Manual or automatic transmission?
As many people as there are opinions. Since the appearance on the roads of the world’s first cars, drivers and auto-developers do not cease to argue about the pros and cons of certain design features of their iron horses. They argue about everything. For example, what is more practical: models with two or four doors, petrol or diesel engine, right or left hand drive.
The motorists have not disregarded one of the most important units of the car – a gearbox. Which one is better, manual or automatic?
Let’s dwell in details on the last question.
For information: the car transmission is designed to change the speed and torque in a wider range than the internal combustion engine can provide. According to the method of control, gearboxes are divided into mechanical and automatic.
Most vehicles manufactured on the domestic market are equipped with a manual speed-shift transmission (MST). Usually there are four or five forward gears, not counting the reverse gear.
The way a manual gearbox works is that in its housing there is a set of gears, which are connected together in certain combinations and thus form several gears with different gear ratios. Special synchronizers equalize the speed of rotation of the gears when they are connected, while reducing their wear. The driver of the car, previously disengaged the clutch, using a special lever manually connects the gears in the desired combination.
Lately, more and more leading manufacturers are producing cars with automatic transmissions (automatic transmissions) installed on them. The main difference between them and manual ones is that certain design features allow for automatic gear shifting depending on engine speed.
Let’s consider the strengths and weaknesses of both boxes.
The disadvantages of the manual transmission include the fact that the driver constantly needs to perform a number of physical actions, such as squeezing the clutch and manipulating the gearshift knob. This is especially tiring when driving in a metropolitan area with a huge number of intersections, perpetual traffic jams and constant changes of car start and brake cycles.
Another disadvantage of manual gearboxes is that to shift them, the driver needs to have a number of skills, which are developed only by frequent repetition, and this will take some time.
The positive side of the manual transmission is its comparative simplicity and reliability. We know from reliability theory that the simpler the system, the less likely it is to fail. From reliability comes another advantage of the manual transmission – economy. It is clear that the less we have to service, the more money we save. In addition, the manual transmission is cheaper to repair. The simplicity of its design allows the skillful motorist to troubleshoot it right in the garage.
In the case of a breakdown of an automatic transmission, you can’t do without an auto service, and most likely you will have to buy a new mechanism. Yes, and its very cost is much higher than the mechanical one.
Now let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of automatic gearboxes.
A car equipped with an automatic consumes as much fuel as laid down by the program. The driver of a car with a manual gearbox can, with the appropriate skills, adjust the fuel economy.
As we have already said, the automatic transmission is structurally more complex and therefore more likely to break down. Although the latest developments of auto mechanics engineers are steadily increasing the reliability of automatic transmissions.
Another disadvantage is that automatic transmission is very sensitive to bumps on rough roads.
But it is not all so gloomy. The undoubted advantage of automatic transmission is the comfort when operating the vehicle, especially for beginner drivers. The absence of clutch elements is also an important detail. And in the conditions of driving in a big city, frequent stops at traffic lights and long standing in traffic jams, a car with an automatic gearbox is simply indispensable. Engineers have developed an algorithm for shifting speeds to make your drive through the metropolis as comfortable as possible.
Let’s see what kind of gearboxes are installed in the new Volkswagen Tiguan 2 generation
The Tiguan is one of Volkswagen’s most popular models at the secondary market. It ranks third in its family after the Polo and Passat, according to the number of inspections through avtocod.ru. Over the past three months, the Wolfsburg Parkett has been checked 17,354 times.
The “Tiguan” of the first generation is in the greatest demand among buyers: both restyled and updated. Now at the secondary market about three thousand cars are available. The restyled versions are sold for an average of 627 thousand rubles, after a restyling – 821 thousand rubles.
Which Tiguan to choose? To save or to overpay? What operating peculiarities should you be prepared for? Answers to these and other questions are found in the review.
Tiguan: automatic or robot
It is not difficult to guess that the disputes about whether DSG box or automatic and which is better have been going on since the appearance of the first generation of this crossover on the market. Then the manufacturer reinsured and considered active demand for traditional automatics.
As for the used cars market, on the secondary market the versions with a classical automatic are traditionally in great demand and cost more than analogues with DSG. The main reason is the known reliability and serviceability of automatic transmission compared to DSG.
