[Noah930]

My sister has an A3 with DSG. It is more satisfying to drive than the tiptronic-style transmissions that are so ubiquitous. (I use my wife's Acura TL for comparison purposes.) DSG actually blips the throttle to match revs on downshifts. For 95% of the population, who cares? But as an enthusiast, I appreciate that nod towards proper driving skill. I can certainly hear and feel the difference. It may not be the same as executing my own perfect heel-toe double-clutch downshift, but if you're a bit gimpy (I dropped my bike on my foot, breaking a bone in it last year, so I commiserate), it's a lot less painful than working the pedals yourself.

I think the only cars sold in America with true semi-manual gearboxes are Audi/VW with their DSG, and BMW with their SMG. (Not counting Ferrari's F1 paddle shift.) Not sure about Mini.