch. Deliveries are anticipated to commence shortly after the price announcement. Currently, the Volkswagen 1.5 TSI GT Plus DSG is priced at Rs 18.57 lakh (ex-showroom), but the manual variant is expected to be significantly more affordable.
New Colors and Special Editions
To keep the Virtus lineup fresh, Volkswagen will also introduce new special editions. Volkswagen will release a limited edition collection for the 1.5 TSI, called the ‘GT Edge Limited Collection’, which will be available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The special edition models will be produced in limited volumes and feature an exclusive ‘Deep Black Pearl’ paint color. Additionally, all versions of the Volkswagen Virtus will receive a new paint shade called ‘Lava Blue’, which was previously offered on the Tiguan as well as various Skoda models, including the recent Slavia and Kushaq.
Conclusion
The launch of the new manual variant of the Virtus 1.5 TSI marks Volkswagen’s effort to make its midsize sedan more appealing to customers. With this new model, Volkswagen is providing customers with an option in the performance-oriented midsize sedan segment. Additionally, Volkswagen is introducing new special editions and colors to keep the Virtus lineup fresh. These new offerings are expected to create more interest in the Virtus, making it a more compelling option in the Indian market.
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