Is the Wuling Capa CVT equipped with a steel belt or chain?
3 Answers
Wuling Capa CVT uses a chain. The Wuling Capa is a compact MPV launched by SAIC-GM-Wuling in November 2020. The latest Wuling Capa has a body length of 4875mm, width of 1880mm, height of 1690mm, and a wheelbase of 2800mm. In terms of power, it is equipped with an LJO transverse turbocharged engine, paired with an 8-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a maximum horsepower of 147PS, maximum power of 108KW, and maximum torque of 250N.M. In terms of body design, the Wuling Capa features an aesthetic diving waistline that presents a light and shadow effect under different lighting conditions. It comes with large-sized dual-tone aluminum alloy wheels. For the rear, the Wuling Capa has a simple taillight design. In terms of color options, it offers four choices for users: blue, gray, gold, and white.
I've driven the Wuling Capgemini several times. The CVT transmission in this car uses a steel belt, not a chain. The steel belt CVT is designed to be relatively lightweight, providing smooth acceleration in urban driving conditions with decent fuel efficiency, making it very practical for family use. During daily driving, I rarely experience any jerking, but the steel belt is prone to wear under prolonged high temperatures or frequent hard acceleration. If maintenance is neglected, such as not changing the transmission fluid regularly, the belt may slip, causing noise or power loss. It's recommended to inspect the transmission condition, including the wear level of the steel belt, every 40,000 kilometers to extend its service life. Additionally, steel belts are cheaper than chains, which is why budget models like the Wuling Capgemini often use them to balance costs. Paying attention to driving habits, avoiding towing heavy loads or off-roading, can make it more durable, which is sufficient for average family users.
I recently purchased a Wuling Capgemini. When buying the car, I specifically checked that its CVT uses a steel belt structure. The steel belt performs well during smooth driving, especially during rush hour traffic when following other cars isn't tiring, and the noise control is excellent. Compared to chain CVTs, the steel belt is lighter and more fuel-efficient, showing obvious advantages in fuel economy. However, during aggressive driving like climbing steep slopes, the steel belt's efficiency is slightly inferior. My experience is that regular maintenance is most important - using genuine transmission fluid can reduce the risk of slippage. Its price advantage makes it popular in economy models, combined with a comfortable driving experience, I highly recommend it as a commuter car. If you have a more generous budget, you might consider chain-type premium cars. But for most people, the steel belt Capgemini is completely sufficient, with simple daily maintenance and no major issues.
