Volkswagen updated the Virtus with more features and more importantly, a manual gearbox with the 1.5 TSI. It is a 6-speed manual gearbox and comes with the 150 bhp/250Nm powertrain
While worsening traffic has meant that many new car owners are more interested in automatic cars, there is a sizable portion of enthusiasts who want a manual. The manual gearbox adds a layer of driving enjoyment and makes sense for cars like the Virtus that you see here.
Hence, while Volkswagen offered a manual with the 1.0 TSI, the more powerful 1.5 TSI came with an automatic only. That said, recently Volkswagen updated the Virtus with more features and more importantly, a manual gearbox with the 1.5 TSI. It is a 6-speed manual gearbox and comes with the 150 bhp/250Nm powertrain while we thought it was a perfect excuse to drive the new Virtus again.
Honestly, I was expecting a heavy clutch but was surprised that it is not so. The gearbox is light and slots nicely with a slick shift action. If anything, the gear lever is a bit bulky. At low speeds, there is enough torque which means you would not be downshifting all the time and it is reasonably relaxing to drive it in traffic along with a not so snappy clutch bite too. The engine on the other hand complements this gearbox well.
It is fun to extract the maximum amount of power with this engine where the power delivery is linear but still has the turbo punch which you expect with a gradual rush while not tapering off too. It feels quick on one hand while it is also a relaxing highway cruiser on the other. That said, the manual is slightly less efficient than the automatic but the manual is indeed more fun even if the automatic is more convenient.
Other bits remain the same including that near SUV like ground clearance which is handy for our roads while it also handles quite well with excellent body control despite some roll creeping in. Volkswagen has also updated the features list and now the Virtus gets dual powered seats which is something unique for its class.
Overall, the manual will expand the appeal of the 1.5 TSI even more now due to its fun factor and how well it gels with the 1.5 TSI. If your commute isn't long and you crave for a manual, then this is a tempting package.
