3 ms·

Simple solution: shift earlier, since you can shift up at 2k (before the turbo really takes off) without lugging the engine at all. Complex solution: Chip the

Simple solution: shift earlier, since you can shift up at 2k (before the turbo really takes off) without lugging the engine at all. Complex solution: Chip the engine - some people prefer a smoother power curve, which can be achieved with a tune.

Fomite 12y ago
I don't feel like driving a manual in a busy city, and much prefer letting the more fuel efficient dual clutch transmission do the work.
- bbradley406 12y ago
  Understandable (except for the "more fuel efficient" bit), but with your reply to @huuu in mind, being able to select your gear (and keep it in that gear) would eliminate any unexpected surging. Dense traffic isn't a lot of work in a TDI, because you don't need to shift frequently if at all. In my experience 2nd gear covers between 10-35mph comfortably. I have a 1.25 hour commute that's a mix of stop-and-go in small towns and highway, and the TDI is great for every bit of it.
  - Fomite 12y ago
    Everything I've seen suggests the dual-clutch automatic transmission is more efficient than the manual, including VW's own figures. It came as a surprise to me, but a nice benefit for other factors. I imagine that yes, being able to keep it in low gears would have helped, and indeed putting it into manual mode for some of the parts I found the worst (rapid turns from one busy street to another) helped, but it put it in the "More trouble than it was worth" category. That being said, the TDI was a great car, and a serious contender for my money. I just preferred the GTI a bit more, but given I love the GTI, that's good company to be in.
    - TylerE 12y ago
      The published numbers say that. The real world numbers say very much otherwise. The manual CRUSHES the DSG, often by 4-5mpg or even more for some drivers, especially on the highway. It's geared lower, for one thing, only 2000rpm at 75mph. FWIW, I traded in a 2012 TDI with the DSG for a manual Mk7 a few days ago. Love the stick, although it's taking some getting used to (this is my first manual). Also in the manual's favor is the $1,100 cheaper upfront cost and not needing a ~$400 transmission service every 40k.
      - Fomite 12y ago
        Interesting. I'm rather fond of my DSG, and manual was a little bit of a non-starter because my wife wanted a car she could drive, and learning stick in DC is...a terrible idea.

Fomite 12y ago

I don't feel like driving a manual in a busy city, and much prefer letting the more fuel efficient dual clutch transmission do the work.

bbradley406 12y ago
Understandable (except for the "more fuel efficient" bit), but with your reply to @huuu in mind, being able to select your gear (and keep it in that gear) would eliminate any unexpected surging. Dense traffic isn't a lot of work in a TDI, because you don't need to shift frequently if at all. In my experience 2nd gear covers between 10-35mph comfortably. I have a 1.25 hour commute that's a mix of stop-and-go in small towns and highway, and the TDI is great for every bit of it.
- Fomite 12y ago
  Everything I've seen suggests the dual-clutch automatic transmission is more efficient than the manual, including VW's own figures. It came as a surprise to me, but a nice benefit for other factors. I imagine that yes, being able to keep it in low gears would have helped, and indeed putting it into manual mode for some of the parts I found the worst (rapid turns from one busy street to another) helped, but it put it in the "More trouble than it was worth" category. That being said, the TDI was a great car, and a serious contender for my money. I just preferred the GTI a bit more, but given I love the GTI, that's good company to be in.
  - TylerE 12y ago
    The published numbers say that. The real world numbers say very much otherwise. The manual CRUSHES the DSG, often by 4-5mpg or even more for some drivers, especially on the highway. It's geared lower, for one thing, only 2000rpm at 75mph. FWIW, I traded in a 2012 TDI with the DSG for a manual Mk7 a few days ago. Love the stick, although it's taking some getting used to (this is my first manual). Also in the manual's favor is the $1,100 cheaper upfront cost and not needing a ~$400 transmission service every 40k.
    - Fomite 12y ago
      Interesting. I'm rather fond of my DSG, and manual was a little bit of a non-starter because my wife wanted a car she could drive, and learning stick in DC is...a terrible idea.