New Polo problems - Register

**Eaglehawk** · 05-03-2013, 11:48 AM

I agree with the manual or S overriding being a solution to all the problems I've observed. My driving actually involves a bit more gear sticking shifting than normal. I actually use Neutral when going down hills. (This behaviour drives my wife nuts) Of course, VW/Audi now implement this as "coast mode" or something. I've been driving like this since 1997

I have this vague memory of coasting for 1.5km along Dandenong Road in Malvern once...in peak hour...

**alexaescht** · 05-03-2013, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Eaglehawk

I actually use Neutral when going down hills.

Why would you do that? You use less fuel in gear when coasting. And if you need to accelerate to avoid something?

**Melon Head** · 05-03-2013, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by kawabanga

Really Alfasud was exported to Australia...? Can't beleive it...!

Yeah mate. I owned 2 Alfasuds and an Alfa 33. Raced both of the Alfasuds. One of my favourite cars. Bloody fun. Very crappy gearbox though. Synchros would wear out very fast, a bit like changing gears in a truck. Hahaha.
My mate raced at Targa Tasmania in one, and the very first year he entered that race, he won it (in the cars division).

**Eaglehawk** · 05-03-2013, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by alexaescht

Why would you do that? You use less fuel in gear when coasting. And if you need to accelerate to avoid something?

I find the slight engine braking even in D still slows down the car more than putting it into neutral. Yes, the engine isn't fuel when you're in D (well, according to the instant consumption), but the higher speed I keep seems to make up for it. I always thought it did save fuel, so why are car companies now doing it? *shrug*

**alexaescht** · 05-03-2013, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Eaglehawk

I find the slight engine braking even in D still slows down the car more than putting it into neutral. Yes, the engine isn't fuel when you're in D (well, according to the instant consumption), but the higher speed I keep seems to make up for it. I always thought it did save fuel, so why are car companies now doing it? *shrug*

Ok that's fine I was just wondering

The coast mode on the new Passat and Tiguan is really good, keeps the engine nice and quiet until you brake or accelerate then it shoves it back into gear without even being able to feel it.

**Guest001** · 05-03-2013, 09:37 PM

Can I ask why you would buy an auto and then drive it in manual.

Why not buy the manual and save some money.

Coasting in neutral is fraught with danger as well especially downhill.

Try the hills into Adelaide and see whats left at the bottom.

Yes you have been doing it for years so it must be OK.

How many times have I heard that.

**gavs** · 06-03-2013, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Can I ask why you would buy an auto and then drive it in manual.

Why not buy the manual and save some money.

Coasting in neutral is fraught with danger as well especially downhill.

Try the hills into Adelaide and see whats left at the bottom.

Yes you have been doing it for years so it must be OK.

How many times have I heard that.

Aside from the GTI only coming in "auto" I personally have found the D mode of the DSG an annoyance so I drive most of the time (80% would be a safe guess) in manual. People forget that it is a manual gearbox that is controlled by a computer.

**Zakarados** · 06-03-2013, 09:02 AM

This probably isn't a problem but more of a safety feature, but I have noticed something very annoying.

When driving in manual, and driving HARD, in first when getting close to redline the gearbox will automatically change up to second, then I attempt the up shift thinking I am still in first, leaving me in third gear and with no power/torque.

I know this is probably to protect the engine, but isn't that what the rev limiter is for?

**gavs** · 06-03-2013, 09:13 AM

Yeah, the car will always up shift at redline and won't downshift if it doesn't like the amount of revs it will drop to when you try and downshift at a certain rev range. It also won't up shift if you request it below 1800rpm in the first 4 gears.

For ~$900 you can have this changed however.

**Zakarados** · 06-03-2013, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by gavs

Yeah, the car will always up shift at redline and won't downshift if it doesn't like the amount of revs it will drop to when you try and downshift at a certain rev range. It also won't up shift if you request it below 1800rpm in the first 4 gears.

For ~$900 you can have this changed however.

Thanks for clarifying... silly though... so best to do sprints from dig in Sports mode?