What is a DSG (direct shift gearbox)?
A DSG (direct shift gearbox) is a type of automatic transmission used in Volkswagen Group cars. You'll find it as an option on Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda and Cupra cars. It's also used in Audi models under the 'S Tronic' name. In normal driving, it works the exact same way as a regular automatic gearbox – you press the brake, shift to 'D' and release the brake to start pulling away like any other two-pedal car.
Unlike a typical auto, however, DSG units swap out the fluid torque converter coupling for a pair of computer-controlled clutches. The advantage here is that one clutch will be in use, while the other will have the next gear ready to go the split-second the gearbox decides to swap, resulting in a super-smooth, lightning-fast gearchange.
You can also click the paddles behind the wheel or nudge the shifter in the centre console if you want to control the gears yourself. The computer will stop you if you manually try to swap into too high or too low a gear.
