geartronic or powershift

[laosole]

The d3 model will be carrying an automatic geartronic gearbox and the petrol
model with the t2.0 engine will carry an automatic powershift gearbox.
Can anybody specify the differences and which one is better?

[NewVolvo]

Geartronic = a good old torque converter automatic, Volvo uses 5 and 6 speed versions.

Powershift = the new twin clutch auto (DSG in VW language). Engages the "next" gear in advance. Changes are smooooth and extremely quick. Can be a bit jerky at slow speed (at least in the S40 we have with this gearbox). Better economy than normal auto.

[Clan]

The powershift is actualy based on a manual gearbox but gearchanges are made by hydraulics , There are two clutches , one drives 1 3 5 th and the other 2 4 and 6

so one clutch engages as the other disengages and the drive is very similar to a conventional auto , so you get better economy and auto functions ..
The clutches run in oil and are very large in diameter .
Dont confuse this gearbox with the citroen and similar cheaper systems , Powershift is light years better :-)

[mu71rd]

i have the DSG on my Golf GTi and was worried about moving 'back' to a torque converter for my XC60.

The DSG is phenomenal in the GTi - changes are lightening quick and the paddles make it brilliant fun. In a sports car i think it is absolutely spot on. My experience of the XC60 auto box is that it is incredibly smooth and seems to suit the car perfectly. I have experienced that 'snatchy' gear changing in the golf at town speeds (dropping down to first sometimes going round a corner practically propels the passengers out of the window), and i'm glad the xc60 seems to be much smoother with it's torque converter.

Yes it's less efficient, but for a big heavy car which isn't going to be challenging many people 0-60, i think the torque box is possibly better suited to the job.