VW’s GT Range, The Taigun And Virtus, To Get New Variants In June 2023

• Volkswagen showcases new GT variants of Taigun and Virtus. 
• Taigun to get entry-level GT DSG and top-end GT Plus manual variants.
• Two concepts of the SUV were on display: Sport and Trail Edition. 
• Virtus GT Plus to get a manual option, earlier only a DSG was offered.
• Both models get Skoda’s Lava Blue colour.
• The Taigun GT Plus will be offered in a Matte Grey shade.
• Deep Black Pearl to be offered as a limited edition model with both cars.
• In addition, the Taigun will also get a Carbon Steel Matt colour as a limited run.
• These new variants are set to hit the showrooms in June 2023.

Today, Volkswagen India was having its Annual Press Conference, where it revealed more powertrain options for its GT range - the Virtus and Taigun. Until now, the 1.5-litre TSI powertrain spread for both the models is a bit incomplete. For instance, in the Taigun, the manual ‘box is limited to the base GT while the DSG is limited to the top-spec GT Plus. And in the Virtus,  the 1.5-litre TSI DSG powertrain comes in a single GT Plus trim only with no manual ‘box on offer. 

VW will soon be fixing that as the carmaker has announced new variants for the GT range set to go on sale in June. Also, both these cars, manufactured from April 01 onwards, will be having seatbelt reminders as standard on all seats. So without further ado, let’s get cracking:

Taigun - GT Range Now Gets More Choice

At the event, Volkswagen showcased the Taigun 1.5-litre TSI DSG in its entry-level GT trim, while the manual ‘box will get the top-spec GT Plus trim. Both the new variants will be introduced shortly and even better, will offer buyers more choice in the GT range. 

That’s not it. Volkswagen also showcased new colour options – Carbon Steel Matt and Deep Black – with the Taigun, both of which will be sold in limited numbers. And for those looking for an added bit of elegance, Skoda’s Lava Blue colour will be part of the lineup as well. 

There were also two concepts on display as potential additions to the ‘GT Limited Collection’ that offer cosmetic differentiators. One is the Taigun Trail Edition Concept, which gets roof racks and blacked out alloys. The other  is the Sport concept, which is finished in red and gets body decals with red inserts. 

Virtus GT Plus - Fancy Shifting Manual?

The Virtus GT is one of the fun to drive sedans you can buy in its segment. And its 1.5-litre TSI engine with the DSG ‘box makes it a hoot to drive. However, this engine didn’t get a manual option that would have made the drive experience more involving. Volkswagen will soon fix that as it showcased the Virtus GT with a manual transmission. 

Not only that, the sedan was showcased in new Deep Black and Lava Blue colours, both of which look badass. The former, though, will be a limited run model. 

When Are All These Models Being Launched? 

VW will be introducing these new variants in June 2023. For now, the Taigun GT costs between Rs 16.26 lakh and Rs 19.06 lakh, while the Virtus GT Plus sets you back by Rs 18.57 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). 

In the case of Taigun, we don’t expect any changes to its starting price as the GT DSG, when launched, will command a premium over the GT manual. On the other hand, the Virtus’ GT range could see a price drop and would make the 1.5-litre TSI engine more accessible. 

All of this is being done to keep the Taigun and Virtus more relevant with raising competition. The SUV locks horns with models such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Kia Seltos, while the sedan fights it out with the Honda City, Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Verna.