Soldato
Having recently driven a Focus 1.0 ecoboost with their new 8 speed auto (excellent btw), I'm pretty sure it's to allow lower emissions to be achieved. Obviously having an 8 speed manual would be tiresome, and lets face it, the auto will help you get better fuel economy if no effort being put in..
And as mentioned, reliability and efficiency are now at the point it's preferable to the manual in most cases, so why not..
One big advantage IMO is that I trust the auto to look after the drive train a bit better than the manual where it has nothing to stop you being brutal!
On the auto vs manual for spirited driving, well I am on the fence, I've been a die hard manual for a long time, and jumping in DCT/DST/ZF8HP equipped quick cars (or even things like the Mrs X3) you have to drive a little differently, the times I find myself fighting to not go for the clutch would be initial launches and also if really coming in hot and braking to the apex, I often use the clutch to regulate additional engine braking for balance. But, adjust your driving style, treat it a bit more like an F1 car and things are still entertaining!
The thrill of driving quickly is equally about just balancing the car, picking the right line and getting maximum speed through the twisties, and the auto doesn't have to get in the way of that.
And as mentioned, reliability and efficiency are now at the point it's preferable to the manual in most cases, so why not..
One big advantage IMO is that I trust the auto to look after the drive train a bit better than the manual where it has nothing to stop you being brutal!
On the auto vs manual for spirited driving, well I am on the fence, I've been a die hard manual for a long time, and jumping in DCT/DST/ZF8HP equipped quick cars (or even things like the Mrs X3) you have to drive a little differently, the times I find myself fighting to not go for the clutch would be initial launches and also if really coming in hot and braking to the apex, I often use the clutch to regulate additional engine braking for balance. But, adjust your driving style, treat it a bit more like an F1 car and things are still entertaining!
The thrill of driving quickly is equally about just balancing the car, picking the right line and getting maximum speed through the twisties, and the auto doesn't have to get in the way of that.
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