TSi 1.4s122bhp DSG

[Bassajay]

I was also contemplating the Golf vs the Octavia. I sat inside an Octavia and it felt huge compared to the Golf. I also wasn't impressed with the fit of the cloth on the doors. It felt very poor (it was thin and moved easily). Finally, I noticed every Octavia on the road in Aberdeen was a taxi, and I didn't want to be confused for driving one...

I think the Golf will be more fun to drive (and easy to park). The dealer didn't have a Petrol for me to demo, so I test drove the Diesel and it felt great - strong, smooth, and extremely quiet. If it weren't for the higher fuel costs, I'd have bought one.

Was it the latest facelifted Octavia? In my opinion that is a step up from the previous model and felt at least equal to the Golf's quality. I found, as with the Golf, the trim level makes quite a difference. The S level Golf feeling fairly low rent when compared to the SE or GT. Same with the Octavia, the S & SE again feel fairly low rent when compared to the Elegance or L & K models.
The Octavia does indeed look & feel a fair bit larger than the Golf although they share the same floorpan. You do see several Octavias used as taxis and also by the police but I am not convinced that is such a bad thing. From a taxi point of view, the even larger Superb would better suit in that role and with the older model they are sometimes very difficult to tell apart, especially in a passing glance.
The Golf is more expensive than the Octy but has a better residual value whereas the Octavia is cheaper in the first place but better equipped.
Not an easy choice, both good buys within their own rights.

[Rhigour]

I have found the DSG box needs a bit of running in . From new mine was a bit of an animal at low speeds. With 7 speeds, in "D" 1st does nothing more than move it a few mm before it hops into 2nd and then up through the entire set to hit 7th at about 38mph. The engine seems to like doing everything at about 1200 rpm . (Well it is that flexible that it can)When in a traffic crawl it can sometimes hunt between 1st and 2nd and I tend to slip the box into "S" mode just to negate this. However over the last two months since I have had it everything has got a lot smoother and I think we are going to get on well together. (1.4,122ps engine)

[Bassajay]

I have found the DSG box needs a bit of running in . From new mine was a bit of an animal at low speeds. With 7 speeds, in "D" 1st does nothing more than move it a few mm before it hops into 2nd and then up through the entire set to hit 7th at about 38mph. The engine seems to like doing everything at about 1200 rpm . (Well it is that flexible that it can)When in a traffic crawl it can sometimes hunt between 1st and 2nd and I tend to slip the box into "S" mode just to negate this. However over the last two months since I have had it everything has got a lot smoother and I think we are going to get on well together. (1.4,122ps engine)

That's strange, when I test drove the 7 speed DSG version, one of the points I especially looked out for was gearbox indecisions between 1st & 2nd and I must say I found none. The car I tried was new with only delivery miles on the clock. Most other semi autos I have tried, albeit ones with single electronic clutches, definitely had this unpleasant trait. It was one of the reasons I was so impressed with the DSG especially in its 7 speed form.

[Rhigour]

Perhaps it`s just a peculiarity of my one. You need a very light foot on the pedal, it did it to me today, a tad heavy on the right foot and it is off like a rat up a drainpipe ( or the bloke in fronts chuff.)
One peculiarity of this box, or mine at least is that it will accelerate from a stop uphill on idle if you will let it. It has this anti roll back feature and if you stop on a hill junction, take your foot off the brake and without touching the accelerator wait it will move foreword uphill and even change up. Weird if you dont expect it.

[JoseSpring]

Are you sure that's right? I'd be wanting to get that looked at!

[Bassajay]

Perhaps it`s just a peculiarity of my one. You need a very light foot on the pedal, it did it to me today, a tad heavy on the right foot and it is off like a rat up a drainpipe ( or the bloke in fronts chuff.)
One peculiarity of this box, or mine at least is that it will accelerate from a stop uphill on idle if you will let it. It has this anti roll back feature and if you stop on a hill junction, take your foot off the brake and without touching the accelerator wait it will move foreword uphill and even change up. Weird if you dont expect it.

I never had chance to really check out the hill start function but does it only activate according to gradient via sensors - that is, on a gentle slope it may not actually kick in? Having driven/owned other semi autos, Toyota & Honda to name two, they all required some driving adaption in order to make smooth progress in auto mode - they were fine in sequential mode. The 7 speed DSG I found very well mannered in both modes and in auto it behaved more like a full torque converted auto.
From hearing your experience, perhaps they vary somewhat from car to car unless there has been a potential software update already?

[Rhigour]

Reading the handbook the hill hold will only function for 2 seconds after releasing the handbrake if you use it and the gap in the traffic you are aiming for is more than 2 sec. coming, it will disengage and the car roll back . The handbook advises caution in using it.

Also reading the handbook; Has anyone tried out the DSG Launch Control Programme ? Page 146.

1) Switch off ESP.

2) Press brake with left foot.

3) Move selector into S or Tiptronic

4) Rev to 3,200rpm.

5) Take foot off brake .

6) source change of underwear.

Knowing the torque these engines pump out I would like confirmation that someone else has tried it and survived before I do it at the Hanger Lane Gyratory

[mr pastry]

I am following this thread with interest as I am in the market for an Auto and the DSG was a front runner .
Its quite interesting with the difference in Petrol and diesel prices I was reluctant to change from a diesel because I just love the mid range torque you get with diesels this sounds a very good compromise.

Regarding the Toyota auto if it was the MMT you drove they are horrendous to drive and have had numerous complaints

[Rhigour]

If it is mid range torque you want this engine has got it in spades . The turbocharger is permanently engaged . Dont know if this means it is not driven by the exhaust gas. But being so there is absolutely no lag it`s instant ooomph.

[Bassajay]

I am following this thread with interest as I am in the market for an Auto and the DSG was a front runner .
Its quite interesting with the difference in Petrol and diesel prices I was reluctant to change from a diesel because I just love the mid range torque you get with diesels this sounds a very good compromise.

Regarding the Toyota auto if it was the MMT you drove they are horrendous to drive and have had numerous complaints

Yes it was and I quite agree, plus Honda's i-Shift is also in that category. The DSG, at least in 7 speed form, is in a different league and far superior when compared.
No contest!