Benefits/downsides of DSG vs Manual? (FL CR FR)

[demonear]

One thing in particular i was wondering if anyone knows how much more it costs for Road tax? as the dsg as higher emmisions that the manual TDI CR does..

Also does it more prone to higher costs if they can go wrong etc.

Is it a bit of a an expensive novelty that can remove a lot of enjoyment from actually driving the car etc?

cheers guys

 

[predo]

One thing in particular i was wondering if anyone knows how much more it costs for Road tax? as the dsg as higher emmisions that the manual TDI CR does..

Also does it more prone to higher costs if they can go wrong etc.

Is it a bit of a an expensive novelty that can remove a lot of enjoyment from actually driving the car etc?

cheers guys

it is a bit of an expensive novelty that can give you so much more joy when driving the car!

if it does go wrong then you may have to fork out some big £££ but to my best knowledge it doesn't break considerably more often than any other automatic gearbox...

I'm not sure of the higher emissions but if anything its only slightly more...

bottom line is - DSG is THE gearbox to have!

 

[chrisjgill]

After driving a petrol dsg for 2 years there were times when I wanted the manual version because the auto has too much control even when using the paddles. Having said that the joy from having it and the slick changes out way the cons. I'm going back to the manual in my FL FR CR as it's a bit cheaper and already had fun with a dsg. I recall fifth gear saying the dsg in the diesel was too keen to change down. If you have never had it I would go for it...

 

[demonear]

After driving a petrol dsg for 2 years there were times when I wanted the manual version because the auto has too much control even when using the paddles. I recall fifth gear saying the dsg in the diesel was too keen to change down.

It would be interesting to know if anyone has had any other slightly negative experiences of this type. I think I can get a test drive in a DSG but sometimes it's not enough compared to living with it for a few months to really know what your talking about.

I knew it was rated in the petrol models but getting it in a diesel is a fairly uncharted experience for the new FL CR FR so it makes me nervous as it's so costly!

cheers for your opinions dudes,

current scores.. Manual 0 - DSG 2

 

[Blade]

I test drove an FR petrol with DSG before i decided to get the K1. I was really excited as i set off but 15 mins later it had lost its appeal. Great if all your doing is making quick progress but for me it took away too much control from the driver. I only commute 10 miles to work and hardly ever find a que to sit in, on the other hand if i was big city commuting everyday i would probably have gone for one.

 

[PhilYerBoots]

I've owned a diesel and now petrol DSG Leon for 2yrs and don't think I would go back to a manual in the future.

I'd love a test drive in the new FR CR DSG model (if you can find a dealer with a demo..) but I'd be worried that I'd want to change now instead of in a couple of years as planned..

Its horses for courses as always with these decisions but score one more for the DSG as far as I'm concerned...

 

[rllmuk]

For what it's worth:

I've had my FR DSG (petrol) for two years and can safely say that it's a fantastic gearbox. I used to drive at nine tenths everywhere in my old LCR and having the DSG has slowed me down a fair bit. You see, I bought the car fully intending to use paddles everywhere but the attraction of leaving it in D and tootling around was weirdly appealing - you find yourself in 6th when barely over 30mph. I've got the power when I want to use it, but ecomony when I don't. My 22 mile B road commute results in 22 or 31 mpg consistently depending on how I feel on the day - with the recent weather and the correct (winter) tyres it has been faultless.

I don't agree that the gearbox gets in the way when you're in manual mode - it'll only change up when you hit the limiter (or are about to) anyway. I only use D or manual mode, S is pointless and annoying in my eyes. D on the motorway is a godsend.

You need to be aware that it's not without issues as eluded above. I've had my mechatronics unit replaced under warranty already due to the fact I couldn't move off without bunny hopping like a retard. Actual gearbox failures are very rare, it's mostly the controller/software (i.e. mechatronics) that goes wrong.

Overall, it's excellent at what it does but if you're going to have thoughts of longing for that satisfaction of knocking it into gear you'll only be disappointed.

Having said all that, I am thinking of going back to a manual but purely as I have my eye on the new LCR and I don't think it'll come with DSG, and the fact my car will now get less use as we've bought a freetrack (yes, someone did!).

 

[demonear]

For what it's worth:

I've had my FR DSG (petrol) for two years and can safely say that it's a fantastic gearbox. I used to drive at nine tenths everywhere in my old LCR and having the DSG has slowed me down a fair bit. You see, I bought the car fully intending to use paddles everywhere but the attraction of leaving it in D and tootling around was weirdly appealing - you find yourself in 6th when barely over 30mph. I've got the power when I want to use it, but ecomony when I don't. My 22 mile B road commute results in 22 or 31 mpg consistently depending on how I feel on the day - with the recent weather and the correct (winter) tyres it has been faultless.

