I think the rev matching to minimize the strain on the clutch pack. The car also had standard hill hold assist to minimize the risk of wearing out the clutch over a long period of time while living in a hilly area.
The design of the VW Golf Mark VII was absolutely brilliant. The EU model got a few why-didn’t-I-think-of-that extras that the NA market didn’t get, particularly around towing. There was a hidden tow hitch that popped out when a button on in the trunk was pressed, as well as reversing assist that used the electric mirror control knob (!) as steering control.
Dang, I might take one for a spin if I get the chance.
I talked to a mkVII GTI owner today at work, I asked him about his DSG. He said he liked it a lot, but mentioned that he found the shifting too fast and got a DSG tune and either paid or on his own was able to modify the shifting, but I didn't have time to ask him what he meant or for more details about the tune.
He's a chemistry PhD, and is into German stuff. Hes also got a w124 e320 that he's un-rusting (!) so I'd say he has pretty good taste.
APR is one tuner that provides chip mods for VW engines and transmissions. A base 1.8L 184 hp up engine can be wrung out to 239 hp with flash mods with practically no changes in reliability.
DSG tunes are also a thing but then it becomes a rabbit hole and a money pit…
Looks like a lot of fun, never got into VW much, so I don't know the ins and outs.
He was out today so I didn't have a chance to chat. But, given that he's un-rusting a 1994 e320, I'd say hes pretty deep in the pit already.
Too bad VW mechatronics doesn't read the throttle position for a clue here. It all just seems so obvious.