logiclee
18-04-2011, 06:37 PM
Where do I start, tried a B7 SE 2.0CR Tdi 140 manual a few weeks ago and today my 2010 B6 2.0CR Tdi 140 DSG was in for it's first service and I had a B7 SE 2.0CR Tdi 140 DSG for the day.
So first general differences, not driving. SE V's Highline.
Ok not going into the exterior styling as that's for all to see, from the inside the steering wheel, dash, instrumentation and plastics are all the same apart from the new clock and repositioned switches and the chrome around the vents. The 2010 B6 did get the upgraded dash though.
The door cards are totally different and are a step up in materials used, the hard plastic has been replaced.
I'll start by saying seats are personal preference.
The seats of course have been changed, I like the new seats but would want leather, the seat base is more slopey but the wings are too wide to offer my little bum any support. My wife doesn't like slopey seats and doesn't like the new seats, my last 4 cars have had electric tilt adjustement and heated leather (Cooled on 1 as well). For the B7 I'd be forced to go down that option which would probably force me into a Sport cost wise but I haven't driven one to see how firm the ride is. 2 years 3 months left yet to decide anyway.
B6 DSG V B7 DSG versions.
Having already driven the manual I knew the handling, steering and feel of the cars were the same and driving the DSG back to back feels exactly like driving the same car apart from one noticable difference, at motorway speeds the B7 has less wind noise, the redesigned wing mirrors and thicker side glass make a noticable difference at speeds best not talked about. Road noise seems about the same and the CR 140 CBAB unit is as quite and refined as ever. Couldn't really tell any difference in performance other than the B7 feeling a little tight.
On my 60 mile commute B7 showed a 4mpg improvement but I was trying the performance at times and I only used the stop start once on purpose. I would have to adapt my driving style to make use of the stop start as I usually just pull up in D and sit in auto hold.
So a good result, improvement in economy and wind noise and I'm sure I'd improve on economy if I made more use of the stop start. The B7 Bluemotion DSG posts a combined figure 6.5mg better than the B6.
Before I start the next comparison is the gearing on both DSG version is as far as I can tell exactly the same with 6th around 31-32mph/1000rpm.
DSG B6 and B7 V's B7 Manual.
Obviously the B7 manual has the extra tall Bluemotion Tech gearing which has 6th at about 37mph/1000rpm.
Done a bit of digging and 4th, 5th and 6th gears are much taller than the DSG equippend B6 and B7, infact using figurs from whattowcar 5th in the manual is about the same as 6th in the DSG.
This explains why I noticed such a big difference on the motorway when I had the manual test drive, steady speed on the motor gives more refinement and economy but you do have to shift down in the top three gears if you want decent performance.
I suspect this is even more pronounced if you are coming from a PD engined car with none Bluemotion tech gearing. What tow car have downgraded the B7 manual's towing rating because of the extra tall gearing, if you don't tow, dont matter. if you do then DSG. :biglaugh:
Also explains the much bigger economy gap between the manual and DSG in the B7
For me I'd like something in the middle but I aint gonna get it. :D
So just my thoughts.
The B7 will make my car list next time but I've never bought the same car twice. Maybe if adjustable leather seats are standard in two years time I maybe swayed.
The B7 is certainly a match for the best of the competition in the sector though and that's not bad for a car competeing with vehicles on much newer platforms. Certainly worth a look for anyone looking for a large family car or an alternative for a small exec car.
Cheers
Lee
So first general differences, not driving. SE V's Highline.
Ok not going into the exterior styling as that's for all to see, from the inside the steering wheel, dash, instrumentation and plastics are all the same apart from the new clock and repositioned switches and the chrome around the vents. The 2010 B6 did get the upgraded dash though.
The door cards are totally different and are a step up in materials used, the hard plastic has been replaced.
I'll start by saying seats are personal preference.
The seats of course have been changed, I like the new seats but would want leather, the seat base is more slopey but the wings are too wide to offer my little bum any support. My wife doesn't like slopey seats and doesn't like the new seats, my last 4 cars have had electric tilt adjustement and heated leather (Cooled on 1 as well). For the B7 I'd be forced to go down that option which would probably force me into a Sport cost wise but I haven't driven one to see how firm the ride is. 2 years 3 months left yet to decide anyway.
B6 DSG V B7 DSG versions.
Having already driven the manual I knew the handling, steering and feel of the cars were the same and driving the DSG back to back feels exactly like driving the same car apart from one noticable difference, at motorway speeds the B7 has less wind noise, the redesigned wing mirrors and thicker side glass make a noticable difference at speeds best not talked about. Road noise seems about the same and the CR 140 CBAB unit is as quite and refined as ever. Couldn't really tell any difference in performance other than the B7 feeling a little tight.
On my 60 mile commute B7 showed a 4mpg improvement but I was trying the performance at times and I only used the stop start once on purpose. I would have to adapt my driving style to make use of the stop start as I usually just pull up in D and sit in auto hold.
So a good result, improvement in economy and wind noise and I'm sure I'd improve on economy if I made more use of the stop start. The B7 Bluemotion DSG posts a combined figure 6.5mg better than the B6.
Before I start the next comparison is the gearing on both DSG version is as far as I can tell exactly the same with 6th around 31-32mph/1000rpm.
DSG B6 and B7 V's B7 Manual.
Obviously the B7 manual has the extra tall Bluemotion Tech gearing which has 6th at about 37mph/1000rpm.
Done a bit of digging and 4th, 5th and 6th gears are much taller than the DSG equippend B6 and B7, infact using figurs from whattowcar 5th in the manual is about the same as 6th in the DSG.
This explains why I noticed such a big difference on the motorway when I had the manual test drive, steady speed on the motor gives more refinement and economy but you do have to shift down in the top three gears if you want decent performance.
I suspect this is even more pronounced if you are coming from a PD engined car with none Bluemotion tech gearing. What tow car have downgraded the B7 manual's towing rating because of the extra tall gearing, if you don't tow, dont matter. if you do then DSG. :biglaugh:
Also explains the much bigger economy gap between the manual and DSG in the B7
For me I'd like something in the middle but I aint gonna get it. :D
So just my thoughts.
The B7 will make my car list next time but I've never bought the same car twice. Maybe if adjustable leather seats are standard in two years time I maybe swayed.
The B7 is certainly a match for the best of the competition in the sector though and that's not bad for a car competeing with vehicles on much newer platforms. Certainly worth a look for anyone looking for a large family car or an alternative for a small exec car.
Cheers
Lee