We also recommend you to read the article about why DSG gearbox is bad, its disadvantages, etc. From this article you will learn about the main disadvantages and weaknesses of DSG boxes, breakdowns and repair of this type of transmission.
Even taking into account the fact that a hydromechanical automatic requires more oil during maintenance, consumes more fuel, shifts gears slower, there are losses in the GDT and there is a decrease in the efficiency, this box in fact proves to be more reliable than the robotized DSG.
Naturally, for a car with mileage it is a decisive factor when choosing, and not only in the case of Tiguan, but also different models of other manufacturers. Moreover, the automatic transmission often turns out to be more preferable on the “secondary” market and in comparison with a CVT variator.
Which Tiguan has more engines and transmissions
The pre-styling Volkswagen Tiguan could not boast of a variety of engines. The range of power units included petrol turbo engines 1.4 liter with 150 hp, 2.0 liter with 170 hp, as well as a two-liter supercharged “diesel” with 140 hp. After the update, the 1.4-liter “gasoline” received an additional 122 horsepower version, and the two-liter – 180, 200 and 210 “horses.”
After restyling the range of transmissions also expanded. Tiguans were offered with six-speed manual and automatic up to 2011. After the upgrade, a DSG robotized gearbox appeared.
Among the most frequent “engine” complaints we will note the following:
- 1.4 TSI: piston burnout and ring pitting (repair – from 20 thousand rubles), oil consumption, timing chain stretching;
- 2.0 TSI: choke blockages (cleaning – from 2 thousand rubles), rubbing and stretching of the timing chain, oily;
- 2.0 TDI: timing belt ruptures (from 15 thousand rubles), fuel injectors failures (from 10 thousand rubles).
As for transmissions, the most trouble is caused by the robot, which often overheats in traffic jams and off-road. If the clutch fails, one will have to pay not less than 15 thousand rubles, and if the mechatronic is dead, prepare at least 25 thousand rubles.
The modification with two-liter petrol engine and classical torque converter is considered optimum. Restyling crossover is better to take with a motor for 180 “horses”. It accelerates to the first hundred in 9,6 seconds, consuming in the mixed cycle about 9 liters of 95th.
Pre-restyled “Tiguan” with a gasoline engine of the same volume gets up to first 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and consumes an average of 10 liters of fuel.
Also read: Do you want glamour or dirt? Looking for differences between the Volkswagen Touareg I and II generation
Transmission
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Are there any differences in the driving characteristics
When developing the restyled Tiguan, the Wolfsburg guys didn’t change the design of the running gear. Both cars have McPherson-type suspension in front and multilever behind. The owners of crossovers don’t complain about handling: the car confidently holds on at high speeds, in corners it doesn’t roll and doesn’t lurch.
The first “Tiguan” has impressive ground clearance of 200 mm. By the way, not all “cross-country vehicles” can flaunt such clearance. However, the crossover is not calculated for off-road adventures, even if to speak about the “field” complete set Track&Field with shortened forward overhang, high profile tires and a special driving mode. The traction from idle rpm, necessary for conquering the rugged terrain, is acutely lacking.
Tiguan is the car for a city. It has moderate dimensions (length – 4 426 mm), small turning radius and many auxiliary systems. Even beginners will not experience problems with parking in tight metropolitan areas.
Also read: What is good in Renault Duster, and what is bad about it?
Which Tiguan is richer inside
Seven-seat version appeared in the Volkswagen Tiguan only in the second generation – the first generation is equipped with five seats. The driver and passengers feel comfortable even on long trips. Fortunately, the front seats and steering wheel have a sufficient number of adjustments.
The trunk can seem a bit small – only 470 liters with lifted backs of a back sofa. However, if you lower them (they are folded in proportion 40/20/40), the volume can be increased up to 1,510 liters. If you fold a front passenger seat in addition, you can safely load interior doors in the car.
Top configuration of prestyled crossover will please with climate system, four airbags, and heated front seats. Such options as cruise control, bi-xenon headlights and leather interior trim are offered at extra charge.
The updated “Tiguan” in the most expensive version has two times more airbags, an assistant when starting uphill or downhill, rear Parktronic, dual-zone climate control, cooled glove box, driver fatigue monitoring, light tinting of windows and a lot of other “frills.
Also read: underestimated car with one huge shoal: a review of Peugeot 3008 of the first generation.
Main problems of DSG7 – video
Weak points of the mechatronic system
The weakest places are the mechatronic and the clutch.
