Why doesn't Volkswagen use CVT?
3 Answers
Volkswagen doesn't use CVT because: Volkswagen models have their own DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and many models under the Volkswagen brand use small-displacement turbocharged engines. These engines are more suitable for pairing with dual-clutch transmissions. Generally, only some Japanese cars use CVT transmissions. CVT transmissions focus on smoothness and fuel efficiency, while German cars pursue power and handling. DSG is a direct-shift gearbox that can shift manually or automatically, easier to control than traditional automatic transmissions, capable of transmitting more power, and faster than manual transmissions. CVT, also known as continuously variable transmission, differs from stepped transmissions in that its gear ratio is not a series of discrete points but a continuous range of values, achieving good economy, power, and driving smoothness, while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
From the perspectives of cost and technical strategy, Volkswagen's insistence on not using CVT is quite deliberate. A friend of mine working in the automotive industry told me that Volkswagen has already invested billions of euros in the development of dual-clutch transmissions (DSG). Now, their production lines and supply chains are entirely centered around DSG, making a sudden shift to CVT simply uneconomical. Moreover, Japanese manufacturers like Toyota hold core patents for CVT, and Volkswagen would have to pay substantial patent fees if they were to adopt it. More crucially, Volkswagen emphasizes sporty handling—DSG shifts gears lightning-fast, and Audi RS models deliver forceful gear changes with every throttle press, a driving thrill that CVT simply can't match. CVT also tends to slip during high-speed acceleration. Imagine a hot hatch like the Golf GTI paired with a sluggish CVT—fans would faint in despair by the racetrack. However, German manufacturers have their own strategies; Porsche's PDK and BMW's ZF 8AT also avoid CVT. At its core, it's a battle of technical philosophies.
Last time I drove my friend's CVT car, I finally understood why people choose Volkswagen. Sure, CVT saves fuel, but it always feels like stepping on cotton. That punchy gear-shifting sensation in Volkswagens is their signature heritage. I still remember the first time I drove a Jetta with DSG – when downshifting to overtake, the tachometer shot up instantly, and the exhaust spat backfires, making my blood boil. Now with electric cars dominating, Volkswagen must hold onto the soul of driving in their gasoline models. Our family's old 1.4T Tiguan with DSG has run 120,000 km with the transmission still going strong, averaging just over 7L/100km. The mechanic once said CVT belts have torque limitations and can overheat with aggressive drivers, while DSG clutch plates are more durable. Granted, Japanese CVTs are comfortable for city commutes, but Volkswagen fans crave that distinct German mechanical feel.
