Congrats on the new CTD!
I made the jump from an '09 TDI to a '14 Gen 1 CTD a couple months ago and noticed similar RPM comparisons between the VW DSG and Gen 1 Aisin diesel trans. It always seemed to me like the VW could have easily handled either a taller 6th gear or an additional 7th gear because the TDI had the torque to handle it. Chevy on the other hand has done a better job of matching what the diesel motors (both Gen 1 and Gen 2) can handle at highway speeds.
In my limited experience so far that difference has been translating to about a 10% fuel economy improvement over the TDI/DSG combo. Sounds like you are seeing similar results with the smaller Gen 2 diesel with the 9-speed. Glad to hear that, Chevy should gain many more 'converts' as VW TDI owners take the buyout and make the leap.
Can't beat the diesel driving experience, especially on the open road.
I made the jump from an '09 TDI to a '14 Gen 1 CTD a couple months ago and noticed similar RPM comparisons between the VW DSG and Gen 1 Aisin diesel trans. It always seemed to me like the VW could have easily handled either a taller 6th gear or an additional 7th gear because the TDI had the torque to handle it. Chevy on the other hand has done a better job of matching what the diesel motors (both Gen 1 and Gen 2) can handle at highway speeds.
In my limited experience so far that difference has been translating to about a 10% fuel economy improvement over the TDI/DSG combo. Sounds like you are seeing similar results with the smaller Gen 2 diesel with the 9-speed. Glad to hear that, Chevy should gain many more 'converts' as VW TDI owners take the buyout and make the leap.
Can't beat the diesel driving experience, especially on the open road.