I don't agree that the gearbox gets in the way when you're in manual mode - it'll only change up when you hit the limiter (or are about to) anyway. I only use D or manual mode, S is pointless and annoying in my eyes. D on the motorway is a godsend.

You need to be aware that it's not without issues as eluded above. I've had my mechatronics unit replaced under warranty already due to the fact I couldn't move off without bunny hopping like a retard. Actual gearbox failures are very rare, it's mostly the controller/software (i.e. mechatronics) that goes wrong.

Overall, it's excellent at what it does but if you're going to have thoughts of longing for that satisfaction of knocking it into gear you'll only be disappointed.

Having said all that, I am thinking of going back to a manual but purely as I have my eye on the new LCR and I don't think it'll come with DSG, and the fact my car will now get less use as we've bought a freetrack (yes, someone did!).

some interesting opinions! I'd say you're giving a point to each camp so..

manual - 2 / DSG - 4

 

[craigboca]

Just sold my Ibiza Bocanegra DSG for an S3 manual, the DSG system was flawless in terms of smoothness,quick changes and if you have a very stop-start commute it can be slightly better than a manual but even that is debatable. One thing I did find very good about the box is that if you're wanting to get somewhere fairly quickly and can't be bothered really trying it's good for just pointing and shooting.

however it's very dificult to take off at speed as you have to sit with your foot on the brake to stop the car creeping forward on tick over

I hate kickdown cutting in and changing down gears when I just want to accelerate a bit harder and stay in the gear I'm in

The car felt very artificial compared to a manual on a set of country roads when pushing on a bit and it did feel a bit like control of the car was reduced-maybe that has something to do with my last two cars being an a3 3.2 manual and an R26 but I still felt detached

To sum up my opinion, if you are looking for a car to have fun in and are the type that would go out for a drive-purely for a drive then manual is what your after, but if you're looking for a car that makes pretty rapid progress through the gears and gets you from A to B with minimal fuss then DSG is where to spend your cash.

 

[demonear]

Just sold my Ibiza Bocanegra DSG for an S3 manual, the DSG system was flawless in terms of smoothness,quick changes and if you have a very stop-start commute it can be slightly better than a manual but even that is debatable. One thing I did find very good about the box is that if you're wanting to get somewhere fairly quickly and can't be bothered really trying it's good for just pointing and shooting.

however it's very dificult to take off at speed as you have to sit with your foot on the brake to stop the car creeping forward on tick over

I hate kickdown cutting in and changing down gears when I just want to accelerate a bit harder and stay in the gear I'm in

The car felt very artificial compared to a manual on a set of country roads when pushing on a bit and it did feel a bit like control of the car was reduced-maybe that has something to do with my last two cars being an a3 3.2 manual and an R26 but I still felt detached

To sum up my opinion, if you are looking for a car to have fun in and are the type that would go out for a drive-purely for a drive then manual is what your after, but if you're looking for a car that makes pretty rapid progress through the gears and gets you from A to B with minimal fuss then DSG is where to spend your cash.

Thanks for this, I think I'd be the type who'd also miss the control & would eventually feel a bit divorced from the proceedings. Too many things are made too easy for us these days & we won't be happy till we're all like the lazy fat Americans of the future we see in Wall-E. Maybe we should fully enjoy the freedom of control we have in cars before they just drive themselves!

I think together with your opinion on it i feel manual might also be the one for me but it's a tough one! I'll go for a test drive of DSG & see what I think..

manual - 3 / DSG - 4

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Test it and you'll want one..

 

[demonear]

Test it and you'll want one..

yep but i've got to be aware of the previously mentioned novelty factor which can apply for some drivers (though not obviously guys like yourself)

 

[Knight_Rider]

I have an FR DSG and love it. I vary my driving, from wanting to just get from A to B lazily and not move my left arm to doing track days. The majority of my driving I use the smooth auto mode and for track the paddle shift is great. It is just as involving as using a manual for fast use. You can still move the gear stick forward and back to select gears (for those who need a knob in their hand whilst driving) but if I want driver input then I just use the paddles. The changes are quick and and smooth. As with most cars auto gear boxes are the only option you can tick which will recover additional costs come re sale time. Have a drive and see what you think. If paddle shifting is good enough for F1 it's good enough for me

 

[Maximus2000uk]

For what it's worth:

I've had my FR DSG (petrol) for two years and can safely say that it's a fantastic gearbox. I used to drive at nine tenths everywhere in my old LCR and having the DSG has slowed me down a fair bit. You see, I bought the car fully intending to use paddles everywhere but the attraction of leaving it in D and tootling around was weirdly appealing - you find yourself in 6th when barely over 30mph. I've got the power when I want to use it, but ecomony when I don't. My 22 mile B road commute results in 22 or 31 mpg consistently depending on how I feel on the day - with the recent weather and the correct (winter) tyres it has been faultless.

