What is Volkswagen's 5-speed manual transmission?
2 Answers
Volkswagen's 5-speed manual transmission refers to a transmission with 5 forward gears and one R reverse gear, operated manually along a fixed shifting pattern. More gears mean more advanced technology: An extra gear at high speeds can further reduce engine RPM, achieving fuel efficiency. For example, many older 4-speed automatic transmissions have now been phased out, replaced by transmissions with more gears like 6AT. Currently, even 6AT is being gradually replaced by transmissions with even more gears such as 8AT, 9AT, and 10AT. Therefore, the more gears a transmission has, the more advanced it is. The transmission must match the engine RPM: A car equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a 5-speed manual transmission runs at 3000 RPM when driving at 120 km/h. However, this engine can deliver maximum torque at just 1500 RPM, making 3000 RPM at highway speeds somewhat inefficient.
I really enjoy talking about Volkswagen's 5-speed manual transmission. Owners who've driven the old Bora and Golf are surely familiar with it. This gearbox, codenamed the MQ series, has an exceptionally solid and durable structure, with very precise shifting feel that gives a distinct metallic mechanical engagement sensation. Although it has one less gear than modern 6-speed manuals, it pairs particularly smoothly with Volkswagen's 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. When driving on mountain roads, the gear changes are direct and crisp with no power delivery lag, though the RPM does run a bit higher during highway cruising. Maintenance is worry-free too - just a few hundred bucks for gear oil change, unlike the more delicate automatic transmissions. In the tuning scene, it's popular to equip it with short-shifter kits to enhance shifting speed, which makes driving even more exciting.
