I've already ordered my 1.8tsi with the DSG gearbox, but since placing my order I've been given the chance of borrowing a caravan as long as I get a tow bar fitted to my own car.

I know from everything i've read that the 170CR manual diesel would have been the best choice for towing but has anyone got any experience of towing with the 1.8 tsi and especially with the DSG box?

Don't know about the 1.8 (I have a 170 TDi), but for towing the DSG box is excellent. On the very rare occasioon that you need manual control you can do it with the tiptronic.

To be honest, apart from long steep downhills where I might want to lock a lower gear, I just put it into D and let it do its stuff.

I have just had a 1.8 TSI DSG and used it to tow my van. It is a bit heavy for the car at 1463 kg MTPLM but pulls it well. I find the DSG very good on the motorway, but at hills does tend to go 7,6,5,6. Not really a problem. On smaller roads I use it in manual as I feel more in control reacting to what I can see before the box reacts tho what is happening. It gives a better and smoother ride. The big gear lever and the seamless changes make it enjoyable.

Coming up the M5 last weekend in very strong winds it was very stable. Impressed, but the TDI is probably better

Scott

Use of the caravan will be only occasional (when the father-in-law isn't away in it) and will probably be short runs as I can only see us getting away for weekends most of the time.

I draw my conclusion from your replies not to worry about the DSG gearbox and as long as I don't pack the kitchen sink the 1.8 should be acceptable.