Hi All,

 

I will be looking to get a MK3 octavia estate in the next month or so as the current car  is due to go back at the end of the lease. I'm going to buy a car rather than lease again as circumstances have changed slightly. I have some questions that may have been asked before.

 

I am looking to get a 1.6 diesel estate. I have only ever had manuals before but have seen quite a few 1.6 with DSG box. I wanted to know from people that have them what the DSG's with the 1.6 are like for

Economy

driveability

Longevity

Serviceability and general day to day driving. I'm not a boy racer and my driving is mainly commute and not too far from home, not interested in a petrol before you state the diesel verses mileage and short trips etc. I work in the motor industry with DPF systems and all the associated things that go with them so i am fully aware of that side of things.

Also what DSG is in the 1.6 as i've read there is a dry and wet version.

Also same questions for a 2.0 diesel as these sometimes come up but it's mainly the 1.6 i'm looking for. We currently also have a FL 1.6 yeti so i know what this engine is like with  a manual box

 

Thanks in advance

 

Justin

Weakest point of 1.6 TDI is probably its DSG. 

 

2.0 TDI has the "real one" with wet clutches,  much more robust and rafined. 

 

But, to be honest, each one, if they are  not beyond their lifetime, work quite nice.

 

I’ve got a 16TDi with a manual and it feels solid as a rock. The gearbox is a clunky at times but feels it will last for ever. I’ve driven in a few DSGs as courtesy cars and never figured out the method of stop/start successfully. I’m not ready for a DSG yet. I still like changing gear! I like the 1.6 TDi. Sounds like a diesel, but pulls well and dependable and excellent on fuel. 

Edited 8 September, 20205 yr by threadbear

Look at it this way 

 

The 1.6 is better for pottering about, doesn't have too much grunt and is more for for those people who consider economy/range over performance. 

 

The 2.0 is better for performance, has the grunt for quick overtakes and combines it with a slightly lower economy and range. Maybe a little bit quieter as you won't have to rev it so hard. It also seems to be more suited to the DSG box than the 1.6 having read some of the comments by other posters in the past. 

 

I know if I had to choose between the two it would be the 2.0 and DSG, I don't think I will ever be able to make the return to a manual gearbox again, they're just too good and easy to use. 

 

 

@skodavia

The 1.6TDI's have the DQ200 7 speed twin dry clutch DSG.

I would state that driving a dsg you have to work with it and sort of learn how to drive it. It will change up rapidly for economy and you  need to learn how to feather the throttle somewhat to keep it in the gear you want.

 

This becomes quite apparent when slowing at a roundabout and then wanting to nip out quick. Don't stamp on the throttle else it will down change and a slight lag in gears will occur. It cant read you mind or see the road...Feather it to keep the revs in the range of that gear without it wanting to change up or down.  

It does become easier over time though and should not put you off getting a dsg. 

 

Edited 8 September, 20205 yr by paulski

My current car is DSG and I think they are excellent. You have to drive around the quirks of the gearbox as described above but in town driving and long journeys it is a blessing.

Acceleration is seemless and you always have the option to put it into manual if you so choose to.

That being said I wouldnt have the DSG in the 1.6 as there are countless issues with that box.

I have a 2.0 with DSG and its great, they work well together, no issues. I have had three variants of DSGs in the past and I really love them all. I have not driven it with the 1.6 but with the 2.0 its great, really easy driving, totally stress free in traffic.

I've had 3 Octavia's in the last 5 years.

1.6 manual  ( mk 2 )

2.0 manual ( mk 3 )

and the present

2.0 DSG ( mk 3 FL )

As good as the 1.6 is i found the 2.0 a lot better , apart from the extra oomph and hence increased drivability i found that switching from 1.6 to 2.0 gave an improvement in fuel economy , 3 > 5  MPG better on average.    After nearly 50 years of driving a manual gearbox i have found driving the DSG to be very nice , as such i cant see me going back to a manual gearbox anytime soon . 

 As others have said the 7 speed box fitted to the 1.6  has a reputation worse than the 6 speed box fitted to others.