RE: Manual gearbox for Polo GTI

[dukebox9reg]

Mr Tidy said:

I couldn't help recalling what Walter Rohrl said recently about the PDK only Porsche - it was reportedly done for the benefit of the likely buyers. I mean you don't need to change gear on a PS1!

Two other possible reasons for the Polo GTi are:-

Lower headline list price.

Less warranty claims for VAG - I have read a few reports of problems with DSG's.

Personally I just don't want an auto/DSG however quick it may change gear, I enjoy the experience of matching revs on a downshift and having complete control of the drivetrain, etc.

I want plenty of power, RWD and a manual gearbox. Most of us who are "more mature" probably feel the same - automatic MK II Jags and E-types don't fetch anything like what the manuals do.

Cant really compare an auto from 50 years ago to autos of today. Manuals are a lot closer in comparison.

Auto vs Manual for performance 15-20 years ago let alone 50-60 years ago was in a different league. Autos are now better on fuel (sometimes) and faster.

[loudlashadjuster]

sanctum said:

MAnual gearbox is a huge weight saving over the DSG. For CO2 emissions that can be critical, and the CO2 emissions are only getting stricter.

VW say ~20kg, so not really. And the payback is greater efficiency due to gear spread and during shifts so that on balance there isn't much difference. According to VW figures, petrol DSGs manage slightly better MPG/CO2 than manual petrols but it's the opposite way round with diesels for some reason.

[Axionknight]

Emeye said:

Good news. Very good news - hopefully the others will follow suit?

Hopefully there will be a five door option. I would never have a DSG. I've had 2 manual Mk5 Golf Gtis, but the GTis are getting bigger. I might have considered a new Golf, but £30k on a nicely spec'd Gti is painful.

Shame there isn't a five door ST....

If you mean the Focus, there is only a 5 door ST. Fiesta? My missus just ordered one, cracking little motor, she didn't need 5 doors and preferred it to the Focus (easier to park, zzzz).

[Emeye]

Axionknight said:

If you mean the Focus, there is only a 5 door ST. Fiesta? My missus just ordered one, cracking little motor, she didn't need 5 doors and preferred it to the Focus (easier to park, zzzz).

I meant Fiesta - apparently the Americans get a five door - usually it is just me in my car (currently a mk1 Audi TT) for my 7 mile each way commute to work and the odd long work journey, but I want to be able to squeeze the kids (2 soon to be 3) in there if required.

Obviously I could just move up a size to a Golf Gti/Focus ST, which I probably will, and I have argued that WRC should be Golf sized cars and not supermini sized as they are more relevant to what the average Rally fan would want to drive themselves. I didn't notice many superminis in the car parks when I went to Rally GB this year.......

I used to think I had outgrown hot superminis at my age - but as some manufacturers push them upmarket, both in size and perceived quality in an attempt to distinguish them from competition from Kia and Hyundai etc, they become more desirable to me and a good option.

[dukebox9reg]

loudlashadjuster said:

sanctum said:

MAnual gearbox is a huge weight saving over the DSG. For CO2 emissions that can be critical, and the CO2 emissions are only getting stricter.

VW say ~20kg, so not really. And the payback is greater efficiency due to gear spread and during shifts so that on balance there isn't much difference. According to VW figures, petrol DSGs manage slightly better MPG/CO2 than manual petrols but it's the opposite way round with diesels for some reason.

As a said it's dry clutch vs wet clutch DSG systems. Dry being on the lower power petrols.

[AV12]

I think VAG have realised that all their competitors are way ahead of them in driving and desireability in certain segments. The Golf GTI remains excellent, but the M135i, A45, Fiesta ST, 208, R Clio all offer things that none of the VAG brands do. An edge.
VAG tried a "everything with DSG", but it the response from critics/PH seems to be very mixed about this gearbox in certain iterations.
Good on them for responding.

[vanschpunk]

Society is doomed, if the manual car as we know it, is an "option"!!

Ok if its america (where they are lazy s). But i would say a strong proportion of europe is manual based!! So why isnt auto an "option"

But at least VW has the balls (and funding) to tool up and rectify their mess up. Ford need to wise up with the Focus and the 5dr lay out. And Renault need to make the Clio a 3dr and manual again.

[Emeye]

vanschpunk said:

Society is doomed, if the manual car as we know it, is an "option"!!

Ok if its america (where they are lazy s). But i would say a strong proportion of europe is manual based!! So why isnt auto an "option"

But at least VW has the balls (and funding) to tool up and rectify their mess up. Ford need to wise up with the Focus and the 5dr lay out. And Renault need to make the Clio a 3dr and manual again.

In these automotive niche infested times, I don't see why can't they do both? I don't want a 3dr.

[Dr Interceptor]

Emeye said:

vanschpunk said:

Society is doomed, if the manual car as we know it, is an "option"!!

Ok if its america (where they are lazy s). But i would say a strong proportion of europe is manual based!! So why isnt auto an "option"

But at least VW has the balls (and funding) to tool up and rectify their mess up. Ford need to wise up with the Focus and the 5dr lay out. And Renault need to make the Clio a 3dr and manual again.

In these automotive niche infested times, I don't see why can't they do both? I don't want a 3dr.

No harm in doing both versions! I suspect most quick Golfs will be a 3-door DSG, but I've ordered a 5-door manual

[Emeye]

Dr Interceptor said:

No harm in doing both versions! I suspect most quick Golfs will be a 3-door DSG, but I've ordered a 5-door manual

While shopping about, it seems that the five door Mk5 Golf Gtis hold their value better than the 3 doors, and it also seems the manuals are holding their value better than the DSG!


So good choice!

[Dr Interceptor]

Emeye said:

While shopping about, it seems that the five door Mk5 Golf Gtis hold their value better than the 3 doors, and it also seems the manuals are holding their value better than the DSG!


So good choice!

Luckily not my concern as it's a company lease vehicle... and it's the 'R' I've ordered

[Dale487]

The biggest mistake VW made with the Polo GTi, Fabia VRS & Ibiza Cupra was not manual on any of them.

I bought a Fabia Monte Carlo & never considered a VRS due to the DSG 'box - with Skoda deciding not to make a mark 3 Fabia VRS as they are only about selling volume, I think it's all down to the current VRS being DSG only. The Skoda dealer advised me they'd sold 8 Monte Carlos in a 2 week period, which are manual only.