Some DSG Questions

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srothman

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*Meant to say DCT*

OK, so I am keen on getting a new car, and I am seriously looking at the Merc A180 CDI. Yes, I've sold my soul to diesel. This is not the reason for the post. The reason is around the 7-speed DCT transmission. Never having driven and automatic car, let alone own one, I'm not sure if it is worth the additional R10 000-.

Please bear in mind, I am completely ignorant when it comes to this, so please excuse me if I use a term wrong, or if I don't completely make sense.

Now, the biggest gripe I hear about he 7-speed gearbox in the smaller engines is that they don't have enough power in the higher gears, even from 6th gear, and often battle to perform at any speeds other than freeway speeds. Is this the case? This is one of the reason why I am leaning towards the 6-speed manual transmission instead. Your thoughts?

When it comes to fuel economy, the DCT model is slightly less economical than the 6-speed model. Now, how would a 7-speed DCT used in manual mode compare to a 6-speed manual model, if that makes sense? Is that even possible? I know the difference is marginal, and at the end of the day probably not even noticeable, but being a Bluemotion driver at the moment, I notice these kinds of things. As it is the car will be used for freeway driving 80% of the time.

I've never really been a fan of automatic cars. They've always conjured up this image of old people taking a Sunday-afternoon drive. I'm not sure if I'm quite there yet. I perceive automatic cars, and by extension DCT models sort of "less involved" than their manual counterparts. Again, please remember that this is coming from a pit of ignorance. Am I wrong? How much fun is it to drive a DCT? I guess the fact that there are a number of high-performance cars coming standard with DCT transmissions makes the point, but still. Yes, yes, I know nothing in a diesel is fun, but you get what I'm saying ;-)

Then, let's say I decide to go with the DCT over the manual model, what are the Do's and Don'ts I need to keep in mind, if any?

I expect this will be a very subjective post, but please help me understand that this DCT thing.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Sorry, DCT for the Merc. Fixed most of the references.
Not the same thing as DSG then?
 
The extra R10k does not only buy you a different gearbox. It also buys you a 1.8L Mercedes engine, instead of a 1.5L Renault... Look at the specs again.
 
Thanks for posting this as I had the some of the same questions in mind- I ordered the A200 with the DCT gearbox
My advice to you is to test drive both and then decide. On the A200 that I test drove I found it quite responsive but, can't comment on the diesel as I haven't driven 1.
This is also going to be my 1st auto car so I guess it will take some time getting used to it....especially the braking as you cant perform engine braking manually
 
Nimz said:
Thanks for posting this as I had the some of the same questions in ...

snip

...used to it....especially the braking as you cant perform engine braking manually
Click to expand...

Off topic, but when did you order it, and how long did you have to wait? Average waiting for the CDI, six months :(
 
Keep in mind you are not talking about a traditional automatic gearbox here. Dual-clutch automated gearboxes > manual 'boxes in every single way.

Don'ts? 1, mainly: Don't hold your car on an incline against the throttle as you'd do with an automatic; it'll destroy the clutch.
 
So when you stop, foot on the brake? Do I stop and then just foot off all the pedals? Do I need to change to N, bearing in mind the start/stop function.
 
srothman said:
So when you stop, foot on the brake? Do I stop and then just foot off all the pedals? Do I need to change to N, bearing in mind the start/stop function.
Click to expand...

Foot on brake's fine; if you're stationary and not applying any throttle the clutch won't be engaged.
 
srothman said:
Off topic, but when did you order it, and how long did you have to wait? Average waiting for the CDI, six months :(
Click to expand...

Yeah the waiting list is very long.
I ordered in the beginning of June - expected build date is Dec - expected Delivery date is end of Jan 2014
 
Go drive it and see for yourself.

Any commentary on the internet is not going to get you any closer to understanding what it is like to drive.


Duel clutch systems are nothing like other automatics and should rather be referred to as manual gearboxes with automatic/electronic clutches.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Go drive it and see for yourself.

Any commentary on the internet is not going to get you any closer to understanding what it is like to drive.


Duel clutch systems are nothing like other automatics and should rather be referred to as manual gearboxes with automatic/electronic clutches.
Click to expand...

I hear you, makes sense. I'm just trying to get as much input as possible.
Not knowing anything about this, I feel like someone having pie for the very first time and then being asked if it tastes right.
 
Drive anything and everything you are remotely interested in and ask a million questions.

Sales people should work for their money.

What feels pap to on person might be over the top for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2
 
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