''CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??''

From the VW group i've come to expect it, barge pole jobs now.

The 1.4TSi has proven itself to be pretty pants, awful on fuel and prone to many other expensive faults. .

It's a shame that motoring journalists continue to trot out the stupid 'combined' figures they're fed by the manufacturers. HJ is not immune to this fault although of course the 'real MPG' feature on this site is an excellent idea.

I suppose some would call it progress Avant, my 16 year old MB box together with almost every single hydraulic minimally electrified 4 or 5 speed box is virtually bombproof and untouched from new so long as you don't try to cut costs by failing to have a periodic oil change, yet they have seen fit to go up to 7 speed electronic marvel boxes which are renowned for needing regular updates to keep them well and ruinously expensive when they go wrong, talk of 9 speed boxes from MB and BMW if they're not already out.

All designed for the gameboy generation, more electronic tat than you can shake a stick at sells, well it does to the new and company car market, time will tell if cars so equipped will sell used once the ticking time bomb aspect becomes common knowledge, i wouldn't give you a thankyou.

Modern cars of a certain image are not designed to last for years trouble free any more, they are of the moment on paper and down the pub or the office they sound upmarket, exclusive, better than the others, the buyers of such are not in the least interested if it goes wrong to the tune of £5k three weeks out of warranty, they'll have the next upgrade by then, and i don't blame them if its their thing, thank goodness we're all different.

If it ain't broke etc.

It was introduced to compliment the smaller engines at first. It is a dry clutch unit, unlike the 6spd which is wet clutch. It is smaller and lighter than the 6spd so can be more easily fitted to Polo, Ibiza, Fabia etc (not that the 6spd doesnt fit but its tight). It is supposedly more efficient and has reduced fuel consumption and emissions. However when used in a NASP Polo 1.4 it is always hunting and really masks the power of the old 1.4. Originally DSG problems were diagnosed as the 'mechatronic unit' common to all VAG brands, however in service the actual units have proved to be a little weak. On the 6spd sometimes caused by not adhering to the 40k mile oil change. On motorway cars they arent all bad, and the 6spd has been fitted to many cars I have seen used as taxis which have done massive miles, upto 180k ish miles. I would much rather have a 'proper' auto. I know its less efficient, but can prove to be much stronger, and IMO nicer to use, although that is very personal.