TMC

Did you try the DSG, ISUK? I have to say, that system is really quite good, better than SMG IMO

ISUK

Haven't tried SMG - all of the demo cars have been manual that I've seen (which I found strange). A friend has driven a DSG Audi TT and says it is superb. The Golf doesn't have the paddle shifters on the steering wheel though.

colejl

I know 'modern' cars cope with more power at the front wheels than they used to, but it would be so much better with those horses at the back

E60525d

Im sure when 5th gear drove the Golf GTI, they had paddles on the steering wheel.

ISUK

No paddle shifters on the Golf, gear stick only.

E60525d

Does it even have buttons on the steering wheel to change gear?

ISUK

No, it doesn't have steering wheel buttons either. After having spoken to a couple of Audi TT DSG owners they tell me that the novelty of changing gear with the paddles quickly wears off and they leave the gearbox in auto mode for smooth fast changes.

I have to say that I would most likely do the same as I never used the multitronic buttons on the steering wheel on my A4 cab and have rarely used the "manual" shifting mode of my steptronic either.

TMC

All the reviews I read talk about changing gear via the paddles 'behind the steering wheel' - perhaps VAG dropped this at the last minute, but kept it on the review cars?

ISUK

Just checked with the dealer. Paddle shift IS an option with a multi function steering wheel for ?515. It is not shown in the GTi brochure.

IMHO it is ridiculous that paddle shift is not part of the DSG option.

BangleBox_530d

By the time you "dispose" of your E60, and buy a new 3er for almost ?30K. Aren't you just as well to keep the E60?