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