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JonoNZ
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Hi from Auckland, New Zealand!

I picked up my new GTI on Saturday and I am absolutely loving it! I upgraded from an Alfa 147 Selespeed to a GTI with DSG (and 18", Sunroof, Leather, iPod kit, Black Magic paint).

I've got a couple of questions about DSG for those who have it...

1. Does the DSG software learn your driving style in "D" and "S" modes? For example if I am in D mode and change down often (because it slips into those high gears too quickly for my liking) does it adjust the "D" programme to my driving style? I know "S" features more aggressive gear changes (later upshifts, earlier downshifts), but so far I have found it a tad too agressive for normal round-town driving. A programme between "D" and "S" would be nice!

2. What mode do other DSG owners prefer?

In the Alfa I always drive it in fully manual mode (the "City" mode, similar to "D", was pretty poor at upshifts), I suspect I'll end up driving the GTI in manual mode most of the time also, but I'll have to wait and see.

Righto, better post this and go for another drive!

Jono

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Hi from Nagoya, Japan. Though I'm from Palmerston North.

I would have to agree with you about wanting something between "D" and "S". "D" is usually boring and "S" is manic, it least it is on the A3. I spend most of my time in manual but recently been using "S" a little. It requires a finer touch with the accelerator. But I also tend to find that "D" is a little more spritely after a session in "S".

I think that DSG does learn your driving style but unfortunately I share the car with my wife who has a completely different driving style. The "D" range is very uninspiring after she has driven it.

I test drove a Selespeed 147 before the A3 came out and was impressed at the time but as you say, the upshifts are far from smooth. DSG dung.gifs allover Selespeed. Have fun 169144-ok.gif

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Hi from West Dorset, England!!

After 6,500 miles I don't find S-mode too manic....Perhaps I can be a bit of a manic driver sometimes! It's very much as MrZed says: it requires a finer touch with the throttle. In fact a finer touch in every mode of DSG gives finer control.

I'm not aware of the ECU/DSG software "learning" an individual driver's style and I doubt very much if this is the case. I think that it's the other way around - the driver learns the car!

This link might be of interest in understanding how DSG works: DSG - Past & Present znaika.gif

To answer Jono's questions: Yes, S-mode is usually a bit too strong for urban driving, except perhaps for taking off at the lights on London's Embankment! I like the fact that DSG allows a great many variety of combinations between all the modes - D-mode / S-mode / Paddleshift / Tiptronic. It takes time to become 'natural' with it and flick between any of them. I like how easy it is to override a mode with the paddles.

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Hi there, welcome to TSN and DSG !

1. I don't think that the DSG "learns", it applies rules based on mode/throttle/gear/speed and thats it I think.

2. Hmm, I use all three. One thing I've found that after 1300 miles is that I'm sarting to use D but override it more. So I'm pootling round in D but see I may have to nip out at a junction/hazzard coming up and the DSG is in 4th, I'll pop the "-" paddle one or two times to select the gear i want and hold it, that way I have the gear and response I want, then I just let the dsg take over back in D mode when I'm done.

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[ QUOTE ]

....then I just let the dsg take over back in D mode when I'm done.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi, Scott 169144-ok.gif

I expect you know that if you hold the "+" paddle for 2-3 seconds, she'll revert to either D- or S-mode (where you were previously) without having to wait for it to happen automatically after about 25 seconds.

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That's the downside of DSG - It does things so well that it's very easy to get 'lazy' and not bother to explore. It's interesting that your DSG 'learning curve' is approaching it as a manual-user and mine is as an automatic-user - I'm generalising of course. DSG has the best of both worlds (as you already know!).

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Good point Red, I hadn't thought of that, Im def approaching it from a manual-user point of view. I like to be able to ensure that I have the gear I want when I want, but also like using "D" for town driving and early, sleepy starts! The overide through the paddles is excellent - quick and easy.

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Hi, I have had mine since July this year. Previously had a Peugeot 306GTI6. Picked it up from Bill Tapper European, Albany. A Fantastic car. The DSG is a brilliant system. I find that D changes up too quickly, so I use the paddles most of the time. I find this is almost like driving a manual, as you have the control. Have only used S once or twice on the open road twisty bits. I live in Ponsonby, not sure where you are but always keep a look out for new GTI's. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers

Paul

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Welcome Jono from another antipodean!!

I don't think DSG learns your driving style - but you'll soon come to learn all its options. It does take a while to get the hang of it as Red Robin I think as already pointed out.

I drive almost exclusively in M using the paddle for up changes nad the stick for down changes - don't know why - it has just evolved that way. After a while you also come to know where the the paddle is when you are making an up shift going round a corner.

Only ue D when in traffic. S takes more refinement ( again as others have said) it is also a bit too manic for city driving. I'll bring it out for a couple of country trips planned across Christmas/New Year. I've done about 6,000km and would say that I've been very comfortable with DSG since about the 2,500km mark.

It is streets ahead of the Selespeeed on the Alfa - a fact I'm sure you have well and truly realised already.

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Hi all, and thanks for the warm welcome!

Paul, I live in Birkenhead Pt, but travel to the city daily for work so I might see you around!

As with most others I think I'll mostly use manual mode (as per the Selespeed) but it's nice to have the option to slip it into D or S when you just don't feel like shifting for yourself. The upchanges certainly are incredible -- this is the single biggest difference I notice over Selespeed (downchanges were pretty good on the Alfa).

I see today that NZ Autocar gave the GTI best performance car and best car overall for 2005. Lucky I got mine when i did, they'll be an even hotter item now!

Jono

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Hi Jono, I walk to work, so only get to use the car in the weekend generally. Did you get your car from Giltrap's, Continential or Tapper's?. I see you have I pod, how does that work? I went for the 6cd changer in the armrest, did not even think to ask about I Pod, I don't have one currently.

Got my Autocar mag when I got home last night. I see they picked the BMW just ahead of the R32. I like the look at the front of the GTI better than the R32 ( although I have yet to see one in the flesh), and don't really have another $20k to spend on 4wheel drive and from all accounts a very thirsty V6. Also wonder if the depreciation will be greater on the 32 given it's inital higher purchase price.

I think you will enjoy the GTI more each day as you get more familiar with it.

Cheers

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