I know its been asked several times on different models but whose got what and why and impressions, I had heart set on manual but there's a few more better specced 230s around but in dsg, I would test drive but local dealers don't have any 230s in, cheers all

For Pete's sake don't start that discussion again!!

The 230 can no longer be ordered in UK so a new manual coming up on the market is less likely, so you may be stuck with dsg option

The gearboxes in the 220 and 230 are identical so test drive the 220 versions and you can make your own mind up.

But if your heart is really, REALLY set on a manual then there will always be that nagging "if only" thought in the back of your mind as you drive your dsg equipped model.

No one is ever happy with just 90% contentment these days.

 

When I were a lad we couldn't afford to put air in't tyres, but we were happy

Edited 10 August, 20169 yr by Gerrycan

I see you are in hampshire....long way to me but if you wanted to drive mine you are more than welcome - Its a manual

 

As for the manual vs dsg well I can share my thoughts as I currently own a golf edition 30 dsg remapped to 300 and a manual octavia 230 and drive both during the week.

 

If you want an easy driving car that you will use every day and contend with traffic queueing and have a blast every now and then, well the dsg is perfect. It's downsides are a slight loss in overall feeling of control.

 

Although you can drop gears by interrupting 'drive' or 'sport' mode by blipping the steering paddles and forcing it to drop down, it's not quite the same feeling. For example if you do so and say blip down into third ready to overtake or whatever and don't accelerate within a few secs then it automatically shifts up again. This can be bettered by sliding the lever across into manual but even then the 'experience' of just pressing a paddle or pushing the lever up or down is a little muted - like not being fully in control as such; although you are.

 

The complete opposite to the above applies to manual - can get tedious when queueing like any other manual, but the clutch is light and progressive and the gear change is smooth. When having a blast, well its just normal manual fare and it's easier to drive fast.

 

During general driving with DSG it does have some small flaws - can sometimes be a little jerky in low gears every so often. Also in situations like approaching a roundabout and you see a gap and decide to take it then it might not be in the gear you anticipate. This results in not accelerating how you expect, you naturally depress the throttle more and then it drops a gear and you surge forward. Not a major problem, just an inevitable side effect of having our brain wanting or expecting something and a software program deciding for you.

 

Overall, if you are a keen driver and are buying a vrs to drive and have fun in and really appreciate its engine and dynamics then for me it has to be a manual 'box, if you are not too bothered about the final 10% of enjoyment and control then the dsg is fantastic and highly recommended.

 

Just my personal view - if you are buying a vRS for its merits as a fast car and fun then I can't see the point in muting the experience with a dsg compromise as in my opinion a true performance model (excluding exotic cars) is still a manual car.

 

If you are happy to accept minor compromises and have an overall easier driving experience the DSG.

 

The thing is, you could test drive the DSG and in the confines of a 15 min test drive then it will appear perfect, the minor niggles only become apparent after experiencing lots of different driving situations.

 

I do love the DSG and despite it's niggles it's great, it really is. But having driven manual cars for 25 years, it does take some accepting of the loss in overall input required to drive.

I'm the opposite way in fact.  After driving a succession of fairly powerful sports coupes for 20+ years, I was lining up to buy a 230 in manual guise.  Turned up for a test drive to discover the garage concerned had just got one in DSG form.  Loved it so much I changed the spec for my order,

 

What Wakey says about the occasional hesitation in the lower gears is true, but that's mainly because you've not done quite what it was anticipating you'd do.  Having driven mine for a month now I find I've adapted my driving style a little when approaching roundabouts and junctions where I may just decide to go at the last minute.  It seems to give it a better idea of what I'm about to do, so we're both much happier.

 

In the end it really does come down to a matter of choice, so try both boxes if you can get the chance.

Small island nation with millions of cars all wanting road space equals traffic and lots of it. So you will spend a lot of time in traffic crawling along. That's where a dsg will shine.

Tbh, if you drive normally and on normal roads a dsg is good enough which would satisfy most drivers.

If however you only drive your octavia on a track a dsg may feel a little slow, dim-witted and not so focused.

DSG for me.  I find the manual setting on the flappy paddles and stick more than satisfying.  It always allows me to select the gear I will need to accelerate away from bends etc - I do drive hard at times.  I prefer the DGS because it reminds me of the Ferrari I drove on my first track day 

DSG here. One of the benefits is the fart noise it makes when I am driving progressively.

_{love my fart, doesn't the manual do that?}

_{love my fart, doesn't the manual do that?}

No.

DSG for me.

DSG here. One of the benefits is the fart noise it makes when I am driving progressively.

 

Mine will be a Manual when it arrives, as for Farting Mrs G can ride shotgun   

 but if you wanted to drive mine you are more than welcome - Its a manual

 

 

Does this apply to me as well Wakey, any chance I can drive it until October.............

Yeah if you like mate