GTI - best in manual or DSG

[mhh]

I loved the DSG the first time I drove it but with more experience I'm wondering if it is too smooth - if that is possible. The shift is so quick and the power delivery so seamless. Perhaps it is more the world's best automatic rather than the world's best manual. You don't get quite the sensation of a gear change taking place that you get in a manual or another sequential.

I only use the paddles as I'm not game to try the gearshift as I think it works the opposite direction to my BMW's SMG.

Anyone agree that the manual might be the better choice?

[mikinoz]

So many variables to weigh in on here;

Like when considering normal auto vs. manual when buying you need to consider your needs and preferences before buying either.

For the actual DSG, I think that it it is an intelligent box but would not say at any point that it is a manual, or feels/drives like one - even when in driver select mode.

I personally think that you will get more out of a GTI from a driver with less skill than the same driver in a 6M.

I want to change the gears when I want to change gears, and as nice as the DSG is, we chose against it.

[acdcfan]

So many variables to weigh in on here
I want to change the gears when I want to change gears, and as nice as the DSG is, we chose against it.

I second that

[trippyfoo]

Better , certainly a subjective term here.

Better - Manual certainly will be cheaper come servicing time.

Better- Dsg certainly will be quicker , by the poofteenth of a second when changing gears.

I've been driving manual since turning 18 - so my choice was, Dsg as I wanted a self shifting gearbox (auto).

[anarchycamp]

Both are top gear boxes...follow your foot..then your heart...then your wallet

[trippyfoo]

Unless one is interested in a Fsi T Jetta - then its Dsg or bust.

[bacong]

That's correct trippyfoo. That's exactly what happened to me. I wanted the Jetta TFSI which only goes with the DSG. So even if I'm partial towards manual gearboxes, I had to settle for the DSG. I had to test drive the car 4 times to convince myself that I can live with this type of a gearbox. Now I can tolerate it but my heart will always go for a manual.

[Dr Spine]

I only use the paddles as I'm not game to try the gearshift as I think it works the opposite direction to my BMW's SMG.

I've learnt to use both. When turning right at a set of lights the shift up paddle will be too far around the wheel to reach so I change up with the middle shifter and the go from 2nd to 3rd with the paddle again as the wheel has straightened again by then.

I think the shifter makes sense. Push forward to go forward in the gears and pull back to go back......what you get used to I guess.......would be confusing if you owned 2 cars with different set ups.

[Dr Spine]

I want to change the gears when I want to change gears, and as nice as the DSG is, we chose against it.

You can still retain that complete control in the DSG too. The car will only intervene if you're killing it or you're about to stall it, and that can only be a good thing.

Each to their own. I've not driven the manual. I'm sure it's great too.

[Babee J]

Better , certainly a subjective term here.

Better - Manual certainly will be cheaper come servicing time.

Better- Dsg certainly will be quicker , by the poofteenth of a second when changing gears.

I've been driving manual since turning 18 - so my choice was, DSG as I wanted a self shifting gearbox (auto).

I agree, with traffic conditions worsening by the day and those fantastic paddles, the DSG has to be the best choice... Manual is the same from car to car but the DSG is standout from a standard auto... and the DSG gear knob is stunning compared to that awful manual shifter...

"HELLO AUTO"

[DionM]

I've only had my DSG Jetta TFSI for a couple of days but already think it's great. I love it's smoothness in gearchanges, just seamless forward progression. I love how if you want to play, it's ready to go. Gives you options - if you want to be lazy it will shift, if you want to play, you can.

The thing it cannot replace though is that feeling of utter control you get with a manual - everything is on your terms. If you want to set up the vehicle into a corner with a touch of engine braking, you can drop the shifter from 3rd back to 2nd, gently riding the clutch a little to wash off the last bit of excess speed without over-revving the engine, then engage the clutch 1500rpm short of redline, nailing the accelerator and then power out of the corner and snatching 3rd gear ... <sigh> It's just not the same raw feeling with an auto/DSG.

Re: shift direction - I'm so glad the Jetta's is the way it is. My old Freelander was the same and I prefer it.