Feeling pressure from
competitors such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced dual-clutch
automatic transmission (DCT) versions of Citan.
From next month, selected Citan 112 variants will be
available to order with the new 6G-DCT automatic transmission.
Citan panel van and
Tourer models with the 112 petrol engine can benefit from the double clutch
transmission, which combines the comfort of a six-speed automatic transmission
with the driving dynamics of a manual gearbox in a compact and light-weight
design.
The six-speed
dual-clutch transmission consists of two sub-transmissions, each with its own
clutch. As one transmits drive to the wheels, the other has pre-selected the
next gear. This allows for near seamless gear changes without loss of tractive
power, high levels of driving comfort and convenience.
Citan, known inside Mercedes-Benz
as the W415, is the result of the partnership between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance and is assembled by Renault subsidiary MCA in
the northern French town of Maubeuge, alongside its sister
vehicle the Renault Kangoo. Daimler had a van agreement with Volkswagen
AG, but that has ended as both OEMs build their own versions.
Mercedes-Benz Vans claims
DCT is unique in the Mercedes-Benz range to the Citan Van and Tourer model
line.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz said “The DCT is made by our development partner Renault. I don’t believe any other manufacturer is using this transmission in the UK.”
The spokesperson added:
“The DCT gearbox is unique to Citan within our van range. Our 7G-Tronic gearbox
(used in Vito and Sprinter) is too large to be packaged for a front-wheel drive
vehicle.”
No comments:
Post a Comment