I've recently ordered an S3 with quite a few options, but having spent a while browsing the forum, am wondering whether I've missed a couple that I might have undervalued first-time-round. 

 

Firstly, the forward looking camera; Which (min cost) option is it that ensures the camera is added to the build? If it isn't too expensive I might add this in just so the hardware is there to enable further options in future (or tweaks with VCDS). I.e. Have I made a mistake not to add it already?

 

Secondly, have I made a mistake not going for the MFSW with DSG paddles? I thought DSG's were best left doing their own thing, but I'm now a bit anxious that there isn't *any* way to manually adjust gear selections without the paddles (have I got that right?). At £95, is it worth just including them anyway, even if they were to never get used?

 

The spec I ordered as it stands:

 

* 1.4 TSI 150 ACT SE L Exec DSG
* Candy white
* Black leather
* Canton sound system
* 17" Helios alloys
* Color maxi dot
* Dynamic chassis control
* Heated washer nozzles
* Heated windscreen
* Keyless entry system
* LED package plus
* Full size spare wheel
* Variable boot floor

 

My build week is 35, so I think I probably have time to make minor adjustments to options hopefully without altering the B/W too much. :s

 

Any help / advice would be much appreciated. 

Having a dsg car I'd say paddles are a must to quickly change down a gear to overtake etc.

You can manually shift on the stick though.

Having a dsg car I'd say paddles are a must to quickly change down a gear to overtake etc.

You can manually shift on the stick though.

Ah, I didn't know that you could manually shift on the stick. I thought it just had Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Sport. Can you knock up and down then whilst you're in Drive or Sport?

Yes. You move the 'gear lever' to the left from drive and then either go up or down the gears by flicking the lever up or down. (just as quick as the paddles)

 

You get an indication on the maxidot showing which gear you are using whether you are in full auto or semi auto.

 

I didnt spec the paddles as I never used them in my previous car but I do live in a 'retro' world where you use the lever to change gear; never remembered to use the paddles instead 

The paddles are invaluable IMHO and well worth the cost. The DSG is a smooth and capable unit, but it hasn't got eyes and a brain. While it will adequately sense you slowing down for a roundabout or corner and anticipate a down change, it's still nowhere near as nicely balanced as the driver knowing what's coming and setting up early.

Manually dropping to 2nd or 3rd once your entry speed is set and then being able to accelerate through the hazard with the car's weight already balanced is ideal. It feels smoother, allows you to carry more speed, and doesn't upset the balance or weight distribution mid manoeuvre. Leaving it in D is OK too, and most drivers wouldn't notice the difference. However, you're going to end up slower, having the box change gear mid corner, and it won't feel as hunkered down on the road.

In short? It's £95, get them added on!

Yes. You move the 'gear lever' to the left from drive and then either go up or down the gears by flicking the lever up or down. (just as quick as the paddles)

 

You get an indication on the maxidot showing which gear you are using whether you are in full auto or semi auto.

 

I didnt spec the paddles as I never used them in my previous car but I do live in a 'retro' world where you use the lever to change gear; never remembered to use the paddles instead 

 

I gather the paddles spin with the wheel too, as opposed to staying stationary like the indicators. That would be a nightmare - trying to flick through radio stations or change volume on my current car when cornering leaves me feeling very uncomfortable when the buttons aren't where I expect them to be. Must be much more dangerous if you're trying to get a lower gear and can't find the paddle quickly enough. :S

The paddles are invaluable IMHO and well worth the cost. The DSG is a smooth and capable unit, but it hasn't got eyes and a brain. While it will adequately sense you slowing down for a roundabout or corner and anticipate a down change, it's still nowhere near as nicely balanced as the driver knowing what's coming and setting up early.

Manually dropping to 2nd or 3rd once your entry speed is set and then being able to accelerate through the hazard with the car's weight already balanced is ideal. It feels smoother, allows you to carry more speed, and doesn't upset the balance or weight distribution mid manoeuvre. Leaving it in D is OK too, and most drivers wouldn't notice the difference. However, you're going to end up slower, having the box change gear mid corner, and it won't feel as hunkered down on the road.

In short? It's £95, get them added on!

 

I would have been dropping down on my manual stick though, as I am now, so being able to do that still via the DSG stick is putting me off going for paddles a bit.

 

I hardly ever drive with 2 hands on the wheel. In fact, I tend to steer with the right hand, and have the left on the gear stick most of the time. I assume the left paddle drops a gear and the right raises? In theory it sounds nice to be able to flick with a left finger to drop a gear, but in practice I feel as though my left hand will probably have to find the paddle first (in which time it'd have just as easily found the DSG stick?).

 

I don't know, I guess its the kind of thing you don't really know whether you'll find it valuable until you've had/used it for a couple of weeks real-world driving. 

