Thanks for this! I have a 2018 2.0d DSG Sportline from new and I first noticed this noise after around 6 months in 2019 - but left it until first service to mention to dealer. If Id known what to to do at the time I would have rejected the car. Basically I was then forever in and out of the dealership - only to get a final diagnosis of 'characteristic'. Trouble is, once you hear the noise - you cant miss it and it can drive you mad. I tried an alternative dealer for a second opinion - then COVID lockdown came along and everything just got difficult. I have kept my sanity by taking out all in service packages so I have maintained vw warranty - and noise is still the same at 55k. But thanks to the info here I am going to change the gearbox mount - worth a try. Will post an update afterwards.