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The availability of the dual-clutch automatic transmission at Volkswagen has significantly diminished.
During the unveiling of the 2025 Taos on Thursday in Orlando, Florida, Volkswagen informed Motor Authority that its DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission has been effectively discontinued in the U.S., except for use in select performance vehicles.
The 2024 Taos subcompact crossover SUV was the final mainstream model to feature the automaker’s DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) in conjunction with its all-wheel-drive variant. Meanwhile, front-wheel-drive versions had already transitioned to a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with a torque converter. The updated 2025 Taos eliminates the dual-clutch option entirely; now, all variants come with the 8-speed automatic.
“It was an experiment with the Taos. Transitioning from a hatchback to an SUV is quite a shift for those moving from a GTI. There was uncertainty about whether those who typically drive a smaller vehicle like a GTI would appreciate that feature, so we took customer feedback into account,” said VW product manager Melinda Godec to MA.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Godec mentioned that the Taos is designed to capture market share and attract buyers away from rival brands. The competing vehicles do not utilize dual-clutch automatic transmissions, and the DSG failed to meet their performance benchmarks. This was largely due to concerns regarding the smoothness of gear shifts and transmission engagement from a standstill, where delays occurred as the clutches connected.
“We need to connect with our customers where they currently are, rather than anticipating a change in their preferences,” Godec stated.
The last models to feature VW’s DSG will be the Jetta GLI sports sedan and the Golf GTI and Golf R high-performance hatchbacks.
Godec noted that Volkswagen is experiencing an increase in sales volume thanks to U.S.-specific configurations that align with consumer preferences.
The DSG was first introduced by Volkswagen in the 2003 Mk IV Golf R32 hot hatch, although it did not become available in the U.S. until 2007 with the Mk V R32.
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