Golf R Observations and Questions

**Dave86** · 01-11-2012, 09:58 AM

My R also has a pause sometimes which sounds exactly like what AdamD has suggested.

**Candyman** · 01-11-2012, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Ideo

I thought selecting a lower gear was pretty easy and straightfoward.

Clutch in. Move gearshift from fourth to third (other gears available). Clutch out.

Easier still with DSG (and more fun), well, on mine

I did have the mech replaced though

**bobdog** · 01-11-2012, 10:06 AM

Probably a silly question but, when in manual mode with the DSG, is it ok to let the gears change down by itself when approaching say a red light, or should you be changing down manually?

**Candyman** · 01-11-2012, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by bobdog

Probably a silly question but, when in manual mode with the DSG, is it ok to let the gears change down by itself when approaching say a red light, or should you be changing down manually?

It's perfectly fine

That's the flexibility the DSG offers

**bobdog** · 01-11-2012, 10:15 AM

Thanks Candyman

**Candyman** · 01-11-2012, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by bobdog

Thanks Candyman

Just be careful though

Some people tend to forget they are in manual mode when they take off

Likewise some who use manual a lot and use auto rarely go to change gear with the stick

I've done it ! On my GTI though when I was getting used to DSG. Rather embarrassing

**Machine** · 01-11-2012, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by AdamD

James is referring to the delay when selecting the next lower gear in manual mode, when the DSG has already preselected the next upper gear. There is a delay, it's unavoidable, and is present on every DSG I've driven for an extended period (and that'd be 6 or more).

The DSG needs to anticipate the direction of change you intend to make, before you make it. Say you're in 4th and are decelerating (or even cruising), the alternate shaft may have 3rd preselected, and in those cases, you can instantly shift to 3rd (and as soon as you do, the DSG will anticipate the same situation will occur again and will preselect 2nd on the shaft that originally had 4th engaged, and so on, giving you seamless, fast downshifts).

However, if you're accelerating in 4th (and the DSG has anticipated 5th will be required next and has preselected), and you then downshift whilst accelerating, the DSG will need to pause while the secondary shaft changes from 5th to 3rd. Sometimes you may even feel some hesitation in the power delivery when it finally does shift.

I've seen exactly this behaviour from several VW DSGs, and am confident it's not related to any mechatronic fault.

Good on you, AdamD.

**bobdog** · 01-11-2012, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Candyman

Just be careful though

Some people tend to forget they are in manual mode when they take off

Likewise some who use manual a lot and use auto rarely go to change gear with the stick

I've done it ! On my GTI though when I was getting used to DSG. Rather embarrassing

Lol, I have done that a couple of times, but I quickly learn when I hear the engine

Haven't drive a manual since I sold my 2002 325Ci, that was quite a nice car to drive

**Candyman** · 01-11-2012, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by bobdog

Lol, I have done that a couple of times, but I quickly learn when I hear the engine

Haven't drive a manual since I sold my 2002 325Ci, that was quite a nice car to drive

I drive a manual at weekends and sometimes during the week but always look forward to going back to the DSG, it is that much fun

The R's DSG (well mine) is very well behaved compared to my MKV GTI I owned.

Cleaner shifts, no hesitation, smooth in reverse and low speed.

**Candyman** · 01-11-2012, 11:22 AM

Bob

How are you finding the torque from the R versus the Beemer ?

Should be close in terms of day to day driving but no doubt the Beemer has better response off the mark