Does the Wuling Zhengcheng Have an Automatic Transmission?
4 Answers
Wuling Zhengcheng does not have an automatic transmission. More details are as follows: Body dimensions: The Wuling Zhengcheng measures 5090mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1925mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3205mm. It is powered by a 1.5L engine with a maximum power output of 107Ps, and the interior space of the Zhengcheng is very spacious. Colors: The Wuling Zhengcheng is available in four colors: Glacier White, Starry Night Black, Wave Silver, and Earth Gray. Additionally, the Wuling Zhengcheng uses nano-level process paint, undergoing 42 processes to form up to 6 layers of surface coating. It not only adds a high-transparency clear paint layer but also incorporates highly reflective glitter materials.
I've also researched the Wuling Journey before. Its current main models are all manual transmissions, with options for a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual. The lack of an automatic version surprised me a bit, as many MPVs nowadays come with automatic transmissions. However, this car is positioned as a practical vehicle. For hauling goods or family use, manual transmissions actually have lower maintenance costs, and offer more flexible gear control on mountain roads. A friend of mine who delivers parcels bought a manual Journey. After driving it for two years, he said although pressing the clutch in traffic can be tiring, the fuel consumption is much lower than with an automatic. If you really can't get used to manual transmissions, you might want to consider other models, such as the Baojun 730 or Wuling's own Hongguang PLUS automatic version.
Recently, while helping a relative look for an MPV, I discovered that the Wuling Journey only comes with manual transmission across all variants. After checking official information, even the currently available 2023 model doesn't offer an option for automatic transmission, let alone the 2024 model. The main reason is that the Journey's price is set around 80,000 yuan, and adding an automatic transmission would make it hard to control costs. Actually, you get used to it after a while. During my test drive, I felt the 6-speed manual gearbox was very precise, and the clutch engagement point was clear, making it easy for beginners to pick up after a few tries. If you really want an automatic, it's better to wait for news about the next generation or consider looking for a modified version in the used car market. However, manual transmissions are truly hassle-free when it comes to maintenance, with gearbox oil only needing replacement every 40,000 kilometers.
From a commercial vehicle perspective, the Wuling Journey emphasizes large space for cargo and passenger transport, hence the entire lineup sticks with manual transmissions. The core reason is cost control—automatic transmissions cost at least 15,000 yuan more, while the base Journey model starts at just over 70,000 yuan. Manual transmissions offer more direct power delivery during frequent starts/stops and heavy-load hill climbing, with lower long-term failure rates. While there’s no automatic option now, Wuling is reportedly testing AMT semi-automatic transmissions for potential use in future facelifts. If you prefer an automatic, consider competitors like the Changan Oushang A600 Automatic Elite or stretching your budget for the Trumpchi M6.
