TDI manual

[trueman]

Hi
Looking at a Tig tdi manual. Anyone here have much experience?
I have heard it can be easy to stall etc
The fuel economy is much better than the auto (stated figures)
Thanks

[NZTiguan]

Hi
Looking at a Tig tdi manual. Anyone here have much experience?
I have heard it can be easy to stall etc
The fuel economy is much better than the auto (stated figures)
Thanks

There were some early issues with the dual-mass flywheel in the manual not liking the low down torque of the diesel, at least one in GB was actually swopped for a new auto and there have been a number recently complaining about gearbox noises !! Personally I have the auto, get fantastic fuel economy and feel that the auto box is even better suited to the diesel than the petrol model. In "D" it starts in 2nd (effortlessly) and holds 6th up all but the steepest of hills. If it was me I'd have the auto every time but it's personal preference in the end. Remember the auto is GREAT for off-road (no chance of a stall etc etc) and has tiptronic and sport mode as well.

Cheers

[trueman]

Thanks for that advice

[duncan]

I've got the manual, way prefer it to the auto, but I've never been a fan of slushboxes.
THe 6 speed box has a very low 1st gear (good for off road). THat combined with peaky torque range means you are never going to win a drag at the lights. But once you're into 2nd and beyond it pulls strongly and shifts cleanly and smoothly.
Its really nice to drive. And fun too, especially when you learn which gear is best for what speed to stay in the torque band.

The only thing I don't like is the electronic handbrake and the auto hold function. With the auto hold function you need to provide more revs than you normally would to pull away as you need to overcome the brakeforce for the autohold to disengage, which is a bit un-natural, but you learn to compensate.
What really urks me is the way it activate at low speeds when you're manouvering, even the VW dealer said to turn it off then. But you forget and it turns on and you stall. Damn annoying.
So I don't use it.
But the electronic handbrake lacks feel and you need to time its release correctly. No revs and try to release, it won't unless your foots on the brake pedal. Release it too late after applying revs and lifting the clutch and the servo takes a while to release so you stall. You do get it, but it takes time and its not intuitive.
For a manual a standard handbrake would be much better. The auto hold feature works great for an auto by stopping the torque converter taking the load to do a similar thing.
But does it really do anything better than a good old trusty handbrake? Nup. Its the only thing about the Tig that give me the ****s. A solution to something that wasn't a problem.

[harrip]

I drive the TDi Auto and love it and my opinion of the electronic handbrake would be the opposite of Duncan's as I love it. I can imagine it not being as user friendly in a manual as an Auto.

[NZTiguan]

I drive the TDi Auto and love it and my opinion of the electronic handbrake would be the opposite of Duncan's as I love it. I can imagine it not being as user friendly in a manual as an Auto.

Yep, I think that's the general consensus from what I've read. Most auto drivers just love it, most manual drivers loath it. I'm in the auto camp to and feel that the eBrake in general is just so smooth and uncomplicated that all cars should have it !!! That said, I think if I had a manual I'd be cursing the day it was invented !!

Cheers