60-second summary
Need the facts on DSG gearboxes in under a minute? Here’s our quick take:
DSG – or direct shift gearboxes – offer the best of both automatic and manual driving.
First introduced by Volkswagen in 2003, DSG gearboxes are now a popular feature among many car brands.
A pair of clutches are controlled electronically, allowing cars with DSG transmission to engage and disengage automatically.
Pros of DSG gearboxes are that they offer smooth, fast gear changes with zero manual effort and better fuel efficiency than traditional automatics.
Cons are that DSGs are complex and can be expensive to repair, and they’re also prone to hesitation in unexpected situations.
While no less reliable than other types of transmission, common faults with DSG-style gearboxes include noisy bearings, juddering, slow gear changes and struggling to speed up.
DSGs tend to be more expensive to insure, since their complex nature makes them costlier to repair than manual cars.
One of the easiest ways to find a good deal on your DSG car insurance is to shop around and compare quotes.
What is a DSG gearbox?
DSG stands for ‘direct shift gearbox’. It’s very similar to an automatic gearbox, but with two clutches instead of one.
This is why it’s also sometimes called a dual-clutch, twin-clutch gearbox or dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The clutches are built one inside the other. So, only one gear stick is visible, just like a conventional automatic transmission.
Simply put, a DSG gearbox gives you the best of both worlds. You get the comfort and ease of an automatic, with the control and efficiency of a manual gearbox.
How does a DSG gearbox work?
With a DSG transmission, the pair of clutches are electronically controlled by mechatronics. This means that the car can engage or disengage automatically.
While the first clutch is engaged, the second clutch is ready to change gears in response to the way you drive. Sensors in the gearbox can measure how fast you’re going, how hard the engine is working, and how much you’re accelerating.
The mechatronic unit then intuitively works out when to switch gear – whether that’s upshifts or downshifts. It's like one big brain.
The result is a smoother, faster gear shift with virtually no pause.
Thanks to the seamless, responsive gear shifts, DSG gearboxes are fast becoming a popular feature in many car models.
DSG vs conventional automatic
It’s easy to see why many drivers prefer an automatic to a manual car, especially in slow-moving traffic. With automatic gear shifts, there’s no need to have your foot constantly on and off the clutch.
But why would you choose a DSG over a conventional automatic? Here are some of the pros and cons of a DSG gearbox:
Advantages of a DSG gearbox
Smoother, faster gear changes. A conventional auto car uses a torque converter, which isn’t quite as seamless or receptive as a DSG.
Cars with dual-clutch systems are often more fuel efficient than regular automatics.
Disadvantages of a DSG gearbox
A DSG gearbox is complex and can be expensive to repair if it goes wrong.
Even though it’s intuitive, a DSG gearbox can’t know for sure which gear you’ll want next. This can cause it to hesitate in unexpected situations.
How do you drive a DSG transmission car?
Driving a DSG gearbox car is much like driving a conventional automatic.
It has two pedals – the brake and the accelerator – and typically Park, Reverse, Drive and Neutral lever settings. And like most automatics, you’ll usually have to put your foot on the brake to switch between the settings.
How to drive a DSG car:
Press the brake pedal as you start the car
Holding the brake, shift the car into ‘D’ (drive)
Release the handbrake
Release the brake pedal to drive
When stopping, hold the brake pedal to stop the car from moving again
Lifting the brake gently will make the car pull away
When you’ve arrived at your destination and applied the brake, shift into ‘P’ (park) and put the handbrake on.
DSG automatic technology is controlled by a computer. However, most modern DSG cars are also equipped with a manual mode that lets you override the automatic gear changes. For example, if you want to select a lower gear for climbing a steep hill or overtaking.
Depending on the model, you usually do this by shifting the gear lever to manual mode. You could also use the + and – finger controls on paddles behind the steering wheel, much like an F1 racing driver.
Which cars use a DSG gearbox?
The direct shift gearbox was first introduced by the Volkswagen Group in 2003. Now, it’s widely used in a range of models for brands in the VW Group, including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda.
You’ll find them in everything from the affordable Škoda Fabia supermini to the large and practical SEAT Tarraco SUV. The superfast reaction times of dual-clutch gearboxes also means they’re popular in high-end sports cars like the Porsche 911.
Other popular car manufacturers, including Ford, Kia, BMW and Hyundai also offer DSG-style transmissions. Some use different names for their direct shift gearboxes, for example:
Audi – S Tronic
Porsche – PDK
BMW – DCT
Ford – PowerShift
Hyundai – DCT
Kia – DCT
Are DSG gearboxes reliable?
With care and proper maintenance, a DSG gearbox should be no less reliable than other types of transmission. But over time, signs of wear and tear can start to show.
Common faults, especially in older, six-speed DSGs, include:
Noisy bearings
Juddering and shuddering
Slow to change gears
Struggling to speed up in some gears.
But no gearbox is 100% reliable, especially with a fair amount of mileage on the clock. The difference with DSGs is that they’re fully automated. So, unlike manual transmissions, they don’t risk gear ‘crunching’ from heavy-handed drivers, which can cause the clutch to wear out prematurely.
Do DSG gearbox cars cost more to insure?
Because of their complexity, DSG gearbox repairs and replacement parts are going to cost more. This means you’ll most likely pay more to insure a DSG car compared to a manual.
Your car’s insurance group will also impact your premium. The higher the group, the more expensive your car insurance is likely to be.
Many brands fit DSG gearboxes in their sports models, which can typically be found in the higher insurance groups.
And your own personal circumstances will also have a bearing on your insurance premiums. For example, where you live, your driving history, your job and where you park your car at night.
Compare and save
One of the best ways to save money on your DSG car insurance is to compare quotes.
Our price comparison tool is quick and easy to use. Just fill in your details, and we’ll send you a list of quotes in a matter of minutes.
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FAQs
Is a DSG gearbox easy to use?
Yes, once you get used to it. A car with a DSG gearbox is easier to drive than a manual because you don’t have to worry about changing gears yourself.
If you already have experience with automatic cars, you’re unlikely to notice much difference driving a DSG car.
Do cars with DSG transmission cost more to buy?
Typically, yes. Though it depends on the make, model, trim and optional features.
Does a DSG gearbox use more fuel than other gearboxes?
DSGs tend to be more fuel-efficient than traditional automatics. But they don’t always have the fuel economy of a manual.
Older six-speed DSGs use two ‘wet’ clutches that are heavier than single manual transmissions. So they tend to be slightly less fuel-efficient.
But newer, seven-speed DSGs are now equipped with two ‘dry’ clutches. These weigh less, offering better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions than most manual versions.
Which is better – a DSG or manual?
This is really down to personal preference. If you want a smooth, effortless ride where all the hard work is done for you, a DSG is a good option.
But if you’re someone who enjoys being in full control behind the wheel, you might be more at home with a manual.
That said, there’s no getting away from the fact that all cars will be automatic in the not-too-distant future as electric vehicles become more prevalent. So, now is as good a time as any to get more familiar with automatics.
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News, about car and home insurance, as well as our Meerkat rewards scheme.
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