B8.5 Passat: DSG or Manual

[Wull_E]

Hi all,
Need to order my new company B8.5 company estate. Currently run a 2016 SEB manual that has been faultless for 90k.
I quite fancy trying a DSG version and have test driven one that was smooth and pretty good. However, colleagues have stories of snatch changes and ponderous uptake especially at junctions and roundabouts! My question is should I stick with another manual? A misbehaving DSG would drive me nuts. 😱

[Frank Bullitt]

I would suggest trying the exact engine and gearbox combination with the DSG as in my experience they vary widely depending on the installation - driving, say, a 1.6TDi with DSG is not going to help (especially as cars with 184lb/ft or less of torque have the DQ200 which is genuinely completely different to the wet-clutch models).

I’ve driven plenty that have been wonderful and plenty that have been poor over the years as courtesy cars!

[Wull_E]

I’ve driven a few A4 Avants with ‘tronic boxes and Golf R with DSGs they seem perfectly fine!? Is it down to mapping alone? Therefore, maybe a good mapping company can re- map a Passat 2.0 tdi to behave properly?

[jimgironde]

I have read, more than once, on various car reviews, that in order to achieve emission standards a compromise has developed. It is better for emissions if cars run at lower revs and auto boxes are programmed to change at lower revs which makes them feel sluggish. This is not my view point but have read it on AutoExpress/CarBuyer when road tests have been carried out.

I am currently changing my vehicle and will be sticking with manual not just because of the above but because I enjoy driving. If you drive as a means of getting from A to B then my all means go auto, but if whilst driving from A to B you enjoy being in total control than go manual!

[Wull_E]

Hi Jim, I agree and I’ve ordered a manual R line with XDSnand heated steering wheel. ��

[Frank Bullitt]

I do get the logic behind a manual being closer to the feel of driving, but we are talking about a diesel family car here not an Alpine A110!

The manual box in the Passat isn’t the best and I certainly get no specific joy from changing gear myself.