Volkswagen's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) combines the ease of an automatic car with the efficiency and flexibility of a manual.

While a conventional gearbox works with one clutch, the DSG transmission has two - one in gear, while the second has the next gear preselected. When the gears need to shift, the second clutch takes the load, while the first preselects the next gear. The whole process takes no more than three to four hundredths of a second - faster than the blink of an eye!

DSG transmissions also have a 'tiptronic' function, allowing gears to be manually selected with the gear lever or steering wheel paddles (not all DSG transmissions in New Zealand are fitted with paddles as standard). Tiptronic changes have a more 'sporty' feel.

There are several benefits of the system. These include improved acceleration and refined uninterrupted driving. DSG is the first of its kind to feature in a production car, demonstrating Volkswagen's ongoing commitment to developing remarkable technology.

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