I like top performance as much as the next guy, but I'm glad to be rid of my old Audi TT's DSG. Not that the DSG was a total disappointment, but it wasn't as enjoyable as using a manual. It was impressively smooth (almost too smooth), but overall it didn't have enough of a sporting character. For example, shifts at high rpm weren't firm enough, they felt a bit slurred. Also, the throttle blips when 'manually' downshifting weren't sharp/quick enough.
I didn't like the gear lever's push-upshift/pull-downshift...IMO, it should be reversed, similar to a race car (BMW has it right, surprisingly Porsche doesn't). Using the paddles was ok, but it wasn't engaging enough for me, so 98% of the time I left it in auto. Also, the paddle's action felt too much like pushing a button, very little mechanical character. It drove alright in auto, but when accelerating from a slow roll it would stay in second gear. It would only downshift into first if you slowed to 3 or 4 mph. Consequently, response from those speeds in second gear was sluggish. Even when pulling away from a stop, response wasn't that great or consistent. I never really trusted the car when I had to shoot out onto a busy main road.
Of course, one positive is that the quick shifting DSG keeps the boost up between gears. Still, I much prefer driving a manual. Sure, it's not as quick, but the day-to-day driving satisfaction and feeling of control is much better, IMO. Of course, this assumes one can drive a manual well. Using the R's clutch/shifter is a joy...the clutch is a little light but has good feel, and the shifter has a smooth, light, well oiled feel. No complaints.
Even if the US Golf R was available with the optional DSG, I wouldn't have wanted it.
I didn't like the gear lever's push-upshift/pull-downshift...IMO, it should be reversed, similar to a race car (BMW has it right, surprisingly Porsche doesn't). Using the paddles was ok, but it wasn't engaging enough for me, so 98% of the time I left it in auto. Also, the paddle's action felt too much like pushing a button, very little mechanical character. It drove alright in auto, but when accelerating from a slow roll it would stay in second gear. It would only downshift into first if you slowed to 3 or 4 mph. Consequently, response from those speeds in second gear was sluggish. Even when pulling away from a stop, response wasn't that great or consistent. I never really trusted the car when I had to shoot out onto a busy main road.
Of course, one positive is that the quick shifting DSG keeps the boost up between gears. Still, I much prefer driving a manual. Sure, it's not as quick, but the day-to-day driving satisfaction and feeling of control is much better, IMO. Of course, this assumes one can drive a manual well. Using the R's clutch/shifter is a joy...the clutch is a little light but has good feel, and the shifter has a smooth, light, well oiled feel. No complaints.
Even if the US Golf R was available with the optional DSG, I wouldn't have wanted it.
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