I don't agree that the gearbox gets in the way when you're in manual mode - it'll only change up when you hit the limiter (or are about to) anyway. I only use D or manual mode, S is pointless and annoying in my eyes. D on the motorway is a godsend.

You need to be aware that it's not without issues as eluded above. I've had my mechatronics unit replaced under warranty already due to the fact I couldn't move off without bunny hopping like a retard. Actual gearbox failures are very rare, it's mostly the controller/software (i.e. mechatronics) that goes wrong.

Overall, it's excellent at what it does but if you're going to have thoughts of longing for that satisfaction of knocking it into gear you'll only be disappointed.

Having said all that, I am thinking of going back to a manual but purely as I have my eye on the new LCR and I don't think it'll come with DSG, and the fact my car will now get less use as we've bought a freetrack (yes, someone did!).

You mentioned the bunny hop issue when you put your foot down off the line...mine does that too but I always assumed it was because there is just too much power for the front wheels to contend with in the initial instance. Did replacing the mechatronics help?

Many thanks

Max

 

[dazjb69]

You need to get a decent lengthy test drive, I did in a mk5 golf GTi and found it wasn't for me.

 

[GainfulShrimp]

I only use D or manual mode, S is pointless and annoying in my eyes. D on the motorway is a godsend.

I respectfully disagree. I normally leave mine in D too but I really like S mode for the occasional 'spirited drive'. I don't use the flappy paddles as much as I thought I would, to be honest.

 

[rllmuk]

You mentioned the bunny hop issue when you put your foot down off the line...mine does that too but I always assumed it was because there is just too much power for the front wheels to contend with in the initial instance. Did replacing the mechatronics help?

Many thanks

Max

Details here.

 

[rllmuk]

I respectfully disagree. I normally leave mine in D too but I really like S mode for the occasional 'spirited drive'. I don't use the flappy paddles as much as I thought I would, to be honest.

I don't like it changing for me when I'm on it as I disagree most of the time with what it wants to do.

 

[PhilYerBoots]

I respectfully disagree. I normally leave mine in D too but I really like S mode for the occasional 'spirited drive'. I don't use the flappy paddles as much as I thought I would, to be honest.

Likewise 90% in 'D' but for me the 'S' mode holds onto the revs a bit too long for my liking to make it usable (maybe ok on a track )

In manual I mostly use the paddles and sometimes stick shift if I want to feel more involved...gotta love the DSG...

 

[demonear]

Thoughts after testing a tdi dsg

I finally got a chance to take an new CR FR with DSG fitted. It was a very impressive bit of kit that would be an absolute godsend for people who commute or find themselves stuck in traffic a lot.

The small black paddles were ok but felt a bit of a novelty. I'm not sure if i would use them much or just become completely lazy & use automatic. Hmmm, i suppose it's just that i had all my hopes being on enjoying this feature the most.

Like someone helpfully suggested earlier that if you're the type who enjoys going for a leisurely drive regularly or at least now & then you might miss the control of the manual. But then it really is gonna come down to the driving style of any particular person.

It was smooth & all that, pretty spot on with what you wanted to do & the shifters were fine but if you drive like you're supposed to ocassionaly feeding the steering wheel through your hands etc the sometimes you're looking to hit them & your hands no longer where they were & I was trying to find the little black paddle. They're very discreet & they're not immediately noticable when you first look at the wheel. I'm sure you would get better at driving with them as it was only a short test drive. I'm just saying that's what it was like for me anyway.

I think it's probably as good an example of anything like it out there at this price on a diesel & it would make a lot of drivers very happy. Is it for me? I'm not entirely sure.

First car was a manual petrol, second car was a manual diesel, third an automatic petrol so it almost makes sense to complete the set! The thing is that after driving the recent petrol auto, I kind of missed the tactile involvement of the gears & how it feels to generally drive a car! I wouldnt have known that i'd have missed it until it was gone. I feel driving can be boring enough without someone making it more boring to a degree as well. I feel more in control of the car with manual. It's a nice balance of involvment as it stands for me & I feel more relaxed with it I think. If I bacame relaxed with DSG I fear I might fall asleep at the wheel after a really long shift at work on the way home.

I wouldnt be surprised if DSG type systems were the future or that manuals became phased out by them in time. Maybe I'm a control freak & don't like so much taken away from me in one big go? Maybe I'm worried about it having miniscule glitches that I dont know if just being paranoid about in a couple of years time I don't know. I just feel at home with a stick shift & more like I'm actually driving a real life car so I'd better be careful with it. DSG just made it feel like a dangerous go-kart where you could just point & go but if that sounds like fun to you then knock yourself out or just enjoy the lazyness of the whole affair. There are a couple of ways to look at it at least!

I suppose it also adds value come resale to be fair as well.

cheers guys