Driving an Automatic - AWFUL!

Both of our cars are Auto CVT's. I don't mind it all as they're family cars for day-to-day driving. Very strange experience though, even when you're used to them. In the end you just have to stop thinking about it and assume the CVT electronics know what they're doing! If you like to hear the engine "talking" to you though, it's a bit like listening to a mental patient :eek:

I've also driven an auto with a manual shift, and that's the perfect option for me. I don't miss the clutch pedal at all.
 
We've got an auto CVT, it's like I'm driving a big moped most of the time. Even if I floor it it'll rev up high and just stay there.

Can't see me owning a manual ever again unless I can get my hands on an old Viper or something like that.
 
Why is everyone apparently assuming that in a car with an auto box you leave it in "D" all the time ??

If you want a little more control and "fun in the bends" or use the engine braking effect, or whatever, you can always move the gear lever into a lower gear and force the box to use that lower gear.

Also many modern auto boxes in decent cars will have a semi manual mode as well, either by pushing the gear lever forwards or backwards for up or down gears or maybe even using flappy paddles on the steering wheel.

When you want the sedate cruising move the gear lever back to full auto mode and "D" and let it do the work.

Best of both worlds then.
 
Entai said:
Why is everyone apparently assuming that in a car with an auto box you leave it in "D" all the time ??

If you want a little more control and "fun in the bends" or use the engine braking effect, or whatever, you can always move the gear lever into a lower gear and force the box to use that lower gear.

Also many modern auto boxes in decent cars will have a semi manual mode as well, either by pushing the gear lever forwards or backwards for up or down gears or maybe even using flappy paddles on the steering wheel.

When you want the sedate cruising move the gear lever back to full auto mode and "D" and let it do the work.

Best of both worlds then.
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I don't think anybody is assuming that? :confused:
 
One of the two cars in the household is a DSG and for commuting it's makes life so much easier, once you hit any kind of motorway slow down or town traffic, you really are glad you had the keys to the auto that day.

Our work FIAT Ambulances used to be auto, until they all melted like butter with the auto gear changing lurching so badly we had complaints from patients and staff, so much so all new one's are spec'd with manuals. The slight issue with these being, for anyone over 6 foot the clutch and plastic trim around that area are at such a angle and size, you basically press your shins into curved plastic on every gear change.

The Mercs on the other hand are so effortless and responsive, they're a joy to drive.
 
Have driven a mixture of automatic and manual over the years, currently got a Corsa Easytronic (which is sort of auto-lite as it still has a servo operated clutch and gearbox). Could never go back to a manual, shifting gears seems so primitive, just a shame there aren't more on the market to choose from when looking for a replacement car.
 
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