Drove a DSG A3 2.0T

FC · 06-07-2007, 02:50 PM

My boss' to be specific. Let me say I was impressed. It's no manual, but it's simply far and away the best "automatic" I've ever experienced.

I loved the override feature (even on "D", touching a paddle will turn it into manual mode), the incredible speed in shifting, etc. The good part is that it was at least as smooth as the slushie on the V70R so I don't have to worry about wife approval.

I'm growing more and more frustrated by the V70R slushie in manumatic mode (or any mode, really).

Also, very impressed with the 2.0T motor. I,d had some pull with three adult males in the car at 75mph. I also loved the mesh munroof screen. The seats were not very supportive and the plastic felt/looked cheap, but it seemed like a great commuter car. Nice car.

lemming · 06-07-2007, 07:50 PM

cool.

you think it's something you could own for yourself?

just curious.

if the MINI thing does not completely go well (after test driving both supercharged and turbocharged models), then i'm still looking for a hatch.

lupinsea · 06-07-2007, 08:31 PM

I can see the potential for a paddle shifted manual transmission by freeing up your left foot for breaking duties in hard, fun driving. A lot smoother transisions and faster braking for later brake engagement coming in to turns.

Some day I'd like to try one.

lemming · 06-07-2007, 08:33 PM

ugh.

reword my question:

i don't give a rat's ass about DSG, i care more about how the engine powered the car and if the interior was liveable long term. i'd opt for the true manual.

i think DSG is a good replacement for an automatic, but that's about it to me.

FC · 06-07-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemming

i think DSG is a good replacement for an automatic, but that's about it to me.

I agree 100%. Either as a slushie alternative or maybe in a track-only car since I can see how it would make balls-to-the-wall driving easier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemming

ugh.

reword my question:

i don't give a rat's ass about DSG, i care more about how the engine powered the car and if the interior was liveable long term. i'd opt for the true manual..

The A3 was certainly nice enough. The engine was surprisingly peppy. Interior was nice but not up to par to E46 standards. FWIW, I still rather have my car (except maybe on crappy winter days). Tires were mediocre and the dynamics so-so but I had 3 guys with me, and well, it's an A3. If I needed it, and for the right price, yes I would own it.

equ · 06-08-2007, 09:23 AM

A base no-option 2.0T with a stick is like 25-6k, given that quattro is not available until you pay 40k and get dsg & 3.2, the cheap one is the one to get.

06-07-2007, 02:50 PM	#1
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,248	Drove a DSG A3 2.0T My boss' to be specific. Let me say I was impressed. It's no manual, but it's simply far and away the best "automatic" I've ever experienced. I loved the override feature (even on "D", touching a paddle will turn it into manual mode), the incredible speed in shifting, etc. The good part is that it was at least as smooth as the slushie on the V70R so I don't have to worry about wife approval. I'm growing more and more frustrated by the V70R slushie in manumatic mode (or any mode, really). Also, very impressed with the 2.0T motor. I,d had some pull with three adult males in the car at 75mph. I also loved the mesh munroof screen. The seats were not very supportive and the plastic felt/looked cheap, but it seemed like a great commuter car. Nice car.

06-07-2007, 07:50 PM	#2
lemming Western Anomaly Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca Posts: 16,594	cool. you think it's something you could own for yourself? just curious. if the MINI thing does not completely go well (after test driving both supercharged and turbocharged models), then i'm still looking for a hatch. __________________

06-07-2007, 08:31 PM	#3
lupinsea Jeeped Join Date: Sep 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Modified Jeep Tj and '07 Miata Location: Seattle Posts: 10,214	I can see the potential for a paddle shifted manual transmission by freeing up your left foot for breaking duties in hard, fun driving. A lot smoother transisions and faster braking for later brake engagement coming in to turns. Some day I'd like to try one. __________________ . My website "Jeep is the only true American sports car" - Enzo Ferrari Or something to that effect.

06-07-2007, 08:33 PM	#4
lemming Western Anomaly Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca Posts: 16,594	ugh. reword my question: i don't give a rat's ass about DSG, i care more about how the engine powered the car and if the interior was liveable long term. i'd opt for the true manual. i think DSG is a good replacement for an automatic, but that's about it to me. __________________

06-08-2007, 09:23 AM	#6
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,583	A base no-option 2.0T with a stick is like 25-6k, given that quattro is not available until you pay 40k and get dsg & 3.2, the cheap one is the one to get.