Volkswagen Caddy Now Available With Revolutionary DSG Transmission

Volkswagen has announced the availability of the revolutionary DSG gearbox on the Volkswagen Caddy. This is the first time this technology has been seen in the commercial vehicle sector.

The semi-automatic DSG gearbox provides the best of both automatic and manual worlds with a super-quick and smooth gear change providing an economical or sporty drive, depending on the driver’s preference.

The DSG transmission operates with two automatic clutches - while one clutch is engaged, the second is poised, ready to accept the drive for the next gear. This unique twin-clutch design means gear-changes are completed in under four hundredths of a second - in the blink of an eye. The driver can leave the transmission in ‘drive’ mode (similar to most automatic transmissions) or can elect to change gear manually, via the gear lever, pushing forwards to change up and pulling back to change down.

The clutches are wet clutches running in oil and using friction material similar to those found in a standard automatic transmission. Automated operation means they cannot be abused by the driver and are designed to last the life of the vehicle.

Using DSG technology, drivers can arrive at their destination less tired and more alert thanks to the absence of a manual clutch. Independent research has revealed some startling statistics around driving in central urban areas:

• Whilst driving through a busy city, 19 minutes of every hour is spent with the clutch depressed
• The clutch pedal is pushed 222 times in the average hour
• 150 gear changes are made in an average hour

This research was carried out over a 5 hour period, between the hours of 11:00 and 16:00 in central London. However, it is likely that these figures are replicated within town centres all over the UK.

DSG technology has been seen in more sporty versions of Volkswagen passenger cars including the multi-award winning Golf GTI and now the quickest and most powerful Golf ever, the new R32. This is the world’s first commercial vehicle application of the DSG transmission, offering van operators the flexibility and options they need to choose the right tools for their trade and environment. Combining economy and a significant reduction in the driver’s workload, the DSG transmission and its multiple functions are ideally suited to use in the Caddy.

This new transmission is available with the Caddy 1.9 TDI PD, which produces 104 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque. The price of a Caddy DSG is £11,690 ex. VAT (£14,378 on-the-road) and is available from Volkswagen Van Centres nationwide.