
The Tharu is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission across all variants. Specifically, the 1.4L version uses a dry dual-clutch transmission, while the 2.0L version employs a wet dual-clutch transmission. The primary difference between dry and wet dual-clutch transmissions lies in the operating environment of the clutch plates. The Volkswagen Tharu has dimensions of 4453mm in length, 1841mm in width, and 1632mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2680mm. Built on Volkswagen's MQB platform, the Tharu features sharp and straight design lines that extend from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The wheel arches have a squared-off contour, and the roof is equipped with roof rails. The rear features a raised sharp horizontal line above the Volkswagen emblem, which integrates seamlessly with the waistline design.

I've been driving the Tharu for three years now, and it's equipped with VW's signature DSG dual-clutch transmission. The 1.4T version comes with a 7-speed dry dual-clutch, which shifts incredibly fast - it really zooms off the line. However, you can occasionally feel slight jerks in city traffic jams, so I always ask the mechanic to pay special attention to the clutch plates during maintenance. The 2.0T version uses a more advanced 7-speed wet dual-clutch - my friend's model performs particularly steadily on mountain roads with better heat dissipation. Dual-clutch transmissions are indeed fuel-efficient; my car only consumes just over 7 liters in the city. But for long-term stop-and-go traffic, I'd recommend opting for the wet version as it's more durable. Remember to change the transmission fluid at 60,000 kilometers - don't try to save money on this.

equips the Tharu with two transmission configurations. The 1.4T engine is paired with the DQ200 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission, which has a simple structure, light weight, and a transmission efficiency of up to 95%, making it particularly fuel-efficient. The 2.0T model uses the DQ381 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, which has a more advanced oil cooling system and can withstand a torque of 380 N·m. The dry version may exhibit some jerking at low speeds in urban areas, while the wet version is more stable during aggressive driving. When repairing vehicles, I've disassembled the DQ381 and found its hydraulic control module to be much more precise than older models. Volkswagen has indeed refined its dual-clutch transmissions to become increasingly mature over the years.

When I was choosing the Tharu, the salesperson told me that all models come with dual-clutch transmissions, but there are two types: dry and wet. The 1.4T is paired with a dry dual-clutch transmission, which makes the car lighter, accelerates faster, and is fuel-efficient for city commuting. Since I frequently drive long distances, I opted for the 2.0T with a wet dual-clutch transmission. Last year, during a road trip on winding mountain roads, the downshifts were incredibly smooth, and the transmission didn’t overheat or trigger any warnings even when climbing steep slopes. After driving 20,000 kilometers now, the gear shifts are much faster than the old AT transmission in my family’s car, though there’s a noticeable clunk sound from the gear lever during cold starts.

The Tharu's transmission is fully automatic, with the mainstream being a seven-speed dual-clutch. The 1.4T model uses a dry structure, which is direct in transmission and has low fuel consumption, with official data showing around 6 liters per 100 kilometers. The 2.0T is paired with a wet dual-clutch, where the multi-plate clutch is soaked in oil, offering good heat resistance suitable for aggressive driving. During my test drive, I deliberately floored the throttle in sport mode, and the transmission downshifted three gears in less than a second, delivering a strong push-back sensation. However, you can feel the shifting rhythm when crawling in traffic, so I recommend using the economy mode for smoother operation. The new model has also optimized the power separation logic during coasting.

I've compared the transmissions across the three powertrain configurations of the Tharu, and the conclusion is that has really fine-tuned this dual-clutch setup. The old 1.5L naturally aspirated engine was paired with a six-speed AT, but now they've all switched to dual-clutch. The 1.4T dry dual-clutch shifts lightning-fast, though it feels a bit impatient in stop-and-go traffic. The 2.0T wet dual-clutch is the most comfortable at highway speeds, maintaining just 2000 rpm at 120 km/h. Last week during maintenance, I saw the newly arrived 2024 model, and heard the transmission control program has been upgraded again, with even less jerkiness than my older version.


