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VW'S NEW BOX OF TRICKS
Page 48
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As predicted, the Volkswagen Caddy van is now available in the UK with Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmission (CM 25 August). First seen in the Audi-FT and well proven since in numerous other VAG passenger products, the DSG is designed for hassle-free stop/start urban driving without the fuel-consumption penalty of some automatic transmissions.
The DSG, made at VAG's Kassel plant,relies on two input shafts and two wet clutches (but no clutch pedal), with the next gear always waiting to be used. It doesn't use a torque converter and can he switched to manual.
Helped by a 'Mechatronics' electronic control module, the DSG supplies fast,smooth shifts up and down the six-speed box. During an extended drive around Hanover, the new transmission exemplified the Caddy's signature characteristics of precise handling and quiet, strong engineering: in most cases selecting manual override gives no advantage.
in the UK this gearbox option will cost about £1,000.VAG hopes to sell around 250 units in the first year and predicts the DSG will eventually account for 10% of Caddy sales.
With automated gearshifts already well established in top-weight HG Vs, the company believes such driver-friendly transmissions will be the coming thing in the light commercial sector, especially given the statutory requirement of increasingly stringent emissions controls.
To that end, a 1.9-litre 104hp TDI Euro-4 compliant engine will shortly become available in the 15K.This Caddy power option will cost around E900 more than the current two-litre 75hp SDI unit.
VAG increasingly builds its vans to customer order via its 72 specialist UK van centres with a lead time of 10 to 12 weeks. Up to 75% of operators specify options such as metallic paint, alloy wheels or air-con.
This factor, along with driver comfort and reliability, is what Volkswagen says differentiates its vans from extremely cost-competitive peers such as the Multiktengined Fiat Dohlo or the latest version of the Citroen Berlingo, both of which are frequently available with discounts or cashback offers. •