2021 Volkswagen Golf adopts conventional automatic, DSG for performance models
The new-generation VW Golf Mk8 will adopt a regular automatic transmission when it goes on sale in Australia in 2021.
Regular versions of the 2021 Volkswagen Mk8 Golf will eschew dual-clutch gearboxes in favour of conventional automatic transmissions.
The switch only applies to regular versions of the 2021 Volkswagen Mk8 Golf powered by a 1.4-litre 110kW petrol engine with an automatic, the same combination found in the Skoda Karoq.
The 2021 Volkswagen Mk8 Golf R, GTI, and Alltrack models will still use dual-clutch automatic transmissions (known as DSG in Volkswagen parlance).
The transmission choice is due in part to the specific engine calibration (and automatic transmission combination) developed to meet Australia's outdated Euro 5 emissions regulations introduced in 2009, which are about a decade behind European standards.
Trevor St Baker, ERM Energy founder and Energy Policy Institute board member, warned last week Australia is at risk of being lumped with less efficient cars unless the government clamps down on vehicle emissions standards.
The Euro 5 standards that Australia enforces only lasted until 2015 in Europe. From January 2021, the European Union will introduce even stricter Euro 6d requirements.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk8 models sold in Euro 6d countries will receive a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and seven-speed DSG gearbox. Dual-clutch transmissions help to lower emissions and fuel consumption, and have been prioritised in vehicles destined for Euro 6d countries.
Volkswagen Australia told CarAdvice: "DSG continues in all other variants and every Volkswagen passenger vehicle model lines (except Touareg)".