manual or dsg

[RedRobin]

Are you able to use the paddles to go up/down gears during normal driving, but when coming to a stop, at traffic lights for example, just let the gearbox drop gears itself to a complete stop?

....Yes. Whether you like it or not, the DSG box of tricks will pop you into 1st as soon as the car comes to a standstill, irrespective of being say in 2nd or 3rd in Manual-mode. I personally find it quite helpful. 1st gear is very short on the GTI and so I find paddle extensions very helpful if tight turns are being negotiated - Either that or pop into S for a fast getaway and very soon back into M.

The above is a good example of how different combinations of DSG modes can be used to advantage - It's NOT just another automatic!

Oh, I forgot to add that if the revs fall too low while in Manual-mode, the DSG will override and shift down. But it's not as irritating as it sounds because it's not good practice to be so reliant (and lazy!) on your torque for the sake of clutch wear(?) (I believe, but might need correcting).

[ifti]

OK, I defo think the DSG is for me now

Which paddle extensions do you have??
The default factory paddles are hardly 'paddles' IMO - more like small buttons! lol

[Teutonic_Tamer]

....

If you drive around in D-mode, the DSG will seem hesitant in many situations but the point is that you can instantly flick into Manual and use the gears in exactly the same way as a conventional Manual.

I accept that DSG isn't to everyone's taste but it's an option and if you are prepared to adapt and learn its many, many options, it's something you'll probably always want in a future car.

i want a gearbox to do two things, change gears when i want to, and change them quickly. you don't get this with dsg.

DSG will change the gears when YOU want them to (within reason - it wont let you go into 1st gear whilst still doing 70mph!  )

Robin summed up the DSG perfectly - it isn't to everyones taste, but the DSG sure is a truely superb gearbox.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Could someone explain more about the 'D' mode, and why its hesitant in certain situations according to your driving style??

'D' behaves more like a standard auto in terms of the speed of the changes. 'S' mode sharpens/quickens everything up and enables use of the paddles.

Not quote correct.  The previous poster touched on the correct answer (can't see their handle because the thread is so long).

Basically, because the DSG is effectively two gearboxes in one casing, it actually works on a 'pre-select' system.  If you are at a standstil, and move off - then 1st gear will be selected, and the clutch for that shaft be engaged.  At the same time, 2nd gear will also be engaged on the opposite shaft (but with its clutch disengaged).  If you continue with a gentle acceleration, then the DSG will pre-select the next higher cog in the box.  However, if you suddenly then decide to give it more gas, or even paddle down - then the box will have un-pre-select the next higher gear, and then re-pre-select the next lower gear - before swapping clutches and making an effective down change.  It is this scenario which can 'confuse' the DSG, and make it slightly hesitant in certain situations.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

If you are accelerating in 4th for example, it will have 5th ready for the change up. However if you suddenly slow instead it takes it a split second longer to get 3rd as it did not have that one ready.

Makes perfect sense.
So say you do brake slowly, and you drop down to 3rd, will it get ready with 4th gear - so in other words will it be a little hesitant with every gear you drop down until you come to a complete stop??

not sure what I said was a good example in retrospect 

although I am guessing it has to make a constant judgement on whether you are accelerating or slowing based on many factors, it does not do the change until it is ready so there is no hesitantly as such and therefore any delay is invisible. The only sort of thing that will make it truly hesitant is braking hard from a reasonable speed to a standstill then imediately mashing the accelerator to set off again, although it pulls in the clutches to stop a stall there is a delay while it gets 1st.

Not true.  The DSG always works in pre-select mode.  It will always have two gears continuously meshed - one in current use, the other 'waiting in the wings'.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Are you able to use the paddles to go up/down gears during normal driving, but when coming to a stop, at traffic lights for example, just let the gearbox drop gears itself to a complete stop?

Yup.  If you happen to forget, even in manual mode, the gears will still change up or down as needed, and go into 1st when stationary.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Cant left footbrake with DSG

You can, but you need to know how to defeat the 'fly by wire' throttle over-ride.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Which paddle extensions do you have??
The default factory paddles are hardly 'paddles' IMO - more like small buttons! lol

I personally find no need for extensions to the OEM paddles.  Providing you keep your hands in the 'quarter to three' positions (the steering wheel rim is specifically shaped to 'encourage' such hand placings), the standard paddles are more than adequate.  And if you are turning from stationary (such as emerging from a 'T' junction, or roundabout), then your left hand should go straight from the handbrake - onto the floor gear lever - in the exact same way as you would with a manual. 

[Dogbucket]

If you are accelerating in 4th for example, it will have 5th ready for the change up. However if you suddenly slow instead it takes it a split second longer to get 3rd as it did not have that one ready.

Makes perfect sense.
So say you do brake slowly, and you drop down to 3rd, will it get ready with 4th gear - so in other words will it be a little hesitant with every gear you drop down until you come to a complete stop??

not sure what I said was a good example in retrospect 

although I am guessing it has to make a constant judgement on whether you are accelerating or slowing based on many factors, it does not do the change until it is ready so there is no hesitantly as such and therefore any delay is invisible. The only sort of thing that will make it truly hesitant is braking hard from a reasonable speed to a standstill then imediately mashing the accelerator to set off again, although it pulls in the clutches to stop a stall there is a delay while it gets 1st.

Not true.  The DSG always works in pre-select mode.  It will always have two gears continuously meshed - one in current use, the other 'waiting in the wings'.

My statement is true, you have just misunderstood it

[RedRobin]

OK, I defo think the DSG is for me now

Which paddle extensions do you have??
The default factory paddles are hardly 'paddles' IMO - more like small buttons! lol

....The oem paddles being somewhat small and plasticky is what put me off using them for so long - Silly really, but the truth. Then I was given the opportunity to have some one-to-one driver training with a top blue-light instructor and he taught me the advantages of always driving in optimum gear, and it's now habit.

So, TTshop got me these : -