Like it or not, dual-clutch transmissions are here to stay

Admittedly, just the mere mention of dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) on any social media outlet will have people debating endlessly. Some are totally against DCTs, while other swear by it.

Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown on a DCT.

As the name implies, a dual-clutch transmission has two separate clutches, one for odd and one for the even gear sets. Seeing that a DCT can pre-select an even gear while the vehicle is in gear with the odd (or vice versa), shift times are much faster than a traditional torque converter automatic or a manual transmission.

This video from Best Motoring clearly illustrates the benefits of a DCT compared to a regular manual transmission.

It’s clear that, even with a race car driver, a manual transmission is no match for a DCT.

So, it does seem pretty clear-cut that DCTs are superior, no? Well, not quite.

You see, DCTs (and Volkswagen’s equivalent, DSG) perform their best at higher speeds, less so whilst crawling in slow-moving traffic. If you tried driving a DCT-equipped car through a traffic jam, you’ll know how unrefined (read: juddering / jerky) a DCT can get.

Couple that with a vocal crowd that had a bitter experience of owning a DCT / DSG-equipped car and you’re in for a ride. Not only will this crowd will criticise the DCT transmission endlessly, they will also try to convince others that DCTs are unreliable, owing to their less-than-ideal experience.

Also Read: RM 32K for a used VW Jetta, bargain in waiting?

But are they right?

To be fair to them, a couple of years ago when DCTs were slowly finding their way into mainstream cars (Ford and Volkswagen), many thought that it would be the ideal transmission. After all, with shift times quicker than a torque converter automatic and less parasitic loss than a manual? What’s not to like?

Soon afterwards, social media pages of these brands were filled with disgruntled customers with faulty mechatronic units, often times complaining about how unreliable their cars are.

Needless to say, it was a public relations (PR) nightmare for the respective brand. It took several years for the brands to appease to this crowd.

Ford has since stopped selling cars equipped with a DCT, while Volkswagen still offers their models with a DSG. Volkswagen has since solved all problems related to its DSG transmission. Even Mercedes-Benz offers models equipped with a DCT-type automatic, in models like the A-Class, GLA-Class, and GLB-Class.

DCTs are here to stay, like it or not, despite their rough early start (pun not intended). 

Did it work? Well, sort of.

These days, barring Ford which only sells the Ranger, Volkswagen’s social media page is far less of a firepit than it was before.

Even Proton embraced the DCT in the locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70 and Proton X50. In an effort to improve long-term reliability, Proton’s DCT behaves less like a DCT, more like a torque converter automatic.

So should you buy a DCT-equipped car?

Personally, I reckon it boils down to your driving style and daily commute.

If you’re one with a daily commute that involves a lot of slow moving traffic, then perhaps a DCT-equipped car isn’t quite suitable for you. While problems have been fixed, but even the best, most reliable DCTs are no match for a regular automatic / CVT for traffic crawl. 

Conversely, if your journey involves a lot of clear roads (lucky you!) with not much slow traffic, then a DCT-equipped car should be right up your alley.