While you guys have been discussing DSG vs Manual, I've spent the last fortnight driving with DSG on autobahns and alps in Germany, Austria, Italy. I guess you know what I'm going to say, but before I do, let me say that I spent about the first 25,000 miles only using D and S modes but after some high performance driver training I now use the paddles and drive it exactly like a manual. Am now nearly at 39,000 miles.
DSG is very very different from any automatic. You are able to override at any time and the learning curve is quite steep because so many combinations of options are on offer. the only time I use D now is when in villages/towns/cities where it's more important to concentrate on not getting lost or being in the wrong lane etc. I can assure anyone who has doubts that driving fast on alpine twisties in DSG Manual is just as involving as a conventional manual and just a bit safer as it's good to have both hands on the wheel!
