Hi guys, I'm currently in the process of speccing up a MK3 Octy VRS TDi Estate with a view to ordering on PCP. I currently have one of these on PCP but am ready to change again and do a new deal. I'm looking to add several more options this time with a view to keeping this next one for a long time and one I'm toying with is the DSG gearbox. Mine is currently a manual but I like the idea of the automatic with flappy paddles and manual mode. I do 18k miles a year mainly Motorway and B-road driving.

How good is the DSG? I've never owned an automatic car and so I'm a bit aprehensive. I've driven automatics before but not a DSG one. Is it worth the extra money? Are there any technical issues/reliability issues with the DSG? Does it make the VRS an even better car than it already is? I need to get a test drive arranged but would value your opinions greatly.

Cheers

Just from what I have read - diesel and DSG is not a great combo.

 

That is all.

I agree, not a DSG/Diesel fan. At all.

Actually not a DSG fan full stop, but they are worse with Diesels. In my experience. And I have tried a few, but not lived with any. Longest trip was 1500 mile round trip to West Coast Scotland.

I know of someone who has owned 3 DSG cars, two Diesels ( Mk2 Vrs 170 and a Scirocco 170) and a Petrol Golf Mk5 Gti. The latter worked much better with the engine, but he still wouldn't buy another DSG

Others think differently, so hopefully your test will be for extended period before you buy.

Edited 19 June, 201510 yr by Bristolf2b

As a driver who has a DSG/diesel combo, I'd tend to disagree with those statements.

 

For someone who's doing the amount of miles that vRSuper1 is then it would be an even bigger tick on the plus side.

Thanks for your opinions guys, much appreciated!

Never tried DSG with petrol but have TDI & DSG and love it!

Just out of interest, why is the DSG/diesel combo bad/poor? Why would it be?

As above a test drive will sort out which you prefer, though as you intend keeping it an extended warranty is worth considering if you do decide to go with the dsg box as they are very exoensive to fix if they do go wrong, though the 6 speed wet clutch one seems more reliable than the 7 speed. Not quite the same animal but I was advised against the dsg for my mk2 TDI vRS by the dealer. Good luck

Previously owned an Octy Mk2  2.0PD with DSG for 4 years. I found it OK and reliable

 

Now own an Octy3 TSI with DSG for 1 year. Also great to drive and no problems.

 

Would never go back to manual now - I've become too lazy!

 

But you need try try it yourself. As you can see there is a variety of opinions, so don't buy without trying.

 

DSG repairs could be expensive. You say you intend keeping the vehicle for a while, so it would make sense to extend the warranty to 5 years when ordering (you can't extend the factory warranty after ordering). Thats what I did for peace of mind.

Why so poor?

Clunky at times, often in traffic in the 1-2 and 2-1 change in slow traffic, counter-intuitive gear lever in "manual" if you don't have the paddles, hatefull slow speed manoeuvring on slopes, slow takeoff when you really want it to go at junctions, I could go on but I am sure there will be others with equally positive reviews

Edited 19 June, 201510 yr by Bristolf2b

Right, lots of interesting points here and a bit to consider guys so once again, many thanks!

My dsg tdi works really well for my needs - I do 35k miles approx a year, rural a roads a and motorway/ dual carriage ways plus town - it's great would have another.

But we deliberately didn't have auto in the scout as the wife drives it on much windier B roads and it's more engaging with manual. The dsg is by no means bad on these roads particularly in sport mode but manual s just more controllable with engine braking etc.

The answer is that either are good, depends on your most type of roads - Devon B roads are very narrow with passing places but up your neck of the woods they could be better than this? One in Scotland I took the dsg on we're great for it.

Not sure where all the hate on Diesel+DSG comes from.

It has a narrower powerband, so 8ms upshifts are surely a good thing to keep it in the sweet spot? - vs a manual box.

I kinda look forwards to learning how to make the DSG do exactly what I want, or in complex situations, just use it as a clutchless manual.


Also, not sure the lack of flappypaddles is all that bad, once you are steering past about 120 degrees your hands are going to move and be in the wrong place for them, but your left hand will always find the gearstick.


I can see why people think manual is more engaging/interesting, but when I want to make my motoring more complex I'll be on the bike micromanaging a perfect line, apex, gear, body position and lean...



I guess my only gripe about the DSG is how the 380nm torque output is right on it's torque limit... kinda limits the ability to remap without worrying about the box.

I had a mk2 vRS diesel DSG and upgraded to a mk3 vRS diesel manual. I very much regret not having the DSG as in real world driving the car is slower.

Lazy commute in auto, fun driving in flappy paddle - but sport mode on the box is a total waste of time.

I want DSG again so much I am looking at changing the car.

Usual advice. Drive both and see which you like. The low down torque and a box that learns how you drive it, I think the DSG & derv is a good combo. This is my third...

Torque limiter only works in 1st and 2nd so, not really an issue, fast get away ? use both feet and release the brake/hit the gas at the same time, you'll find enough shove

 

DSG Diesel combo not so great well, sports mode ain't what it should be but, if you rolling road the car to find the torque bands then use the tiptronic you'll find the shove impressive.  BTW. you will be surprized how early you've gotta upshift but, it works so, its worth going through the process and learning.

I've got a mk3 vrs TDi with DSG.

It's awesome, I love it.

I've got a mk3 vrs TDi with DSG.

It's awesome, I love it.

 

Has your coptor got the DSG box or is it a manual.

Has your coptor got the DSG box or is it a manual.

That's a manual however I'm thinking of having it modified to DSG.

Apologies to the OP for going slightly off topic, but did you manage to sort out the station logos on your head unit?

Edited 20 June, 201510 yr by flyingpigvrs

If you are doing a lot of slow moving traffic driving, then the dsg with front assist is a joy, compared to the third pedal pumping on a manual :-)

I suggest you try a Dsg, floor it and feel how well they slickly upshift without never backing off the power.

Pros and cons for Dsg and manuals. Personal choice and budget prevails. The latter usually being to clincher.

I have covered 30k in 18 months and have the tdi/dsg .

 

It has been perfect and won't go back to the manual. Very smooth.

 

I like the eco mode for coasting down long hills. Strange to see 70 mph at 900 rpm.

 

For a bit of fun I like moving the lever to the left as I can select when to move up and down the gears. The down side is how quickly it gets to the speed limit.

 

I would have another dsg . It is far better than my Volvo XC60 8 speed linked to diesel.

Petrol & DSG love it, doing reverse up a hill takes some doing (OK with practice), but in traffic it's a dream.

Mk2FL diesel dsg. Best car I've had and order a dsg again (petrol this time).

So ok you might miss the enjoyment of chucking it through the box, but now days I rarely get to push the car to make it worth it for the 90% of everyday driving.

Which one should you pick? Test drive both and see which one you like

Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences and opinions guys. Lots to think about and as someone else stated, I suspect the budget side of it will make my mind up in the end.