[KUcub]

I got my GTI about 3 weeks ago. I noticed that once I pull away from traffic at a light that it quickly goes through the gears, but when I slow down with traffic it doesn't start to shift down until I'm near a complete stop. It seems to stay in 6 around 30-35 mph. Shouldn't it down shift just as quick when I'm breaking with traffic?

 

[dean]

I don't know the "why" aspect of your question regarding auto-shifting downward, but I usually paddle down a couple of gears if I feel like I'm in the 35 mph-ish range, 3 if I want to pass.

 

[Seawolfe]

I got my GTI about 3 weeks ago. I noticed that once I pull away from traffic at a light that it quickly goes through the gears, but when I slow down with traffic it doesn't start to shift down until I'm near a complete stop. It seems to stay in 6 around 30-35 mph. Shouldn't it down shift just as quick when I'm breaking with traffic?

The short answer to your question is no; here's why. The downshifts are based on engine RPM (obviously), not speed, so the gearbox won't downshift until a certain RPM is reached, or it detects hard acceleration. I know it doesn't really bother me at all, but if you feel you need it to d/s, just paddle it down.

 

[TrackdayGuru]

In normal "D" or drive position, it seems to be geared for economy/gas mileage. It short shifts just perfectly for around town, but if you want anything more than that, put it in the "S" Sport mode and it changes personality quickly.

For commuting, leave it in Drive. For more spirited, paddles, tiptronic, or Sport mode.

 

[deviltailedfast]

I've noted this before. In drive, unless you are *flooring* it, it runs as close to 1000 RPM as possible. In sport, it acts like you're on the track. I still want a "normal" mode - like a normal stick driver in normal conditions. Between 2 - 3k, ready for some acceleration, but not racing.

 

[zulu]

saves gas that way!