No manual GTI was the dealbreaker

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Originally Posted by RoknRob

I really don't understand why anyone would not want the most performing option in a performance oriented vehicle.

I really enjoy driving manual, too, but the fact is the DSG (and let's not forget the GTI comes with paddles) let's you go quicker.

I rest my case.

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Because driver involvement is more fun than just going fast. Try riding a Jap 600 SuperSports anywhere close to the speed limits and then ride a Ducati 900SS (which is slower in just about every quantitative metric)

I rest my case.

But I cannot understand anyone who prefers the looks of a 9N3 to a 6R - and I own a 9N3 :P But then I also like the look of the MkVI Golf (and can't stand the look of any recent Subaru)

Apples, I was going to hit on you - asiastic chick who likes to drive - until you mentioned the fiance ;)

But the paddles ALLOW for driver involvement. That's my point. You can still shift, it just happens quicker than a blink of an eye. (or should I say ;) of an eye! )

The mechanics of getting a clean shift, especially downshifting, is a real joy to me - it's just not the same with a DSG. It's a bit like setting a lap record in Gran Turismo vs driving at the back of the field for real (OK, no where near that but the sentiment is similar).
And the DSG in traffic can be a real pain - I much prefer a manual in the inner city crawl.

I hear what you are saying, and I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I love manuals, too, but in this instance, for me, anyway, the benefits outweigh the negatives.

I am hoping you can clarify how the DSG can possibly be worse in the innercity crawl, though. The beauty of being able to let it do the work for you in that instance must surely make it superior. Obviously, I have not had the experience myself, but I was convinced it could only be a good thing, for rush hour traffic.

The ideal for me would be a DSG box which had a manual mode that allowed one to shift gears like a proper manual (stickshift with a clutch pedal).

When you want some fun, throw it in manual mode and drive it like a stickshift but in heavy traffic, put it in auto and let the DSG box do it's thing.

While I like the DSG Boxes on both my Golfs, I do sometimes miss the stickshift in my old Ford laser.

I like my 9N3, I like the front of the new Polo and rear lights, that's about it.

You can compare new to old all day, but I want a clutch. I love slipping around in the wet with traction off, new cars have too many electronics getting in the way of good ol' fun...

The new GTI engine is a great balance of Power vs economy, the old GTI has a lot more tuning potential.

For the new crew, take a look at Plautos' build thread. THATS what a GTI should be...

Stock vs Stock, new one has it. Modded vs modded, it wil be interesting to see.

Lets meet at Wakefield in a few months to compare.

I'm now a convert to the new Polo GTI & the DSG, took me a while to get used to it, but know I have a grasp of "D" mode & "S" mode & a better understanding of the hill hold thing - I think it's awesome.

Believe me, the new Polo GTI will kick ass on the track with a little work, the new chassis is good, and the power delivery is smooooth

I'm not saying for a moment that DSG with paddle shifters won't be FASTER when hustling along - I'm saying it won't be as FUN when not trying to drive flat out (ie most of the time).

And the DSGs I have driven can get confused in stop start traffic making for jerky progress. Maybe the Polo GTi will be programmed better for crawling along.

I don't mind doing lots of shifts so a manual in traffic has never bothered me

I think the new 6R shape/stance is much nicer than the 9N(3) but some of the detailing is not quite as cohesive as the MkVI Golf, especially the mismatch between the head and tail lights. The 9N(3) just looks dumpy and frumpy - maybe that's why so many (inc GTi's) are driven by middle aged women.

I got stuck in traffic on the freeway yesterday, the DSG was awesome for the "crawl" - mind you, its my first DSG daily driver so I can't compare it to the 6 speed DSG or older models. Smooth as silk in "D" mode.

Hey.....I'm almost at middle age and I like the 6R shape! :(