Looking for small-ish petrol automatic?

I have a five year old DSG 1.4 TSI Golf and am looking to replace it with another automatic, new or up to a year old. It must have parking sensors, be front wheel drive, comfortable and reliable. I know HJ isn't keen on DSGs but it seems to be a choice between that or Powershift as I've moved on from old-style automatics and don't want a CVT. What cars would HJ suggest within my £17K budget?

Asked on 11 July 2015 by perkscan

Answered by Honest John

I've had thousands of reports of problems with DSGs. Not hundreds. Thousands. That's why I can't honestly recommend them. DSGs are the same whether they are in Skoda, VW or SEAs or Audi, where they are simply re-named S Tronic to make them seem different. Powershifts are nicer to drive but are now also starting to be problematic. So your answer is a Mazda2 6-speed torque converter automatic, if you'll accept an 11.7 second 0-60: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mazda/mazda-2-2015.../? But get a better colour than the test car.

Tags: automatics buying hatchbacks dsg

Similar questions

Buying a Touran DSG - wise?

We want to buy a used, new shape Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI SE (2011 onwards) with a budget of up to about £17,000. We have driven a manual and find the clutch heavy, so think we will go for the 7 speed...

Are DSG automatics ok?

I want a small automatic and was wondering about the Skoda Fabia. Have been told by friends that DSG autos are not a good choice. Is this so? Otherwise what else would you recommend? It needs to fit in...

Audi Auto Gearboxes

I might buy an Audi A4 1.8T or 2.0T, or an A6 2.7 diesel. There seem to be a bewildering array of auto boxes available! Am I right in saying the Multironic is CVT type box with good economy and performance...

Related models