Popped over to my local VW dealer today to have a look at the Passat and Jetta.
Initially, I was stuck between going for the bigger Passat, in 2.0TDI SE spec, or the Jetta in 2.0TDI SE DSG trim.
They gave me a test drive in a Jetta with the 2.0TDI lump and a 6 speed manual, followed by a run in a Touran with DSG (although it was only a
1.9TDI).I have to say that the DSG 'box is an incredibly good bit of kit - once the car order form arrives, I'll be getting myself a Jetta TDI SE DSG. Not decided if I want a 1.9 or 2.0 yet - both would be perfectly fine for my use, but it will all depend on the tax cost and how much my personal contribution would be towards the 2.0.
Anyway - the DSG box. It's a bit odd initially, as it feels a bit fluffy at low revs - certainly doesn't dump the clutch as fast as most drivers will, but once it sorts itself out, it's fine. Sport mode allows you to floor the throttle right up to the redline, 'normal' mode block changes gears and slips the clutch so it feels more like a traditional auto.
Slipping it over into 'tiptronic' mode was fun, but I don't really see the point when the Sport mode is good enough for most people.
Is it worth the extra cash over a manual? - probably not, but I'm happy to trade a Passat for a Jetta to get it.