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49 Posts
Well, I've had my 2dr DSG Golf TDI for about 10 weeks and 2000 miles now and wanted to post my observations. My other car is a 2006 Audi A4 Avant 6MT with the 2.0t direct-injection gasoline engine.
Pros:
I love the Golf, would recommend it (if you can find it) and for the time being prefer driving it over the Audi - certainly on the 2 x 50 mi daily commute. This may be the blush of the bride, but I like the small point and shoot character of the TDI. It has ample power, steers beautifully, and has a nice driving position with good seats. The leather wheel and shifter are a pleasure to hold. The electronics, layout and fitment of the interior are all excellent. I am averaging 38 mpg with some 75-80 mph highway travel and some more moderate 55-65 back road travel.
Cons:
In general, the suspension- though highly competent on most surfaces - is noticeably less compliant over speed bumps and when cornering at speed on bumpy roads. It does not swallow up the road in the same manner as the Audi, which may have something to do with the "performance" suspension, but probably has more to do with the overall quality and design of the "fahrwerk".
The DSG, at least in combination with the diesel motor, takes a little getting used to. The DSG begins to motivate the car off the line as soon as the foot is off the brake, but unless you are in sport mode, you are better advised to mind the tip-in and wait until the clutch has engaged fully before heaving on the gas or you might get a jerky launch. This is not a big deal, but as with holding back on high-speed cornering on rough roads (above) it is another thing you have to bear in mind while driving when you'd rather the pony just did whatever was asked of it. After the car has tipped in, it will take power confidently.
The car also seems to have some trouble dealing with hilly terrain where, when going downhill, the car is pushing the drivetrain. The reaction from the car is disturbingly jerky. I am not sure whether to blame this on the DSG or on the engine. Of the three items mentioned, this is perhaps the most annoying.
Other than that, I have some problems with rear view when backing, which I heard might be a problem on the 4-door, but was not supposed to be an issue with the 2 door.
All-in-all, I am delighted with the car, which is comfortable, safe, economical and fun to drive.
Pros:
I love the Golf, would recommend it (if you can find it) and for the time being prefer driving it over the Audi - certainly on the 2 x 50 mi daily commute. This may be the blush of the bride, but I like the small point and shoot character of the TDI. It has ample power, steers beautifully, and has a nice driving position with good seats. The leather wheel and shifter are a pleasure to hold. The electronics, layout and fitment of the interior are all excellent. I am averaging 38 mpg with some 75-80 mph highway travel and some more moderate 55-65 back road travel.
Cons:
In general, the suspension- though highly competent on most surfaces - is noticeably less compliant over speed bumps and when cornering at speed on bumpy roads. It does not swallow up the road in the same manner as the Audi, which may have something to do with the "performance" suspension, but probably has more to do with the overall quality and design of the "fahrwerk".
The DSG, at least in combination with the diesel motor, takes a little getting used to. The DSG begins to motivate the car off the line as soon as the foot is off the brake, but unless you are in sport mode, you are better advised to mind the tip-in and wait until the clutch has engaged fully before heaving on the gas or you might get a jerky launch. This is not a big deal, but as with holding back on high-speed cornering on rough roads (above) it is another thing you have to bear in mind while driving when you'd rather the pony just did whatever was asked of it. After the car has tipped in, it will take power confidently.
The car also seems to have some trouble dealing with hilly terrain where, when going downhill, the car is pushing the drivetrain. The reaction from the car is disturbingly jerky. I am not sure whether to blame this on the DSG or on the engine. Of the three items mentioned, this is perhaps the most annoying.
Other than that, I have some problems with rear view when backing, which I heard might be a problem on the 4-door, but was not supposed to be an issue with the 2 door.
All-in-all, I am delighted with the car, which is comfortable, safe, economical and fun to drive.
