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Calling DSG users, especially with 4Motion as well

I have an automatic, that wasn't optional as I have a dodgy left leg so my previous two cars were also auto - the last one I always drove in Sport mode as it seemed that was 'normal' and normal was more like 'very old person' mode (like Granny Jen, I qualify for the title but I believe that growing up is optional)

Five weeks in I haven't felt any need to use Sport mode in the Cali, in fact one of the first comments I made when I test drove - in a rather surprised voice was "Oh - she GOES!". Haven't noticed any lag when moving off - getting out into traffic I have to put the boot down a bit more than with the car but it's a heavier vehicle.

I didn't even know that there was a 4WD option, might have looked for that if I had (buying used) but I guess I would still have fallen in lust with mine and bought it anyway!
 
BikerGran said:
I have an automatic, that wasn't optional as I have a dodgy left leg so my previous two cars were also auto - the last one I always drove in Sport mode as it seemed that was 'normal' and normal was more like 'very old person' mode (like Granny Jen, I qualify for the title but I believe that growing up is optional)

Five weeks in I haven't felt any need to use Sport mode in the Cali, in fact one of the first comments I made when I test drove - in a rather surprised voice was "Oh - she GOES!". Haven't noticed any lag when moving off - getting out into traffic I have to put the boot down a bit more than with the car but it's a heavier vehicle.

I didn't even know that there was a 4WD option, might have looked for that if I had (buying used) but I guess I would still have fallen in lust with mine and bought it anyway!
Click to expand...
Sports Mode is useful in hilly country, more engine braking on descent and stays in lower gear longer for ascents. Can be useful.:thumb
 
love my 180 4motion DSG, couldn't 20150922_161625.jpg think of any thing less, but that's me
 
WelshGas said:
Sports Mode is useful in hilly country, more engine braking on descent and stays in lower gear longer for ascents. Can be useful.:thumb
Click to expand...

I find that a bit confusing - why use sport mode for a descent when I can choose a gear?
 
Really glad of 4Motion this morning pulling off a sodden wet field next to the River Severn at Melverley. Problem was that someone had camped overnight on the flat bit we had driven on when we came in, blocking our path to the exit and forcing us to cross a depression of soft earth, made worse by the heavy overnight rain.

I spent a good few minutes cursing the newcomers and worrying whether we would make it. As it was, there was no drama at all, apart from an occasional brief intervention from the traction control when one or other of the wheels started to lose grip.

While I think we probably would have got off with 2wd, there would have been some to-ing and fro-ing and muddy streaks everywhere.
:)
 
BikerGran said:
I find that a bit confusing - why use sport mode for a descent when I can choose a gear?
Click to expand...
You can if you wish, but the DSG will intervene if you choose the wrong gear or if the engine over revs. The DSG computer will not allow you to override preset parameters when in Manual Mode.
 
First post here.... We buyed a secondhand 2010 180hp DSG 4 motion. We have some doubts about the DSG in the beginning, but afterwards it was the right choice. 4 motion was very useful in Austria during snowy conditions. Our dealer (Amersfoort, Netherlands) offered last year a combined DSG and motor tuning, we did that and riding is much smoother now. Plus 40 hp and an excellent combination (optimized shiftmoments) with the DSG.
 
panadero said:
First post here.... We buyed a secondhand 2010 180hp DSG 4 motion. We have some doubts about the DSG in the beginning, but afterwards it was the right choice. 4 motion was very useful in Austria during snowy conditions. Our dealer (Amersfoort, Netherlands) offered last year a combined DSG and motor tuning, we did that and riding is much smoother now. Plus 40 hp and an excellent combination (optimized shiftmoments) with the DSG.
Click to expand...
Welcome. How many miles/kilometres has the vehicle done?
 
All recent California's in NZ are 4 motion DSG. It's the only California model VWNZ import these days. Older ones like ours are manual 4 motion. Prob some older 2wd ones here too. For our use were wouldn't be without 4 motion. It's brilliant...
 
Our first van was a manual, this one we have had for 4 years with DSG and I would not change it.

It also has a benefit when camping. When you rotate the drivers seat you have to release the handbrake. With a DSG that is not a problem. With the brake off the vehicle will not move.

