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Golf 5MT Opinions?

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Douggy

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
There are comments here and there on the forum about the 5MT transmission. Consensus seems to be that the throws are a little long, and gearing is too tall. I was hoping for a 6MT with the 2016's, but that's not going to happen. Went for a short test drive myself - wasn't crazy about the long throws, but didn't mind the tall gearing given the broad torque band.

Can any owner's that have been driving the 5MT for awhile comment in more detail?
 
#2 ·
It is not bad. I have about 6k miles under its belt now over a few months and it reminds me of my old Mk6 Golf a lot except less torque in the lower revs. Throws are long and I do wish it had a 6MT over the 5MT but still, not bad.
 
#3 ·
Granted, I've only done test drives so far (actually picking up my Golf on 5/21), but the throws weren't too bad. The gearing did, however, stand out as pretty poor. For a car as "light" as it is, and with the HP/TQ rating, it should be faster! Damn gearing is way too MPG-oriented than performance/fun driving.

Has anyone installed the Diesel Geek short shifter?
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
rossi46 said:
Granted, I've only done test drives so far (actually picking up my Golf on 5/21), but the throws weren't too bad. The gearing did, however, stand out as pretty poor. For a car as "light" as it is, and with the HP/TQ rating, it should be faster! Damn gearing is way too MPG-oriented than performance/fun driving.

Has anyone installed the Diesel Geek short shifter?
Click to expand...
The reviews I've seen show faster 0 - 60 times with the 5MT versus the automatic, which is a little surprising given the tall gearing, and the fact the the auto drivetrain has more torque (199 vs 185 kb-ft). And yeah, I'm curious about a short shifter as well.
 
#8 ·
clone12100 said:
From my understanding its the same transmission from the mk6 2.5l.
I thought the new 1.8t A3 only comes in a 6spd dsg auto.
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I think the 1.8 can be had with a manual, but the 2.0 AWD is only available with the DSG in North America. At least that was the case last summer when the car was first introduced. Not sure about the 2016 models.

The reason I was asking is because I had read a quick article on MT magazine, where the writer said the 1.8L was more enjoyable to drive than the 2 liter because of the gear ratios. Again, that was one reporter's opinion, but I thought it was relevant. I have not driven then Golf, but only test drove the A3 with DSG and AWD.
 
#10 ·
We have the 5MT in our 14 Beetle. The tall gearing is OK with me as the 1.8 TSI has so much torque, its not a problem. The gearing certainly helps fuel economy as we'r averaging 34.8 mpg in the Beetle. We average 32.4 in the 15 Golf automatic.
 
#11 ·
I like my 5MT. I sure wish that it was a 6MT, but it's still doing the job pretty well. The gearing is kind of long, but I got used to it pretty quickly. Fuel economy on the highway is great.

With regard to the 1.8 and MT in the A3, they can't be had together here in Canada. I can't see it on the Audi USA's site either.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
otbiker57 said:
We have the 5MT in our 14 Beetle. The tall gearing is OK with me as the 1.8 TSI has so much torque, its not a problem. The gearing certainly helps fuel economy as we'r averaging 34.8 mpg in the Beetle. We average 32.4 in the 15 Golf automatic.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you have both transmissions in daily drivers. Why did you choose the auto in your newer car, and how do you compare the drivability / fun or each?
 
#13 ·
Vitt said:
I think the 1.8 can be had with a manual, but the 2.0 AWD is only available with the DSG in North America. At least that was the case last summer when the car was first introduced. Not sure about the 2016 models.

The reason I was asking is because I had read a quick article on MT magazine, where the writer said the 1.8L was more enjoyable to drive than the 2 liter because of the gear ratios. Again, that was one reporter's opinion, but I thought it was relevant. I have not driven then Golf, but only test drove the A3 with DSG and AWD.
Click to expand...
There is no manual option for the North American A3.
 
#20 ·
6200 miles on ours, and I will say, the gearbox feels its age. Throws are long and somewhat clunky. 5th gear is laughably tall and useless for acceleration below 60-65mph. I also find, when cold, if the car is not totally stationary when we put it into reverse we get a slight grind. To me, the gear box is the only indicator of the car's price. All that said, keep the motor in the torque sweet spot, and it goes pretty well. I also own a 2015 S4, and frankly, the golf is 90% as fun, for 1/3rd the cost. I find myself driving the golf often, since the gas mileage is literally double what I get in the S.
 
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