VW: World's best transmission technology in Golf GTI

Volkswagen group's DSG is well known to us. Now it's called World's best transmission technology in a Golf GTI.

Awesome DSG Transmission

The optional direct shift gearbox (DSG) is an auto-shifting manual transmission. Though the GTI has no clutch pedal for the driver, its gearbox has two automated clutches; when it's time to upshift, the next gear is already online. You can shift yourself with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, or let the car choose for you.

This front-driver is a hoot to pilot, but if you're a good citizen and don't punch the throttle, you'll get 30-plus mpg. Trouble is, with 200 hp on tap from the four-cylinder turbocharged engine, you might find it hard to be good.

The biggest drawback to the otherwise excellent drivetrain is VW's drive-by-wire throttle system, which eliminates jackrabbit starts by modulating the throttle. As with other VWs, the GTI can be slow to respond when you really want to get through the intersection in a hurry. Try leaving the DSG in Sport mode at stop signs for a more responsive throttle, even if that means burning a little more gasoline. It's still cheaper than the insurance deductible if you get T-boned. Anyway, while we may be short on $1.50-a-gallon gasoline, there's plenty of undiscovered $4 gas, for the near term at least.

Read the full review here.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, GTI, transmission

Source: Techno Ride

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