3 ms·
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,
by 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 agoThe 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 agoInteresting. 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.