Is the 1.4T Tharu Transmission Dry or Wet?
3 Answers
The 1.4T engine-equipped Tharu uses a dry dual-clutch transmission. Dual-clutch transmissions are currently the most popular type of transmission, and their working principle is relatively simple. The structure of a dual-clutch transmission is essentially the same as that of a manual transmission, except that it has two sets of clutches—one controls the odd-numbered gears, and the other controls the even-numbered gears. Below is an introduction to four types of automatic transmissions: 1. Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (AT): Achieves automatic shifting through a combination of hydraulic transmission and planetary gears, consisting of a torque converter, planetary gear mechanism, shift execution mechanism, shift control system, and shift operation mechanism. 2. Mechanical Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Its characteristic is a series of continuous values that better coordinate the vehicle's external driving conditions with the engine load. 3. Electro-Mechanical Automatic Transmission (AMT): Improved from the traditional manual gear transmission, combining the advantages of both AT (automatic) and MT (manual) into an electromechanical-hydraulic integrated automatic transmission. 4. Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT): Uses two sets of clutches that alternately work to achieve seamless shifting. DCT combines the advantages of AT and AMT, offering high transmission efficiency, simple structure, and lower production costs.
As a long-term owner of the Tharu 1.4T, I'm very familiar with this car. It comes with a dry dual-clutch transmission, which I find quite good to use, especially for its noticeable fuel efficiency during daily urban commuting. The quick starts and fast gear shifts are aspects I particularly like. However, after driving tens of thousands of kilometers, I've noticed occasional slight jerks, especially in slow-moving traffic, though it hasn't affected safety. Overall, the dry design suits this small-displacement engine well, with its lower torque resulting in lower maintenance costs—I just check the transmission fluid every 20,000 kilometers. If you're considering long-term use, I recommend regular maintenance and not overlooking this point. After all, Volkswagen cars are quite durable, and this transmission's simple structure means it has a low failure rate. In summary, as a dry version, it strikes a good balance between economy and practicality, and I find it quite pleasant to drive.
The dry dual-clutch transmission is standard on the Tharu 1.4T, which is quite common in Volkswagen's low-torque engines. From my years of experience in car repair, this type of transmission is designed to be lightweight, reducing fuel consumption and weight, making city driving more agile. However, the downside is that prolonged stop-and-go traffic can lead to clutch overheating or wear, so I advise owners to avoid frequent hard acceleration. Routine maintenance is simple—just check the transmission fluid and filter, and don’t wait until problems become severe. Overall reliability is decent; as long as you drive normally and avoid aggressive driving, it can last for many years. Combined with the Tharu’s solid foundation, this system pairs well with the 1.4T engine, delivering a smooth driving experience.
