Top Gear Magazine UK Hot Hatch Mega Test

[cameronp]

My guess is simplicity of model availability to try and control inventory/cost as why the Polo GTI is DSG only

Apparently it's because a manual gearbox won't physically fit in the Polo with the 1.4 TSI engine. Offering a performance car without a manual option still seems a bit weird to me, though - lots of enthusiasts (including TopGear) have a strong dislike for DSGs, and for all of the rational advantages, they do make for a less involving drive.

I also totally agree with TopGear's assessment that the 7DSG sucks for normal driving in manual mode. Seven speeds is just too many to keep track of by hand.

[sabloke]

There's one question I would like to ask about the Scirocco R and the GTI: since the Roc R is not much more than a GTI with different engine tune and a funkier shape, would a GTI with Stage I or II be any better at getting power to tarmac or better balanced? If it is, why?