What's the trick using a DSG?

[jonnygo]

Well its 3 months since I began using a DSG gearbox and if I am honest, I am still learning.

For those who have previously owned DSGs:

If dropping a gear or two - do you keep your foot on the accelerator?  I find myself easing off as if I had a clutch.  The result is that the car will immediately slow down until I reapply the foot.

How often do you use sport mode?  I use it now and again.  It's probably smoother than my own gear shifts.

If using the paddles, at what point do you change?  Just before the red?  into the red?  or right round the clock?

I look forward to your answers!

[nr123]

Keep your foot on the accelerator, that's not an issue. It will let off a nice 'pop' in the higher rev range.

Change the gear whenever you like, that's the point of DSG.

[PenguinGTI]

Hi Jonnygo,

Let's take your query a stage at a time.

1. When dropping gears a few people have noticed that pulling the left paddle once (to downshift) just before flooring it helps the car respond just a little smoother and faster.

2. I don't really use sport mode very often. When I want to drive through the gears I stick it in manual and when it's in auto I let it just cruise in D. For me S is really a bit redundant.

3. Changing gear is pretty much whenever you like. I find shifting up around 5k revs drops the car nicely into peak torque for the next gear and you can cover ground quite nicely without feeling like your straining the engine. I also find that if I'm in 3rd/4th then by 5k revs I've usually done what I needed to do. 
The DSG will shift itself once it gets to the limiter (unless you have had your DSG software tweaked by companies like REVO). If you are going for straight line pace then usually just let the car shift itself at the red line.

Hope this helps.

And I managed to say all this without mentioning the launch control feature 

[Steve30]

Sport mode is great for pulling out JCt's quickley and off the lights

best thing to do is just play around when on your own using paddles & gear shifter what ever best suits you really enjoy a great piece of enginering!!

[jonnygo]

Thanks for the sound advice guys

I have just accepted a new job and may have to sell my beloved GTI

Awaiting the company car scheme and hoping for a GTD at least - do they come with DSG?