If it was me, I would go the 8 speed. I have an MY12 & I think that the 5 sp is probably the weakest (worst) thing about the vehicle, but that is because I compare it to my other drive that is a ZF 6sp. The ZF 8 sp I would expect to be even better.
I personally think trading in solely for the 8 speed isn't worth it, the crd's torque works beautifully with the 5 speeds longer gearing and my opinion is that it's much more of a relaxing drive when the gearbox isn't constantly changing gears all the time.I read many reviews on MY14 but not been able to find info about the 8 speed and the CRD engine combinations under Australian driving conditions. Given few members on this forums have the MY14 CRD I would like to get some opinions on the 8 speed.
Few questions to start with..
(1) I read some 5 speed owners reported turbo lag on take offs, how does the turbo lag feel on the 8 speed?
(2) How adaptive is the transmission in changing driving conditions? (eg does it kick down promptly when trying to overtake?)
(3) What RPM does the engine sit at 100km/h and 110km/h on a flat road?
I have been offered exceptionally good deal on MY 13 CRD. Given the how good the deal is : only reason that would make me get the MY14 CRD if the 8 speed transmission worth getting compared to 5 speed.