I think I've whittled my choice of cars from 4 to 2, but now I'm not sure which box to choose.

(I've dropped the idea of diesel as I don't now do the miles to warrant the extra cost of it, I do approx 6k a year.)

So which do I go for a DSG or Manual??

The two cars in the running are:

1/ A vRS 2,0 TFSi

2/ A Octavia 1,8 TSi (Elegance)

Can you guys say what the pros & cons of each one are please.

Also how easy is a DSG car to drive, as I've never driven a "automatic" or "semi-auto" car before so am needless to say a little apprehensive about it.

Ta.

DSG is superb, I'd have it if I bought a new car.

In auto, it's smooth and easy. In manual it'll hold on till you change.

Either way you won't feel the shift unless you've buried the throttle!

DSG is superb, I'd have it if I bought a new car.

In auto, it's smooth and easy. In manual it'll hold on till you change.

Either way you won't feel the shift unless you've buried the throttle!

Ditto - its great, even better if it now comes with paddles

The DSG in my car (Vrs cr diesel) is just magic I cant recommend it enough smooth change, instant with the paddle change.

Drive both, buy the one you enjoy the most.

The 1.8 TSI is a really sweet, smooth motor, but the 2.0 TFSI has a bit more mumbo when you really get up it.

DSGs are a bit controversial (here in Oz a number have had to hve the mechatronic control unit replaced under warranty). If you do lots of driving in stop start traffic then DSG is probably the go, but will cost you more to buy in the first place.

I prefer the manuals myself (I've driven a number of DSGs, but I just prefer the driving experience of a manual).

If you go for the TSi you get the newer 'dry' 7 speed DSG as opposed to the older 'wet' 6 speed version. The 'dry' version has the same performance as the equivalent manual but emissions are lower together with better economy. This is not the case with the heavier 6 speed 'wet' version compared to its manual counterpart.

The new 7 speed DSG is a great transmission.

According to the sales pack and website looks like its 6 speed unless I'm reading it wrong??

According to the sales pack and website looks like its 6 speed unless I'm reading it wrong??

1.4 TSi & 1.8 TSi are 7 speed 'dry type' DSGs which come with standard ESP & Hill Hold.

DSG boxes are great until they go wrong..........

You could same the same about manual gearboxes, but when did you last hear of a manual gearbox failure? And compare the cost of changing/repairing a manual box vs DSG.

Then there is the comparative cost of clutches.......

So how long does a DSG box last on average then?

Because if it's more than 25k it'll be fine, as I'm only likely to notch up 18-20k in 3 years, after that the car won't be with me as I usually change them every 30-34 months, if funds permit.

So how long does a DSG box last on average then?

Because if it's more than 25k it'll be fine, as I'm only likely to notch up 18-20k in 3 years, after that the car won't be with me as I usually change them every 30-34 months, if funds permit.

There are plenty of posts on here backing up the DSGs longevity/reliability. Two postings that spring to mind are a 240,000Km example and a 150,000Km example, both trouble free according to the owners. They are 'wet' 6 speed boxes as the 'dry' 7 speed is too new for those kind of mileages yet. Some on here get a tad paranoid regarding DSG reliability. OK, if they go wrong and are out of warranty it could be expensive but so could a manual also.

The best thing about a DSG, is that it has stopped me shouting at other drivers. I'm now a "Happy Driver"! The whole commuting experiance is a pleasure, no stress, just apleasure!

PS. Buy the car for what it is and what it can do for you. Not what might happen.

I’ve just swapped back to a manual after having a DSG for 18 months. I liked it a lot but the driving experience was just lacking and there are flaws in it when pressing on.

Also in traffic going slowly it was sometimes jerky which drove me mad! This was on a 2.0TDI though, the 1.8TSI sounds like a different bag altogether so test drive both before you order your car.

Another thing to bear in mind if you are after the VRS is that a manual car wont have the multifunction steering wheel. You only get that on the DSG VRS for some STUPID reason !!!

Usually DSG cars have lower MPG also. Not much, but a decider for many...

Usually DSG cars have lower MPG also. Not much, but a decider for many...

Not sure how they work this out. Without exception, all Diesel DSGs have higher fuel consumptions compared to their manual counterparts.

The 1.9TDi DSG does 8mpg less in urban and 11mpg less in extra urban.

