Volkswagen has launched updated direct shift gearbox (DSG) twin-clutch technology, adding an extra speed and swapping units immersed in oil for a new pair of dry clutches.
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The more efficient, more compact design arrives in showrooms next month.
VW said the switch to dry clutches saves considerable weight and improves the efficiency of the system while making the new gearbox more compact.
Available in addition to, rather than replacing, the existing six-speed unit, the new seven-speeder is designed to operate under moderate power and torque loadings. It will be launched with a new 122ps 1.4-litre petrol TSI engine and will subaequently be offered with the 1.9-litre Tdi turbodiesel with particulate filter.
In the Golf hatchback, compared with the six-speed manual transmission, the new seven-speed DSG auto brings a 10g/km CO2 saving (down from 149g/km to 139) and a fuel economy improvement of over 3mpg (combined 44.8 mpg for manual and 47.9 for seven-speed DSG).
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By GlobalDataCompared with the six-speed DSG, the new unit’s lower gears are more closely spaced, giving improved in-gear acceleration to aid overtaking while the higher gears are lengthened to reduce load on the engine and maximise economy.
As with the six-speeder, of which over a million have been produced since launch (it is also offered by other VW group brands Audi, Skoda and Seat), the new seven-speed system features a hill-hold function to aid starts when the vehicle is on an incline.
