I really don't mind the CVT at all. It's so smooth and almost unnoticeable. If you want to feel some shifting, switch to S Mode and it jerks you around.

 

My 2005.5 B7 burnt out a CVT tranny at 52,000 miles. One of the VW hoses leading to the tranny cooler split length-wise, then dumped all the fluid out as I was pulling it into the office garage. Quite embarrassing, and, safe to say, the tranny blew up and require towing. Dealer quoted just south of $10,000, so I called Audi corporate and calmly explained that as a Porsche and Audi owner, who bought new, it'd be quite unfortunate if I never came back to purchase more autos. They agreed and ate all but $1k of the expense. I'm happy I have a new transmission, but I don't truly trust Audi's much anymore. I have 65k on the car now, with no further problems.

Jon

 

Reviving this old thread...the answer is no, CVT is still very much a problem. My '08 (at 39,000 miles) needed a new transmission. Luckily I have extended warranty.