The petrols are a bit of a mixed bag, however only the 1.8TSi has a better overall fuel consumption.

The 1.4TSi DSG does 2mpg more in urban and 3 mpg less in extra urban.

The 1.8TSi DSG does 2mpg more in each discipline.

The 2.0TFSi DSG does slightly less mpg in each discipline.

Very confusing.:confused:

A bit of a myth from the dealers here I think. The figures have changed for the benefit of the manuals for MY10.

Edited 11 August, 200916 yr by Gers
Spelling error

Which is what I said :confused:

Sorry Gadgetman, not trying to be argumentative, but I thought you were trying to say that the DSG had better fuel consumption figures.

Having read your post again, you have said that the DSG usually has lower mpg, which of course means a worse fuel consumption.:rkick:

Apologies for that.:handshke: Friends???

Usually DSG cars have lower MPG also. Not much, but a decider for many...

I think mine does very roughly what I'd get from a manual- maybe a couple of MPG less.

There are plenty of posts on here backing up the DSGs longevity/reliability. Two postings that spring to mind are a 240,000Km example and a 150,000Km example, both trouble free according to the owners. They are 'wet' 6 speed boxes as the 'dry' 7 speed is too new for those kind of mileages yet. Some on here get a tad paranoid regarding DSG reliability. OK, if they go wrong and are out of warranty it could be expensive but so could a manual also.

The 240,000kms is now 255,000kms and its still pullin strong without any glitches (touch wood). If you use the car as a work vehicle its a no brainer for me but as some of the lads have said, take each for a good long test drive and decide.

The 240,000kms is now 255,000kms and its still pullin strong without any glitches (touch wood). If you use the car as a work vehicle its a no brainer for me but as some of the lads have said, take each for a good long test drive and decide.

Pleased to hear it, there's not many that cover that sort of mileage. If your well proven record does not inspire DSG confidence, then nothing will.

Well I've had my test drive today in a 170 CR vRS DSG & was very impressed by the engine, it's so quiet I genuinely at first thought it was a petrol!

As for the driving experience, very impressed once I got going, but I did notice that in traffic that the box seemed a little in decisive you could feel it ever so slightly going up & down repeatedly as if it couldn't quite find exactly the right gear. Is this normal?

Took it for a spin out on the A331 and tried an overtaking maneuver and I found when it did kickdown it revved like it wasn't in gear for a second or two, again is this normal?

But it absolutely flew, it got to 80 so quickly I didn't notice it, good job the boys in blue weren't about...

The out & out pulling power of this car is incredible absolutely superb.

Build quality, I'd say is better than my Golf! I cannot knock it at all.

Now, would I buy one with a DSG box is the question & the answer is I don't know, the test drive has left me utterly undecided, I think it was the twitchiness that I felt at around the 25-35 mark has left me unsure. :confused:

I dont know what was up with the one you drove but they are not normally indecisive or free revving. You also have to get used to it a little bit if you have not driven one before. I do not agree about the MPG being less either, get the DSG!

Well I've had my test drive today in a 170 CR vRS DSG & was very impressed by the engine, it's so quiet I genuinely at first thought it was a petrol!

As for the driving experience, very impressed once I got going, but I did notice that in traffic that the box seemed a little in decisive you could feel it ever so slightly going up & down repeatedly as if it couldn't quite find exactly the right gear. Is this normal?

Took it for a spin out on the A331 and tried an overtaking maneuver and I found when it did kickdown it revved like it wasn't in gear for a second or two, again is this normal?

But it absolutely flew, it got to 80 so quickly I didn't notice it, good job the boys in blue weren't about...

The out & out pulling power of this car is incredible absolutely superb.

Build quality, I'd say is better than my Golf! I cannot knock it at all.

Now, would I buy one with a DSG box is the question & the answer is I don't know, the test drive has left me utterly undecided, I think it was the twitchiness that I felt at around the 25-35 mark has left me unsure. :confused:

You should try a TSi with the 7 speed box - if you can locate one.

Indiana, brilliant write up, can you please go and try the 6 speed manual CR 170 diesel now and compare!, I have been astonished by the CR 170 and it’s pulling power too, never had a car that is as good as this for overtaking in 3rd and 4th gear. Interested in anyone’s comparison of the DSG & 6 speed manual with the same CR 170 engine.