Is this the same as VW's DSG gearbox?

 

yes but audi say they have improved it

 

Multitronic is a CVT transmissin i.e automatic gearbox
S Tronic is the Audi version of DSG i.e. manual gearbox

 

OK thanks

 

NO.
Its a continually variable transmission. I would advise you try it first as i had it on a loan car and i hated it. The DSG is totally different its an automated manual with two clutches. Very cutting edge and apharently one of the best systems out there. Havent tried it myself but i havent heard any bad comments about it. The CVT is weird, the revs dont rise but the speed increases. Ive no doubt its very economical but it doesnt feel normal.

 

didn't the bearded chap off Fifth Gear state that the new TT was Multitronic and that it was the next stage up from DSG as the gear changes were quicker hence repackaged in a new name? ...... or something to that extent!!!

 

Nahh he said it was S-tronic. Anyhow Audi use three types of Auto gearbox each with a different name:-
S-tronic is the renamed DSG gearbox
Multitronic is a CVT gearbox.
Tiptronic is a conventional torque converter auto gearbox.

 

I have a CVT driven Audi A6 2.5 TDI. It is a bit weird - but it is economical and gets the best out of what little power is available by holding the revs in peaks power when you are flat out. However, there is a tiptronic option which gives you the option to use all 6 gears.

 

I had one for about 6 months on a 1.9tdi A4, it was OK and the revs do rise if you boot it. Its a little different than a normal auto box to use but not hugely so. The 6 speed option is just preset points on the variable gearbox, like 6 virtual gears. I changed for a BMW 320D auto after than and although it was a nicer drive it was not as fast as the Audi, or did not seem as fast. Only thing I didn't like was there was a bit a front wheel scrabbling at roundabouts if you were not ultra careful. However not a bad driving experience in any sense.