Automatic Revelation!
Discussion
Bear with me, I'm kind of late to the party with this.
With one exception, I've previously only driven autos at parking speed, plus one Saab test drive many years ago.
All other experiences have been as a passenger of older, but luxury cars such as Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus etc.
And most of those have noticeably 'thumped' the change at some point, usually under kickdown.
However, over the last few weeks I've been car hunting for a Fiesta - sized auto for my mum.
We ended up test driving a 2018 Fiesta and a 2021 Fabia auto, both with a 1.0 turbo petrol engine.
And what a genuine pleasant revelation they were! I couldn't detect any kind of thump kickdown, changing manually or anything.
I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the DSG 'box in the Fabia, especially combined with the quietness of the engine.
For the first time ever, I would now consider an auto in my next car.
Anyone else had similar motoring revelations?
With one exception, I've previously only driven autos at parking speed, plus one Saab test drive many years ago.
All other experiences have been as a passenger of older, but luxury cars such as Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus etc.
And most of those have noticeably 'thumped' the change at some point, usually under kickdown.
However, over the last few weeks I've been car hunting for a Fiesta - sized auto for my mum.
We ended up test driving a 2018 Fiesta and a 2021 Fabia auto, both with a 1.0 turbo petrol engine.
And what a genuine pleasant revelation they were! I couldn't detect any kind of thump kickdown, changing manually or anything.
I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the DSG 'box in the Fabia, especially combined with the quietness of the engine.
For the first time ever, I would now consider an auto in my next car.
Anyone else had similar motoring revelations?
stackmonkey said:
Bear with me, I'm kind of late to the party with this.
With one exception, I've previously only driven autos at parking speed, plus one Saab test drive many years ago.
All other experiences have been as a passenger of older, but luxury cars such as Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus etc.
And most of those have noticeably 'thumped' the change at some point, usually under kickdown.
However, over the last few weeks I've been car hunting for a Fiesta - sized auto for my mum.
We ended up test driving a 2018 Fiesta and a 2021 Fabia auto, both with a 1.0 turbo petrol engine.
And what a genuine pleasant revelation they were! I couldn't detect any kind of thump kickdown, changing manually or anything.
I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the DSG 'box in the Fabia, especially combined with the quietness of the engine.
For the first time ever, I would now consider an auto in my next car.
Anyone else had similar motoring revelations?
No idea what you mean by 'thumped'. Driven/owned loads of autos....With one exception, I've previously only driven autos at parking speed, plus one Saab test drive many years ago.
All other experiences have been as a passenger of older, but luxury cars such as Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus etc.
And most of those have noticeably 'thumped' the change at some point, usually under kickdown.
However, over the last few weeks I've been car hunting for a Fiesta - sized auto for my mum.
We ended up test driving a 2018 Fiesta and a 2021 Fabia auto, both with a 1.0 turbo petrol engine.
And what a genuine pleasant revelation they were! I couldn't detect any kind of thump kickdown, changing manually or anything.
I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the DSG 'box in the Fabia, especially combined with the quietness of the engine.
For the first time ever, I would now consider an auto in my next car.
Anyone else had similar motoring revelations?
If the engine's got some guts sudden kickdown will always be accompanied by a bit of thump, though if its a pronounced jolt could be an indication the box needs servicing, something many owners don't have carried out.
Suggest careful research of the long term reliability of any version of automated manual gearbox whether it features one or two clutches, no problem if you are definately going to renew before warranty expires.
Also research CVT boxes carefully, Toyota make a good reliable one but some others are made of cheese, again should be no problem whilst under maker's warranty.
Also on a test drive, try some heavy slow traffic and maneuvers that are typical for you, not what the nice salesperson wants you to do, when maneuvers require a bit more than just a simple reverse into a space, ie a steep incline requiring precise control, some automated manual type boxes are far from good at this.
Personally i'm sticking firmly with traditional torque converter hydraulic autoboxes in RWD or 4WD vehicles, had them for over 40 years and yet to have a failure ...but always treated the manufacturers recommendations about serving, such as 'sealed for life', with the contempt it deserves.
Suggest careful research of the long term reliability of any version of automated manual gearbox whether it features one or two clutches, no problem if you are definately going to renew before warranty expires.
Also research CVT boxes carefully, Toyota make a good reliable one but some others are made of cheese, again should be no problem whilst under maker's warranty.
Also on a test drive, try some heavy slow traffic and maneuvers that are typical for you, not what the nice salesperson wants you to do, when maneuvers require a bit more than just a simple reverse into a space, ie a steep incline requiring precise control, some automated manual type boxes are far from good at this.
Personally i'm sticking firmly with traditional torque converter hydraulic autoboxes in RWD or 4WD vehicles, had them for over 40 years and yet to have a failure ...but always treated the manufacturers recommendations about serving, such as 'sealed for life', with the contempt it deserves.
I have a Transit (well, Tourneo) that’s equipped with a pretty old school 6 speeder. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but it’s ever so good!
DSG boxes change up far faster and are a touch smoother, but the slushomatic suits the more pedestrian nature of the van. Mind you, I t’s certainly not underpowered, but it’s not the kind of thing you’d want making those annoying DSG farts. It makes for a far easier drive, and with traffic and standards of driving now, who wouldn’t want that?
I’d advise anyone to try an auto, even my Dad who’s a dye in the wool manual driver, really liked the Transit.
Michael
DSG boxes change up far faster and are a touch smoother, but the slushomatic suits the more pedestrian nature of the van. Mind you, I t’s certainly not underpowered, but it’s not the kind of thing you’d want making those annoying DSG farts. It makes for a far easier drive, and with traffic and standards of driving now, who wouldn’t want that?