With a manual you have to put it in gear but it only needs a mistake to knock it out of gear and, unless you have chocked the wheels then you are at risk. (Please correct me someone if I have that wrong)

Because I am insecure I do chock my wheels if I am at a cliff edge or terraced campsite and then I use a big rock. Otherwise never, because of the DSG
 
Is there anything more satisfying than shifting your own cogs?
 
Trailertrash said:
Is there anything more satisfying than shifting your own cogs?
Click to expand...
DSG doesn't stop you doing that if you wish. Also you get to play with Kickdown, Sports Mode and Manual and the Auto Creep/Anti Stall which makes slow speed manoeuvring a doddle. :thumb
 
I've done loads of googling, and found lots of advice on (largely people's opinions) on 'how' to drive a DSG, and plenty of good advice on this forum. Likewise lots on the mechanics of the DSG. But not yet found the VW instructions...
Our Beach, when VW finally decide to build it (week 34?) will be our first non-manual vehicle. Given a recent recurring left knee injury, a decision I am glad we made.
I was wondering if anyone could find the time to upload the relevant bits of the t6 manual with the DSG instructions so I am more familiar with the practicalities before I collect - e.g. when to use P or N? When to expect the coasting to kick in, etc.
Alternatively point me in the direction of where they can be found.
Thanks in advance.
 
Once you've used a DSG (read Automatic) you'll never go back to manual.

I don't know if the Cali has optional "Dynamic" mode which sharpens up everything (throttle response/gear change etc). If it does then tick the box.
 
sidepod said:
Once you've used a DSG (read Automatic) you'll never go back to manual.

I don't know if the Cali has optional "Dynamic" mode which sharpens up everything (throttle response/gear change etc). If it does then tick the box.
Click to expand...
There's a 'Sport' mode - is that the same?
 
I found this video on YouTube - lady driver (very sterotypical - watch for the glazed look) getting instruction on DSG lag on VW from a dealer

Good for a giggle, but might help explain the 'lag' some people experience.
 
Stoneybroke said:
There's a 'Sport' mode - is that the same?
Click to expand...
Sport mode holds the gears a bit longer before changing up and also changes down more aggressively when slowing with the brakes.

If you just "lift off" the throttle it will coast (unless disabled) but either accelerating or braking will re engage the clutch.
 
Stoneybroke said:
I've done loads of googling, and found lots of advice on (largely people's opinions) on 'how' to drive a DSG, and plenty of good advice on this forum. Likewise lots on the mechanics of the DSG. But not yet found the VW instructions...
Our Beach, when VW finally decide to build it (week 34?) will be our first non-manual vehicle. Given a recent recurring left knee injury, a decision I am glad we made.
I was wondering if anyone could find the time to upload the relevant bits of the t6 manual with the DSG instructions so I am more familiar with the practicalities before I collect - e.g. when to use P or N? When to expect the coasting to kick in, etc.
Alternatively point me in the direction of where they can be found.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

P = Parking
N= Neutral
No more no less up to you when you want to select witch....;)
My Cali is also my first non-manual car in six cars ever owned , love it , especialy when on longer trips .
Never used the "coasting" function .
Use sport on hill climbing and decending.

Think there's no t6 manual online yet , but there is not much changed then previous,
certainly not on the DSG gearbox.
 
Got 4motion DSG 204bhp. Pretty happy with it. Don't notice a lag. Instead, it jumps like insane due to diesel torque. You get 450nm from 2k rpm and if you drop a pedal down all the stuff inside sticks to the rear door including the passengers. ;)
Wasn't very informative when trying to climb the curb. But I am comparing it to lighter petrol CRV with bigger wheels.
My main concern isn't a delay but spiky power output Not that flowing as on a petrol. Push it a bit more and it shoots away too much. So just need to learn how it reacts to the pedal.
Really impressed how DSG is assisting in breaking. It shifts down so smartly. You can always put it into manual. But after some playing I just leave it in full auto. DSG shifts too smart to bother and try override it.

DSG+ ACC is a dream. Especially in long slow traffic jams in Germany. You just put it on auto and can safely look around do stuff. Vehicle keeps distance perfectly.
 
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