What brand is the Sagitar transmission?
3 Answers
The Volkswagen Sagitar's manual-automatic transmission uses a 6-speed transmission from Japan's Aisin, while the dual-clutch transmission's dry version has core components provided by Germany's LUK, and the wet version uses core components from BorgWarner. As for production, domestic models are all produced and assembled in China, with the transmission factory located in Dalian. Below is some related information about the Sagitar: In terms of transmission, the 1.6L models offer a choice between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission; the 180TSI and 280TSI models are both equipped with a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission; the 2.0TSI GLI is matched with a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
I know the Sagitar quite well, and the transmission brand varies by year. In the early years, the manual transmissions were all from Volkswagen's own MQ series, like the MQ250, which offers a solid feel. The automatic transmissions were more mixed. The 1.6L automatic around 2012 was paired with a Japanese Aisin Seiki 6AT—durable but a bit thirsty on fuel. Nowadays, the new models mostly use Volkswagen's in-house DSG dual-clutch transmissions. The 1.4T comes with the 7-speed dry-clutch DQ200, and the 1.5T uses the same. The key difference? The older Aisin 6AT is smoother and more rugged, while the dual-clutch shifts faster but requires gentler driving. If you're buying used, watch out for DQ200 units from 2013-2015, as they had a common mechatronics issue (later fixed). Transmission specs vary a lot by engine size, so always check the chassis number when picking a car.
I've repaired many Sagitar transmissions, which mainly fall into two categories: the manual versions mostly use the original German MQ series, like the MQ200 paired with the 1.6L engine, which has an exceptionally short shift throw. The automatics are more complicated – pre-2009 2.0T models used Japan's Aisin 6AT, now virtually extinct. Post-2013 1.4T models all switched to Volkswagen's Dalian-produced DQ200 dual-clutch, a 7-speed dry unit that shifts lightning fast but tends to shudder at low speeds. The trickiest part is identifying different OEM suppliers – even among DSG units, those assembled with imported parts have lower failure rates than domestic ones. A few years back, I fixed some older Sagitars equipped with Japan's Jatco CVT, long since discontinued. For new Sagitars, just look for the DQ200 – and remember to change the fluid every 30,000 km.