DSG 7 – disadvantages
There are motorists who are not satisfied with the work of this transmission 100%. What could they not like, and what are the problems with it?
Is the DSG7 box that good?
– The appearance of the dsg jerks and vibrations when shifting gears. This flaw is caused by the dsg clutch starting to wear out. The result is the same effect, if in a car with a manual transmission you do not press the clutch pedal when shifting gears. In short, the vibration spreads all over the body depending on the condition of the clutch, and progresses to complete transmission failure.
– Foreign noises under the hood. Predominantly metal parts when driving over speed bumps.
– Decrease of traction, when the car accelerates. This problem is known to the developers and they promise to eliminate it soon.
Weaknesses of the Volkswagen Tiguan
In general, the Tiguan is a reliable car, but it is not devoid of “sore spots”. Often the owners of the first-generation crossovers complain about power steering breakdowns, caused by the burnout of the wiring to the steering rack (repair – from 10 thousand rubles).
Another widespread complaint is low service life of rear silentblocks of front arms (from 1.500 rubles) and rocker bearings (from 2.000 rubles). These suspension components “give up” after 40,000 km of mileage.
Before the upgrade, Tiguans were equipped with Haldex 4, which overheated at the slightest wheel slippage and broke down (repair – from 20 thousand rubles). In 2012, the crossover received a “fifth” Haldex, and the problem was solved.
The first restyled cars (production years 2012-2014) had malfunctioning brakes: the pedal sometimes became tight and uncontrollable, and the ABS system “slept through” slippery road sections. It turned out that the cause was in the ABS unit software. Dealers updated it free of charge within recall campaign.
Also read: Noticeably Changed: Is it Worth Buying a Subaru Forester III Today
Electrics
Battery, Terminal, Alternator, Alternator belt, Alternator belt tensioner, Alternator brushes, Alternator diode bridge, Alternator belt roller, Overrunning clutch, Alternator belt kit, Alternator pulley, Alternator clutch, Alternator bearing, Starter, Bendix, Retractor relay, Starter brushes, Starter bearing, Control box, Comfort box, Fuse box, Handle switch, Tempomat, Sensors, Oil pressure sensor, Injector sensor, Injector sensor, Oil level sensor, Air pressure sensor, Engine temperature sensor, Camshaft sensor, Air temperature sensor, Signal sensor, Park sensor, Crankshaft sensor, Fan sensor, Tire pressure sensor, Fuel pressure sensor, Detonation sensor, DMRV sensor, Rain sensor, Hall sensor, Idle sensor, Relay, Turn signal relay, Wiper relay, Buttons, Audible alarm, Antenna, Wiring harness
What kind of problems “Volkswagen Tiguan” sells on the secondary market
Looking for a Tiguan, keep in mind that the real price of the Parktun differs greatly from the average, so it is offensive to take a pig in a poke. To be sure in technical and legal cleanliness of the car, check its history before buying.
For example, a restyled 2013 Tiguan was in the hands of one owner for all seven years. The owner gives away his car for 1.15 million rubles.
We run the car through avtocod.ru and find out that it is broken.
The left rear side was damaged in the accident.
The extent of damage is unknown, but the repair cost more than 101 thousand rubles.
The report showed that the car was previously in pledge.
In December of last year, the car was taken out of the pledge, but the restrictions of the State Traffic Police remained.
At the moment there are two of them, and if the accident was not serious and the seller will remove the restrictions from the traffic police, you can take the car. If not, pass by and look for another option.
Also read: Solid disappointment: why you should not take a BMW X5 II
Which Volkswagen Tiguan to choose: before or after restyling
The updated Tiguan of the first generation differs from its predecessor not only externally. The restyled version has more motors, transmissions, options and fewer problems. It makes sense to stop on it. At least, at least because the pre-reformed Tiguan is already 8-12 years old.
“Volkswagen Tiguan” will perfectly suit those who live mainly in the city, but sometimes move out of the good asphalt. The car will perfectly cope with the role of a family car, given its roominess and relative efficiency. But it does not mean at all, that it is deprived of ambitions and fanciness. Senior modifications with “vigorous” motors are capable to present the driver unforgettable emotions. So, young and active drivers can have a look at them.
Author: Kristina Izvekova
Which Tiguan would you choose and why? Write in the comments.