I gather the paddles spin with the wheel too, as opposed to staying stationary like the indicators. That would be a nightmare - trying to flick through radio stations or change volume on my current car when cornering leaves me feeling very uncomfortable when the buttons aren't where I expect them to be. Must be much more dangerous if you're trying to get a lower gear and can't find the paddle quickly enough. :S

If you're in the right position, speed and a flexible gear for the hazard (corner, junction, roundabout etc) then you wouldn't need to change gear midway. It upsets the balance of the car, slows you down and can be a distraction. Set the position, speed and gear - eg second - on approach, steer smoothly through with enough gas to settle the car, and then increase the throttle proportionate to the letting off of steering lock. As the wheel goes straight the throttle increases to the max required for the desired acceleration, then change up where required.

The wheel will be straight by then, you really shouldn't be changing gear when the wheels aren't straight. Try it and see. Not only is it safer, but it's smoother and faster too.

ETA: If you're driving with one hand off the wheel then the above would be more difficult, but you shouldn't be doing that anyway. :p

Edited 4 June, 201610 yr by Derv

It really does depend on your driving style. As I said, it sounds as though your natural style is similar to mine. In which case I bet you will never use those paddles !! Instinct is a very difficult thing to 'learn out' especially if like me you have a few years of instinct to overcome.

 

You can balance the car as described by Derv just as easily using the lever. It is, after all, perfectly safe to change gear in a manual car which requires taking your hand from the wheel to do so.

 

As usual, different strokes for different ???

Edited 4 June, 201610 yr by Sagalout

I find the paddles very useful and use them every day - mainly because the DSG program is so poor and slow at reacting out of corners, and I can keep both hands on the wheel though having learned in the pre-paddle days I'm comfortable with either.

When I learned 4 decades ago now, keeping a hand on the gear-lever was both frowned upon and bad for the gearbox as it causes excessive wear on the selectors - less of an issue today on autos with no direct mechanical connection between the shift and the box. I assume the DSG and shifter unit do have a mechanical connection (?) but I haven't checked that.

Edited 4 June, 201610 yr by FelisBengalensis

It really does depend on your driving style. As I said, it sounds as though your natural style is similar to mine. In which case I bet you will never use those paddles !! Instinct is a very difficult thing to 'learn out' especially if like me you have a few years of instinct to overcome.

You can balance the car as described by Derv just as easily using the lever. It is, after all, perfectly safe to change gear in a manual car which requires taking your hand from the wheel to do so.

As usual, different strokes for different ???

Quite so mate. I didn't say it was unsafe to use a gear stick, just that the paddles are very much more convenient on a sequential box. I only said it was less safe to change gear mid manoeuvre - whatever the box and however you achieve it - as it unbalances the vehicle at a time when it's under extra forces (centrifugal, slip angle on the tyres, front or back weight transfer etc).

I ordered paddles to USE THEM

Would a DSG used car without paddles put anyone off? 

I might just go for them, slightly increased resale value would be a good second reason to go for it (I need at least two reasons to do anything). ;D

Would a DSG used car without paddles put anyone off?

I might just go for them, slightly increased resale value would be a good second reason to go for it (I need at least two reasons to do anything). ;D

I suspect it's much the same as above. Those of us who make full use of them wouldn't buy a car without them. Those who don't use them probably wouldn't notice either way. Don't spec your car to suit the next buyer, spec it to suit yourself and enjoy it.

If you want the camera just in case, you should spec traffic sign recognition. At £85 it's the cheapest way to get the camera included. You should then be able to get lane assist added through VCDS (you definitely can on current builds but I gather there is a small risk MY2017 builds could have something different, but I think unlikely).

Any thoughts on the camera?

 

Oh sorry maffyou, just seen your post. 

Edited 4 June, 201610 yr by tph216

I had paddles on a previous A8 and hardly used them, preferring to use the gear stick as controller for the sequential box ( on the A8 it was an 8 speed auto box). I have found with the Skoda if you put the box in sport and the throttle in sport it gets it right most of the time, but if you do want full control then flicking the box into manual works fine. My suggestion would be at £95 if you think you are ever going to use them then spec them as retrofitting them would be very costly..

The traffic sign recognition is ok, it occasionally gets fooled by speed limits on slip roads etc, but it is the cheapest way to get the camera!

My only other observation is that with your spec wouldn't it be worth getting the l&k esp if you are worried about the resale value as most of the extras that you have listed are standard on the l&k?

My only other observation is that with your spec wouldn't it be worth getting the l&k esp if you are worried about the resale value as most of the extras that you have listed are standard on the l&k?

I thought this too, but as the OP has gone for the 1.4 TSI, which I assume is a deliberate choice, you can't get the L&K with that engine. I'm guessing that's why speccing all the extras on an SE L. Although I also wonder if it would be cheaper to get the 2.0 TSI L&K than pay for the options?

I would have been dropping down on my manual stick though, as I am now, so being able to do that still via the DSG stick is putting me off going for paddles a bit.

 

I hardly ever drive with 2 hands on the wheel. In fact, I tend to steer with the right hand, and have the left on the gear stick most of the time. I assume the left paddle drops a gear and the right raises? In theory it sounds nice to be able to flick with a left finger to drop a gear, but in practice I feel as though my left hand will probably have to find the paddle first (in which time it'd have just as easily found the DSG stick?).

