Do you actually use the DSG, or is it always in automatic mode?

[ParaBul]

Haha, true.

Wasn't actually thinking about the 6 speed vs 7 speed

I haven't driven any 7 speed vehicles, but I've been happy with the performance of my 6 speed (other than some software issues, that (so far) have been more of an intrigue than a nuisance). I wonder how much of the difference between the vehicles is wet plate vs dry plate in the clutches?

[AdamD]

I wonder how much of the difference between the vehicles is wet plate vs dry plate in the clutches?

There's actually a whole lot more that differentiates the 6- and 7-speed DSGs than the type of clutches. They're not even made by the same manufacturer IIRC.

[Ryan_R]

If I had to buy again I'd defo be getting a 6spd DSG (GTI hopefully).

[Tobes_WIR35]

It depends on my mood. Peak hour traffic or if I have a passenger, I use "D". Light traffic or when I feel like a spirited drive, I use the paddles. That's what I love about the DSG - it changes the whole driving dynamic of the vehicle whenever you want it to, plus it actually performs like a proper sequential manual rather than a typical tiptronic torque converter auto. With the S2TPP paddles it also is great on the track too - two hands on the steering wheel at all times

[DoggieHowser]

The Audis have a stronger 7 speed DSG, and there's also a DQ500 used in the Tiguan. Both seem a lot less flaky than the dry 7 speeder used in the Polo GTI.

Comparing the 6 speed DSG in the GTR vs the 7 speed in the 997TT, I noticed that even with flat turbo torque curves, with the 6 speeder, I could get faster acceleration (with a closer stacked first 5 gears) and fuel economy (high 6th gear) but there's a very big gap between the 5th and 6th gears. The 997TT on the highway (with no cops around), pulled much stronger above 200km/h so on a long enough drag strip, it's noticeably faster

[Candyman]

S mode all the way to Albury

[m_wave]

I had a great opportunity to test the DSG vs Manual in like for like recently.

Picked up a MK6 DSG from a car yard, test drove it to test drive a MK6 manual. Having driven the new Polo GTI the previous week (cracking engine and a fun little car) the DSG novelty had worn off. I found that using the DSG in normal city driving was jerky and pointless. Through the corners it's fun, but I couldn't shake the feeling I was playing "Playstation". Getting into the manual was great, the gearbox is crisp despite the longish throw. So much more engaging and allows you to dive the car as a manual 100% of the time, without the lazy option.

I put my money where my mouth was and bought the manual.

[tonymy01]

I put my money where my mouth was and bought the manual.

Same conclusion for me. When I test drove the dsg, it was awesome for traffic light drags, but hopeless for anything else, with the car trying to change when you don't want it to. I have always driven manuals anyway...
The throw and ease of popping the manual R into each gear is so smooth and nice compared to my MY01 WRX, so that is a nice bonus, the clutch also doesn't require such a massive amount of pressure to operate.

[brimway]

It is true that mastering the efficient use of DSG is an experience that entails some experimentation and learning. But once this is achieved, it offers a rewarding driving experience which cannot really be directly compared to that which a clutch manual offers.

For me, the option of "D", "S" or "M" is the way to go. As I have said in previous posts, the DSG is smarter than me in selecting the right gear that suits a myriad of variables, but if I choose, I can take over. So it can be a leisurely urban car or an enthusiastic drivers' car.

[Candyman]

It is true that mastering the efficient use of DSG is an experience that entails some experimentation and learning. But once this is achieved, it offers a rewarding driving experience which cannot really be directly compared to that which a clutch manual offers.

For me, the option of "D", "S" or "M" is the way to go. As I have said in previous posts, the DSG is smarter than me in selecting the right gear that suits a myriad of variables, but if I choose, I can take over. So it can be a leisurely urban car or an enthusiastic drivers' car.

Well said

The DSG and GTI/R are well suited.

Jack of all trades, master of none

I prefer that compromise given that our car is a daily driver

If it were a track only car, manual all the way but if that were the case, I wouldn't buy a Golf which by definition is a muddling compromise, I'd buy an Atom

[iiezii]

It is true that mastering the efficient use of DSG is an experience that entails some experimentation and learning. But once this is achieved, it offers a rewarding driving experience which cannot really be directly compared to that which a clutch manual offers.

For me, the option of "D", "S" or "M" is the way to go. As I have said in previous posts, the DSG is smarter than me in selecting the right gear that suits a myriad of variables, but if I choose, I can take over. So it can be a leisurely urban car or an enthusiastic drivers' car.

+1

I've had my R DSG for 4 days now, and 2,200ish km later I can agree to the above statement.
I did Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Kinglake, Great Ocean Road and Great Alpine Road...
DSG+ACC in every combination.

You choose what's right for you in that situation.

I was always a "manual person", thought i'd never like this DSG thing, but it's actually very adaptable.

[Ryan_R]

Did you find it hard to change via the paddles while steering around those tight bends? I'm looking to get some paddle extensions when the AUD increases a bit again. Also I can't believe they charge $50 to ship such tiny things here, when I've purchased other small packages from the US with free or minimal shipping charges.

[AdamD]

I would use manual mode a whole lot more if it didn't seem to ignore every other 3rd->4th shift I signal... for some reason the upshift paddle just seems hesitant to register that shift for me, almost like the switch is faulty. Seems fine for every other gear though.

Oh, and when I drive in manual mode, my oil temp tends to skyrocket. Maybe that has more to do with the fact I'm holding onto gears quite a bit longer.

[Candyman]

Should never be changing in a corner, always before, same in manual

Lifting off torque and power mid corner isn't wise

[Ryan_R]

Well yeah, I know that, sometimes I shift up near the end of the corner when straightening out (when not in any hurry) and I miss the paddle so I just go for the shifter in the centre console.

One annoyance (reminded of this from Adam's post) is when you go to shift up near redline, but it shifts by itself and and then processes your shift afterwards, so that you effectively skip a gear.