For some time we have been announcing the end of manual transmission. We do not do it for fun, since it is the transmission that still excites us the most and that keeps us most connected to the vehicle. However, manufacturers have stopped betting on this technology. Electrification is largely to blame, and that there are options to make manual electric. In any case, fewer and fewer will offer it, until it reaches the level that even the Volkswagen Golf will be automatic only.
It seems that it will be starting next year 2024, when a mid-business cycle update of the compact that is already in its eighth generation is presented. In this particular case, the reason for eliminating the manual gearbox from its range and keeping only the automatic option would be the Euro 7 emission standards, if it finally comes into force. And in case at this point there were doubts: yes, it will also affect the sports versions. The Golf R has long been sold with the DSG change only, while the Golf GTI will follow in its footsteps soon.
Some time ago it went through our test section and we already complained that said unit had the automatic transmission and not the manual, which suited it more and made it a little more affordable. With the next update there will be no such option and a percentage of the essence will be lost of that iconic model. The news was confirmed in an interview by Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s head of technical development. He was referring to emissions, although the truth is that the current manual GTI emits 162 g / km of CO2 and the automatic 160 g / km, an insignificant difference.
In any case, it could mean the end of the Volkswagen GTI with a manual gearbox after almost half a century, because this is how it was born in 1975 and how it has been maintained over the years. This transmission will not be available either with the access engines 1.0 TSI or with the 1.5 TSI. Not even with the 2.0 TDI diesel if they decide to keep it. Currently the Mild Hybrid versions They only offer the automatic change and it seems that in the future they are the ones that will be maintained. This will also mean an increase in the base price in the long run, which has always corresponded to those versions.
It is still too early to know if this movement affects the rest of the rangeWell, there are models with a similar configuration such as the Polo, T-Cross, Taigo or T-Roc. The next Tiguan, which is about to be presented, may serve as a guide in this section.
Source: Coach
