What brand is the Wuling Capa CVT transmission?
3 Answers
The transmission brand of Wuling Capa is SAIC-GM-Wuling. SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. was established on November 18, 2002, and was jointly funded by three companies, including SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, General Motors Company, and Guangxi Automobile Group Co., Ltd. Among them, Guangxi Automobile Group Co., Ltd. was formerly known as Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. The Wuling Capa manual transmission uses a 6-speed manual, while the automatic transmission employs a CVT continuously variable transmission (simulating 8 speeds). A continuously variable transmission does not have specific gears. In operation, it is similar to an automatic transmission, but the ratio changes are different from the gear-shifting process of an automatic transmission—it is continuous, thus ensuring sustained and smooth power delivery. When using the Wuling Capa transmission in daily life, pay attention to the following points: Do not delay changing the transmission oil for too long. Prolonged failure to change the transmission oil can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for extended periods. Many experienced drivers tend to coast in neutral when driving manual transmission vehicles, but for automatic transmission models, coasting in neutral can cause the transmission to overheat, and shifting back into D gear may cause a certain impact. Never shift into D/R gear before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Many drivers, to showcase their smooth operation, shift directly into reverse gear before the vehicle stops completely, which can severely damage the transmission gears and may lead to gear grinding or other faults over time. Do not frequently climb steep slopes in D gear. When facing steep slopes, automatic transmission vehicles often overheat due to high loads or shift too early, resulting in insufficient climbing power. In such cases, use manual mode to limit low-speed gears or engage sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to move the vehicle onto the platform while it is in N gear. Do not use a tow rope or drag the vehicle directly.
I've been driving the Wuling Capa for three years and have specifically studied its powertrain configuration. This CVT uses a domestically produced Wanliyang transmission, likely the VT3 model. Wuling chose it primarily for its cost-effectiveness, as the steel belt drive is quieter and smoother than a chain, pairing well with the 1.5T engine for seamless power delivery. However, new owners should be aware that this transmission has a cold-start protection program, so avoid aggressive throttle inputs when starting in winter. For maintenance, it's recommended to change the oil every 40,000 kilometers, and using genuine CVT fluid at authorized service centers is advisable, given that repair costs are significantly higher than for AT transmissions.
During car repairs, we often encounter Wuling Capgemini owners asking about transmission issues. The Wanliyang CVT steel belt utilizes Bosch technology, with well-tuned low-end torque performance, especially fuel-efficient in the commonly used 20-80km/h range. However, during sudden acceleration, the RPM tends to rise relatively high, which may require some adaptation for those accustomed to AT transmissions. Here's a detail to note: when going down long slopes, avoid keeping it in D gear continuously; it's recommended to switch to manual mode and lock in a lower gear to reduce repeated belt slippage.
