The rarity of dual-clutch automatic transmissions in VWs has just increased.
At the opening 2025 Taos On Thursday in Orlando, Florida, Volkswagen told Motor Authority it Automatic transmission with dual clutch DSG is now dead except for some high performance vehicle applications.
The 2024 Taos compact crossover SUV was the last mainstream variant to offer the automaker's DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), and it was paired with an all-wheel drive model. Front-wheel drive models have already switched to conventional 8-speed automatic transmission with torque converter. The updated 2025 Taos ditched the dual-clutch transmission entirely, with all models now featuring an 8-speed automatic with torque converter.
“It was a test in Toas. When you have a hatchback and you want an SUV, you move from your GTI. The question was whether it would appeal to people moving from a smaller car like the GTI, and we listened to customer feedback,” VW product manager Melinda Godek told MA.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Godek said the Taos is a conqueror car that is taking market share and customers away from competitors. Those competitors do not have dual-clutch automatic transmissionsand the DSG did not live up to their driving expectations. The problem arose from the smoothness of gear shifting and transmission engagement on the move. With the DSG, there is a delay when the clutches engage when moving forward from a standstill.
“We need to meet them (customers) where they are and not expect their behavior to change,” Godek said.
The latest cars to feature VW's DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission are Jetta GLI sports sedan together with Golf GTI And Golf R hot hatchbacks.
Godek said Volkswagen sees increase in sales volume due to US-specific assembly configurations tailored to consumer preferences.
Volkswagen introduced the DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox in the 2003 Golf R32 Mk4 hot hatch, but the transmission did not go on sale USA before 2007 with Mk5 R32.