Im settled on an R32 but advise me on gearbox choice

[aea730]

Just following on from my Ed30/R32 dilemma ive decided the R32 is where Im going to contrast the TCR I have. Likewise I have the DSG in the TCR but wondering how it works in the R32v vs the manual. Im guessing the DSG technology is somewhat older than it is in the TCR but how does it work with the 6 potter.

I know Im going to get split views on this and Im probably more inclined the the auto box but your views would be really appreciated.

[a7x88]

Manual 100%

I was driving my ed30 today and the simple joy of heel and toeing and running through the gears was great. Made for a welcome change to my Tesla!

I think as you have a DSG the manual would be the better contrast - unless of course the R32 has some hideous clutch. My Ed30 is perfectly acceptable though even with an uprated organic clutch for the extra power. Would have thought a standard R32 would be fine.

[zsdom]

Bear in mind the tax brackets between the 2 is not far off double, I have a 3.2 Mk2 TT DSG & the tax is £360 wheras the manual is £615

[aea730]

zsdom said:

Bear in mind the tax brackets between the 2 is not far off double, I have a 3.2 Mk2 TT DSG & the tax is £360 wheras the manual is £615

The difference on a Mk5 between a DSG and manual seem to be £15 ie £615 for a dsg and £630 for a manual

[si_xsi]

Manual for driver engagement unless you spend most of your journeys in slow traffic. The dsg is still a good box but will feel old compared to the one in your TCR.

I found mine to be a bit dim-witted at low speeds, didn't change down quickly enough when approaching rounderbouts and always keen to change up too early in normal D mode, presumably to aid fuel economy. In sport mode it was the opposite, held on to gears for too long. Worked well with the paddles though. Also less chance of mechatronics going and no need for 40k oil changes with manual.

[rottenegg]

DSG all day long. That 6 cylinder bark partnered with the paddle shifters are the perfect match, even more so than the 4 cylinder engines.

Day to day DSG deficiencies can be mapped out, but I've yet to drive ANY auto that does EXACTLY what ALL drivers want it to do, ALL of the time. That's why they come with manual control.

Having owned MK4 and MK5 R32s, and a manual ED30, it is the manual that is slow and dim witted, imo, not the DSG. VW have always supplied unrewarding and agricultural gearboxes that hate being rushed. The MK4 - MK6 flavour 02M/02Q being a case in point. It wasn't until the MK7.5 that the gearshift improved noticeably. Add that to woefully inadequate engine mounts, and the shift gets even worse. Uprate the mounts and you get a better shift, but at the expense of NVH. A lot of NVH.

Anyway, forget the manual it's ste. Get the DSG.

[catso]

zsdom said:

Bear in mind the tax brackets between the 2 is not far off double, I have a 3.2 Mk2 TT DSG & the tax is £360 wheras the manual is £615

The higher tax also depends on the year, I recall when they brought in the big increase that cars manufactured before the hike remained at the previous level as was the case with my 2004 A3, 3.2, had it been a little newer it would have been much more to tax but, yes the manual probably sits in the next tax level, making it more expensive.

[cuprabob]

Very few MK5 R32s fall into the lower tax band as they have to be registered prior to 23/3/2006.

Personally, I think the character of the engine suits the DSG.

[catso]

I'd second the DSG too, never found much of an issue with my old one - you can find a work round for the 'slow-down-at-a-junction-not-be-in-the-right-gear' scenario that people moan about.

Also, not sure if this applies to R32 (did they upgrade the DSG over time?) but my S4's DSG/S-Tronic is much better than the old DSG that I had previously in the A3.

[aea730]

Thanks again folks, I know that driving my TCR DSG and then getting into a 15yr old DSG there are going to be significant differences. I think Im going to see if I can find a local owner who can perhaps give me a run out in their 32 DSG just to get an idea of what things are like in there. Certainly watching/listening to the DSG on you tube the car sounds nicer on the shifts. I get the impression that the weaknesses show up at low speeds and manoeuvring

Edited by aea730 on Tuesday 10th January 21:07

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Each to their own.....but I loved my R32 manual. The old style stirring the pot was all part of the fun (with or without use of the clutch)

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

They (for me) are the best looking Golf.

[Muska_]

I felt the DSG suited the R32 well. You seemed to be able to control the shift point in drive with throttle position. Flick into sport and on the downshift it gave a nice throttle blip. No issues at slow speed for me, just be aware there are more parts that could break if you’re unfortunate.

The DSG complimented the GT style of the R32, but if you’ve got the opportunity definitely try both, see which works best for you.

[furrywoolyhatuk]

I have a mk5 r32 DSG, if your near the Surrey area your welcome to come for a spin.

[aea730]

That’s very kind but I’m up in Yorkshire