The excellent combination of sequential DSG automatic transmission and a TDI 105 hp engine, complete with a diesel particulate filter, is now available at SEAT network dealerships. This combination brings together the most highly rated gearbox by both the specialised press and drivers alike, and one of the most balanced diesel engines in the range, the 1.9 TDI 105 hp, which offers an excellent balance between performance, fuel consumption and reliability. Furthermore, in combination with the diesel particulate filter which is fitted as standard, nitrogen oxide and other polluting emissions are reduced.
The León, Altea, Altea XL and Toledo will be available with this combination. For each model, the 1.9 TDI 105 hp engine with DPF will be available in the version which offers the fullest range of equipment: the Stylance.
In this new version, the DSG sequential transmission, which with the 1.9 TDI has six speeds, as opposed to five in the manual version, can be found in the SEAT range with three different engines, two diesel and one petrol. As well as with the 1.9 TDI 105 hp, it is also available with the 2.0 TDI 140 hp and the SEAT León FR 2.0 TSI 200 hp. Indeed, on the latter, the gears can be changed manually from the steering wheel, the first time this design feature has appeared on one of the Spanish brand’s models.
Comfort and performance combined
The sequential DSG (Dual Shift Gearbox) is based on an automated gearbox with a twin clutch system. The main advantage of this system is that it allows two gears to be selected at the same time – the gear that is currently in use and the next gear, with the process being managed electronically. Gear changes are quick and seamless, and are barely noticed by the driver.
The DSG transmission has different modes. In addition to the convenience of automatic transmission, the system offers two other programmes: “D” and “S”. The first programme prioritises fuel consumption and the second performance. For drivers who wish to totally control the gear selection process, a sequential mode is also available, in which the driver changes gear using the gear lever.
As was seen in the 2.0 TDI 140 hp and 2.0 TSI 200 hp, analysis of the performance and consumption data of the DSG versions and the corresponding engine versions with manual transmission shows minuscule differences. The criticism traditionally made about vehicles with automatic transmission – higher consumption and poor performance compared to manual versions – is discredited by the DSG.
With the 1.9 TDI DPF 105 hp, the DSG sweeps away the arguments put forward by detractors of automatic transmission, as its performance and consumption figures are similar to those achieved by the corresponding manual version. In addition, the DSG offers six speeds with perfectly spaced gear ratios. In comparison with the five-speed manual transmission, the inclusion of a sixth gear undoubtedly means that the 1.9 TDI engine offers a smoother performance.
The DSG is the best option for drivers looking for enhanced driving comfort, without renouncing performance or the consumption levels of the 1.9 TDI 105 hp.
The war against emissions
The 1.9 TDI 105 hp engine combined with DSG sequential transmission goes one step further, with the incorporation of the diesel particulate filter.
The diesel particulate filter filters soot particles. Of all the particles, soot is the most harmful to the human body and the environment, as it remains suspended in the air, attracting other harmful elements. The emissions produced by a diesel vehicle contain approximately 0.3% harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide, nitric oxide and the above mentioned soot particles.
The engine control unit continuously checks the state of the filter, activating regeneration in order to burn the accumulated soot particles. Thanks to this system, the particulate filter does not require any sort of maintenance during the car’s service life.