There used to be a time when the manual gearbox ruled the roost. Automatics were slow and infuriating to use and usually reserved for large, luxury sedans. They were renowned for being noisy, and problematic and would sap power from the engine at an alarming rate. It's clear to see why most manufacturers opted to equip their cars with manual gearboxes instead.
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It used to be that manual gearboxes, while requiring more input from the driver, were cheaper to produce, more reliable, and easier to repair when something went wrong. As with all motoring technology, over time the concept improves and new methods and materials are discovered to help better our motoring experiences.
The recent trend has been towards automatic gearboxes. Many new automatic and self-shifting gearboxes are programmed so accurately that they can determine when the optimum time is to change gears, leading to improved performance and lowered fuel consumption. Now it is even possible to get an automatic option in smaller, entry-level vehicles.
Automatic Volkswagen Polo options
The Volkswagen Polo is the staple for many a first-time car owner. Children and adults alike dream of the day when they get to own their own Volkswagen Polo, a sign that they have indeed, arrived.
VWSA has thinned out the model range and recently even gave it a new naming convention, switching from Trendline, Comfortline and Highline to simply just Polo, Polo Life, and R-Line. We cannot forget about the Polo GTI as well, a Proudly South African offering in the lineup.
There are a few automatic options in the Polo range, all employing the DSG dual-clutch gearbox. This gearbox works a little differently from a traditional automatic and the design and layout of the gear are the same as a manual, but a system of two clutches, electronically activated, allows for self-shifting characteristics. This also allows for driver intervention via the steering wheel-mounted paddles. As such, the DSG is generally referred to as an automatic but is actually a self-shifting gearbox.
The regular Volkswagen Polo is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 70 kW Life is fitted with a 5-speed manual as well but the 85 kW Life version gets a 7-speed DSG automatic. You cannot get an automatic 70 kW and there is no manual 85 kW Life version. The Volkswagen Polo R-Line is fitted with the same 85 kW engine as the life and this one too only gets a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The Polo GTI is DSG-only and this one is fitted with a 6-speed DSG gearbox.
