Cupra 300 DSG vs Manual?

[LouG]

The DSG is the first auto that more enthusiastic than me when in sport mode. It must have been programmed by a boi racer. very clever though. I sometimes miss a clutch and manual box, but not often. I could always drive the other car, but losing 100hp is a problem.
I could do with D mode to be a bit less lazy though. D doesn't stand for Drive, it means Miss Daisy mode

 

[PHILMEWAGON]

hey!
I have the 1.8 TSi FR with DSG. Has a gearstick flick for the manual rather than steering wheel controls.

For about the first two weeks I had it I used it constantly with the stick shift. 22,000 miles later and other than those 2 weeks Ive never used it. Unlikely to return to a full manual car.

things i like:
Hands never leave wheel
changes are very quick

things i like less:
no gear braking.
in sport mode gearbox will hang on to gears occasionally.
downshift during cornering is not ideal.

everything i like less about the DSG would be fixed with paddles afaik, and those few things are at best tiny annoyances.

TLDR:
DSG is fantastic, DSG with paddles is probably faultless.

 

[Damo H]

You can double click, but in my experience the gearbox itself will still go 5th->4th->3rd - it just seems to "queue up" any taps you make.

The way a DSG gearbox works means it will always do this, but considering how quick it shifts, it’ll still go from 5th to 3rd quicker than a manual shift.


Edit - Sorry hit post too quickly.

I’d say drove both and see what you enjoy more.
Also consider if you are going to tune it the DSG has the stronger clutch.

I personally went with DSG due to the commute to work being easier. If I ever want the involvement of a stick I can still use the stick if I need it, but the paddles are so much fun

 

[Deleted member 103408]

And just to add to this if you are into tuning your car, the dsg can be done as well.

They can remove kickdown in Manual mode, give you multiple Lauch control points, they also hold in 2nd rather than dropping to 1st in Drive and Sports mode. And dont forget the Adaptive Cruise Control works very well with the dsg as it does everything for you.

Personal choice and they only real way is for you to drive both and see which suits you best.

 

[silles]

You can double click, but in my experience the gearbox itself will still go 5th->4th->3rd - it just seems to "queue up" any taps you make.

u not clicking fast enough. Dsg beats u

DSG in the cupra is much faster to skip gears than in my old 1.4 which hesitated a lot

 

[_Dejan_]

The crawling along in traffic with ACC is a good feature. I do wish that it had the Stop/ Go feature that the Audi's have.

VAG are very protective over their hierarchy and spec levels though aren't they.

Tech Pack 4(With DSG) have Stop &Go function. In low speed it use ACC&Lane assistant for traffic jam driving and it can stop car and if car in front of you in 3 seconds move forward it automaticly move your car and drive. If timeout 3 seconds is reached then you must pres gas pedal or reset ACC button to move car from stand. Car also have electronic park brake and hold function so when you stop you don't need hold brake all time. It hold brake and when you wan't move you just press gas pedal...

 

[JayClarke]

There is no downgrade or upgrade, it's all down to personal preference.

My last GTI was manual and I loved it, but due to my commute to work and being sat in traffic for 90% of it, I chose to go for DSG this time - first DSG and I'm not disapinted so far.

If you're planning on doing any power gains with the Cupra, you'll need to look at upgrading from the stock clutch (if manual). The MQB platform produces a lot of torque low down and tends to demolish the OEM clutch - I've read stories on other forums of standard cars eating through clutches too, just something to bear in mind.

Ask the dealer to go for a proper test drive (not just around the block and back) in both cars and see which you prefer, that's always the best way.

 

[KagnuS]

Having driven a Golf GTI in DSG and now having a Cupra in Manual, I'd probably choose a DSG in Cupra.
People who say there is no involvement with DSG, I disagree. You get involved in the driving as you are paying more attention on the road tbh.

 

[Jaco2k]

Having driven a Golf GTI in DSG and now having a Cupra in Manual, I'd probably choose a DSG in Cupra.
People who say there is no involvement with DSG, I disagree. You get involved in the driving as you are paying more attention on the road tbh.

What you said is correct. I have driven manuals all my life and this is my first auto (had to accept it if I wanted 4drive, which I really did...)
I am not displeased at all - you just focus on different things and, if you want more involving, set it to manual and use the paddles.
On everyday life it is way more convenient and when it comes to tuning the car, the DSG can handle power upgrades much better than the manual, which has a sub-par clutch, IMHO.