Why such tall first gears?

[HertsBiker]

Some cars like my wife's MG3 (drives well and very comfy, good handling) have what feel like a really tall first gear. If you red line it, it's 35mph. Trouble is it feels like you need to do this as the initial bite of the clutch means you have to rev to get it moving. Same goes for the BINI. Both need many revs to launch, when a lower ratio would work a lot better. What's wrong with a 30mph top speed in 1st? Would give a lot more urgency to things. Then again I don't like diesel 1st gears either!! Hateful short rev range with stupid change up change up change up. Urgh. Maybe my auto is better after all...