auto news desk, To cater to the demanding driving enthusiasts across India, Volkswagen has introduced a manual gearbox equipped variant of its midsize sedan Virtus. Volkswagen unveiled the Virtus 1.5 GT TSI equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission at its 2023 annual brand conclave in Kochi, which is one of the 6 models of the sedan and Tigun SUV to be showcased at the conclave. All six models on display are classified under VW’s new ‘GT Edge’ collection, which is a premium expansion of the GT model line and also adds two variants to the Taigun family apart from the manual-equipped Virtus 1.5 TSI. The new variant will be gradually introduced from June 2023.
Till now the Tigun 1.5 TSI GT was available only in GT manual and top-end GT+ DSG (automatic) trims. Now VW has added the GT Plus manual to the line-up, which would mean that those looking to buy the manual Tiguan GT TSI will miss out on any features with the launch of the costliest GT Plus MT. The Tigun GT line-up also includes the GT DSG, which will come with some features from the GT Plus (priced at Rs 19.06 lakh) in exchange for a lower price tag. Additionally, Volkswagen will add two new color options for the GT Edge model – Virtus and Tigun. An attractive ‘Deep Pearl Black’ for the GT Plus, and a ‘Carbon Steel Matte’ exclusively for the Tigun GT Plus. These variants will cost between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 more than the standard variant.
Volkswagen also shows two ‘limited-edition’ concepts based on the Tigun. The first of these is the Sport, which is based on the Tigun GT DSG and features decals, different seat covers and ‘TSI Power’ badges on the tailgate. The other is the Tigun Trail, which gets blacked-out exterior elements (including wheels and ORVM casings), bar mounted on the roof rails and new seat covers. Volkswagen says these have only been displayed to gauge customer interest and have not been given the go-ahead for manufacturing at this time.
There is no information on whether Volkswagen is looking to add these to its line-up for India, which includes three main models this year. Despite curiously showcasing the ID.4 GTX battery-electric crossover on the eve of the conference, there was no mention of the company’s plans to introduce electric vehicles. However, Volkswagen India brand director Ashish Gupta said the carmaker will expand its sales network to 182 touchpoints and its sales outlets to 140 touchpoints across 130 cities by the end of 2023.