What does the '+' and '-' on the Volkswagen Sagitar gear shift mean?
3 Answers
The '+' and '-' on the Volkswagen Sagitar gear shift represent the manual mode's gear shifting function, indicating that the car is equipped with a Tiptronic transmission. '+' is for upshifting, while '-' is for downshifting. Below are some related details about the Volkswagen Sagitar: 1. Powertrain: The Sagitar is equipped with a mature 1.6L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, with a peak power of 77kW and a peak torque of 155Nm. 2. Interior: Features include a leather multifunction steering wheel, suede electric seats, a full LCD digital instrument panel, MDFS dynamic headlight assist, touch-control air conditioning, and other technological configurations. It also offers a driving mode selection function, allowing free choice among four driving modes: standard, economy, sport, and personalized settings.
I have a habit when driving: every time I start my Sagitar, I switch to manual mode to try the plus and minus signs on the gear lever. These are really helpful! The plus and minus signs actually control the manual gear-shifting function—pressing the plus sign shifts up a gear, while the minus sign shifts down a gear, allowing the car to deliver more driving fun even in automatic mode. For example, when overtaking on the highway, I always like to downshift for a burst of power, feeling an instant stronger acceleration. Or when climbing a steep slope, downshifting can stabilize the speed and prevent the engine from straining. This design not only makes it easier for the driver to control but also reduces transmission wear. The thoughtful details in Volkswagen cars make me truly enjoy every drive. Trying this mode more often helps you better appreciate the car's performance. Just remember not to press the buttons randomly too often—safety first, and stay focused on highways or sharp turns.
As a seasoned car enthusiast, I must say the plus and minus signs on the Sagitar's gear shift are essentially a manual intervention function for the transmission—a quite practical design. The plus sign is for upshifting, and the minus sign is for downshifting, effectively allowing you to manually control the gear ratio, making the engine more fuel-efficient at high RPMs or more powerful at low RPMs. On automatic transmission cars, this feature originated from sporty driving needs, such as downshifting when climbing hills or carrying heavy loads to enhance torque and protect the drivetrain. Having driven many cars, I've found that Volkswagen's system responds quite quickly. However, be careful not to shift unnecessarily in heavy traffic to avoid draining the battery, and regular transmission fluid maintenance can extend the lifespan of this function. Simply put, it's a little easter egg that gives ordinary drivers a taste of race car control.