I’d advise anyone to try an auto, even my Dad who’s a dye in the wool manual driver, really liked the Transit.
Michael
I think they can be good but I agree with you on the 'thump' as I've driven cars where my opinion of the auto goes downhill when kickdown literally feels like being kicked not by the power but by the box.
I think if you have modest needs for how you will drive the car (sedately) and lack of engagement is a positive (relaxing) then an auto box is a great choice as it feels like in most cases they are now perfectly reliable and work well in terms of economy.
Surprised to hear such a positive take on the Auto Fiesta as it was always an area Ford lagged behind in, but maybe the smaller cars are now getting drop-down tech from the pricier/bigger ones. It still looks like it gives away a slight bit of economy and speed on paper, but not sure how it pans out in the real world.
I think if you have modest needs for how you will drive the car (sedately) and lack of engagement is a positive (relaxing) then an auto box is a great choice as it feels like in most cases they are now perfectly reliable and work well in terms of economy.
Surprised to hear such a positive take on the Auto Fiesta as it was always an area Ford lagged behind in, but maybe the smaller cars are now getting drop-down tech from the pricier/bigger ones. It still looks like it gives away a slight bit of economy and speed on paper, but not sure how it pans out in the real world.
I agree, Id only ever driven ancient BW35 type autos which are awful.
My current works van is Merc auto and it makes me so happy, epsecially as I get to do all the central london work.
Its night and day better than my old MK3 Auto Cortina.......
My current works van is Merc auto and it makes me so happy, epsecially as I get to do all the central london work.
Its night and day better than my old MK3 Auto Cortina.......
Edited by Turn7 on Sunday 28th August 21:27
king s300bhp/ton said:
Brett748 said:
Autos are brilliant. On the road they make so much sense and with paddles and no auto up changing they are perfectly engaging too.
Not so sure on that. I'm yet to drive a car that couldn't be improved on by having a manual gearbox!I drive an LS460, it would be absolutely ruined with a manual gearbox. Decent-sized V8 in a huge comfortable saloon, how on earth would a manual gearbox fit the car's remit and improve it at what the car was built for?
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
I think that's a very blase comment. Everyone's driving is different. For a huge, huge number of people, I'd estimate 99% or more of driving is humdrum driving going to work, sat in traffic or whatever, for which the automatic gearbox is simply better. It's just easier and more pleasant.
I drive an LS460, it would be absolutely ruined with a manual gearbox. Decent-sized V8 in a huge comfortable saloon, how on earth would a manual gearbox fit the car's remit and improve it at what the car was built for?
Have probably done more than my fair share of commuter miles. Almost all with manual gearboxes. I drive an LS460, it would be absolutely ruined with a manual gearbox. Decent-sized V8 in a huge comfortable saloon, how on earth would a manual gearbox fit the car's remit and improve it at what the car was built for?
Can’t comment on the Lexus. But I can say the manual XJ6 Jag we had was way more fun to drive than the automatic ones. I know which is pick if given the choice. Same with a V8 Range Rover. Mine is automatic, but it’s be so much better with a manual.
300bhp/ton said:
stackmonkey said:
Bear with me, I'm kind of late to the party with this.
With one exception, I've previously only driven autos at parking speed, plus one Saab test drive many years ago.
All other experiences have been as a passenger of older, but luxury cars such as Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus etc.
And most of those have noticeably 'thumped' the change at some point, usually under kickdown.
However, over the last few weeks I've been car hunting for a Fiesta - sized auto for my mum.
We ended up test driving a 2018 Fiesta and a 2021 Fabia auto, both with a 1.0 turbo petrol engine.
And what a genuine pleasant revelation they were! I couldn't detect any kind of thump kickdown, changing manually or anything.
I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the DSG 'box in the Fabia, especially combined with the quietness of the engine.
For the first time ever, I would now consider an auto in my next car.
Anyone else had similar motoring revelations?
No idea what you mean by 'thumped'. Driven/owned loads of autos....With one exception, I've previously only driven autos at parking speed, plus one Saab test drive many years ago.
All other experiences have been as a passenger of older, but luxury cars such as Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus etc.
And most of those have noticeably 'thumped' the change at some point, usually under kickdown.
However, over the last few weeks I've been car hunting for a Fiesta - sized auto for my mum.
We ended up test driving a 2018 Fiesta and a 2021 Fabia auto, both with a 1.0 turbo petrol engine.
And what a genuine pleasant revelation they were! I couldn't detect any kind of thump kickdown, changing manually or anything.
I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the DSG 'box in the Fabia, especially combined with the quietness of the engine.
For the first time ever, I would now consider an auto in my next car.
Anyone else had similar motoring revelations?
But the box was old and sh!te, so, yeah...
300bhp/ton said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
I think that's a very blase comment. Everyone's driving is different. For a huge, huge number of people, I'd estimate 99% or more of driving is humdrum driving going to work, sat in traffic or whatever, for which the automatic gearbox is simply better. It's just easier and more pleasant.
I drive an LS460, it would be absolutely ruined with a manual gearbox. Decent-sized V8 in a huge comfortable saloon, how on earth would a manual gearbox fit the car's remit and improve it at what the car was built for?
Have probably done more than my fair share of commuter miles. Almost all with manual gearboxes. I drive an LS460, it would be absolutely ruined with a manual gearbox. Decent-sized V8 in a huge comfortable saloon, how on earth would a manual gearbox fit the car's remit and improve it at what the car was built for?
Can’t comment on the Lexus. But I can say the manual XJ6 Jag we had was way more fun to drive than the automatic ones. I know which is pick if given the choice. Same with a V8 Range Rover. Mine is automatic, but it’s be so much better with a manual.
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