 

I don't know, I guess its the kind of thing you don't really know whether you'll find it valuable until you've had/used it for a couple of weeks real-world driving.

Why don't you have both hands on the wheel? In an emergency you're more likely to want to turn then change gear. Try turning the wheel to the right with only the right hand on it quickly, unless you're going to say you'd use the palm of your hand to spin the wheel.

Would a DSG used car without paddles put anyone off? 

I might just go for them, slightly increased resale value would be a good second reason to go for it (I need at least two reasons to do anything). ;D

95 quid paddles will matter diddly squat in re-sale value buddy.

95 quid paddles will matter diddly squat in re-sale value buddy.

 

Considering only resale value, as in the price you get back, sure. However to be fair I think he meant more the desirability and saleability of the car with or without the option. If you skip an option costing even just £10, but it's something the car is poorer without and nobody wants a car without it, you've really hurt your 'value' down the line. For £95 I'll say again, just get them. When you've even got options like heated washer nozzles (how useful are they without a heated tank and pipes in really freezing weather?), I wouldn't skimp on something that directly affects the driving experience for so little cash. JMHO.

I've recently ordered an S3 with quite a few options, but having spent a while browsing the forum, am wondering whether I've missed a couple that I might have undervalued first-time-round.

Firstly, the forward looking camera; Which (min cost) option is it that ensures the camera is added to the build? If it isn't too expensive I might add this in just so the hardware is there to enable further options in future (or tweaks with VCDS). I.e. Have I made a mistake not to add it already?[/font][/color]

I wanted an answer to this question back in Nov 15 when I ordered mine. No one had it and now I have my car I can tell you the tail.

Spec the Traffic Sign Recognition option at £85. That gets you a camera ad I had it ticked then removed it as I thought I would get the camera with something else, but didn't!

With that camera you can now have Lane Assist (£850 option) and HBA (High Beam Assist) coded via VCDS for some beer tokens.

They cracked the coding about 2 weeks before I took delivery, so the first word out of my mouth when I saw my new car for first time (without a camera) was a swear word. If I keep this car 10 years, I'll hate myself for about 9.95 of them as all I wanted was Lane Assist! I'm not made of money so £850 for a bit of coding and a camera was too steep a price to spec.

I deselected TSR and swapped it for Auto Hold (£100). That is a fantastic option and we'll worth the money. I wouldn't spec Smartgate (useless and buggy) or colour Maxi DOT (unless you have enough spare £££.

So add TSR (for lane assist & HBA) and Auto Hold (really good) for a total of £185. With those you should be good for a couple of freebees via a VCDS owner worth over £1000 dealer specced!!!

I wouldn't spec KESSY, if you do keep your keys in a metal tine at home away from the outer walls of the house. A colleague of mine just had both his RRover Sports pinched from his drive by the dudes cloning his keys sat outside his kitchen window with a laptop. Caught them on his CCTV 3 nights on the trot but only after they had taken both of his cars!

CANTON - I wanted it also but again it compromised my budget at £600. I must say though that the standard Audio system isn't half bad. Good bass and not overly trebily (is that a word?) like my outgoing Octavia was. I'm happy with it n glad I didn't fork out now.

Edited 5 June, 201610 yr by blahde2

My only other observation is that with your spec wouldn't it be worth getting the l&k esp if you are worried about the resale value as most of the extras that you have listed are standard on the l&k?

 

Yeah maffyou is right, it was because I wanted the 1.4 TSI. 

 

I looked briefly at the 2.0 TSI in L&K, but it just isn't as economical (tax, insurance, mpg). Plus the RRP's are £26,675 vs £31,550. I haven't spec'ed £4,875's worth of options (more like £3,500's worth), so my spec is less on RRP, and then I got about 14% discount via the best dealer from carwow. 

Why don't you have both hands on the wheel? In an emergency you're more likely to want to turn then change gear. Try turning the wheel to the right with only the right hand on it quickly, unless you're going to say you'd use the palm of your hand to spin the wheel.

 

I tend to assess and adapt as the road and surroundings change. When situation calls for it, I do actually use two hands on the wheel.

 

I was thinking about this today whilst driving home though. There can't be that many situations where you'd want or need to turn quickly to the right (into oncoming traffic!)? :s

I wouldn't spec KESSY, if you do keep your keys in a metal tine at home away from the outer walls of the house. A colleague of mine just had both his RRover Sports pinched from his drive by the dudes cloning his keys sat outside his kitchen window with a laptop. Caught them on his CCTV 3 nights on the trot but only after they had taken both of his cars!

 

Thanks for the response blahde2, it was very useful. 

 

I've already spec'ed the list I posted (two weeks ago), but am pretty content with it. I have read the concerns about KESSY, but I'm just going to try and make the best of it. At least I'm aware of the potential vulnerabilities, and can make sure I'm storing my keys in a faraday cage at home etc...etc... Those faraday bags you get seem a bit silly. The point of keyless entry is to not have to faff about with the keys when you're coming up to your car. Having to find your key, and take it out a bag... might as well just have a normal central locking key with a button. :s