Semi auto or full auto?
Semi auto or full auto?
Author
Discussion

StaniX2

Original Poster:

5 posts

42 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
Hi! I am looking for my fist car. I’ve found 2 Corsas which I like. One is advertised as automatic and the other one as semi auto. Is there much difference if I would only use the semi in auto mode ? Or any other disadvantages of the semi auto compared to the full auto?
I’ve read an older discussion here saying that the semi auto will be rolling back when uphill more than a full auto? Sorry for probably the silly questions but I just really like the semi auto car and don’t want to make wrong choice or have some unexpected worries.
Thanks !

GroundEffect

13,864 posts

183 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
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More details of the cars please.

Also note in Autotrader that the dealers can use their own definitions of Auto vs Semi Auto. And they usually get it wrong.


300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

217 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
StaniX2 said:
Hi! I am looking for my fist car. I’ve found 2 Corsas which I like. One is advertised as automatic and the other one as semi auto. Is there much difference if I would only use the semi in auto mode ? Or any other disadvantages of the semi auto compared to the full auto?
I’ve read an older discussion here saying that the semi auto will be rolling back when uphill more than a full auto? Sorry for probably the silly questions but I just really like the semi auto car and don’t want to make wrong choice or have some unexpected worries.
Thanks !
Don't think there is such a thing as a semi auto.

Have you considered a manual for a first car?

StaniX2

Original Poster:

5 posts

42 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Don't think there is such a thing as a semi auto.

Have you considered a manual for a first car?
It’s been a while since I had my license and I feel a bit nervous, think that automatic will be easier for me to start with, as I won’t be stressing too much about clutch and gears.

Scrump

23,908 posts

185 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
The 1.2 Corsa “semi auto” has an automated manual gearbox. The 1.4 corsa “automatic” has more conventional 4 speed auto (I think torque converter rather than dual clutch”.

What that means is that either can be driven in fully auto mode but there are differences.
The 1.2 car is likely to have a bit of a jerky and/or slow gear change; whilst the 1.4 will have a smoother gear change but may not be quite as fuel efficient.

See here:
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vauxhall/corsa/87336...

GroundEffect

13,864 posts

183 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
StaniX2 said:
As I expected, the Semi Auto is an Automated Manual (AMT). The transmission is defined here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easytronic

I have designed both automatics and automated manuals. The key differences is that AMTs are manuals that then have addiitonal systems added to them to make them "automatic". They will have a regular manual-trans clutch, and manual trans constant mesh gear shafts.

The positives of AMTs is that they're cheaper to make than true autos, and they have less fuel consumption, however they are much, much less smooth to drive. You have gaps between gears during shifts and as a result, they're pretty naff. True autos are smoother, much better at creeping, and just more pleasant. On small engines though they can feel pretty "rubber-band" due to the looseness of the torque converter.

Drive both. See which you prefer.

Hammy98

942 posts

119 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
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If you've just passed your test in a manual... get a manual.

If you've only just learnt and you're going to ditch the manual immediately you're going to really struggle if you ever need to drive one in future. It'll likely not be as hard to get used to as you think, but it'll be much harder in the long run if you go back to manual having had little real world experience without an instructor present.

In saying this, my first couple of cars were manual but my last 3 have all been auto. If you don't plan on ever buying a manual then completely disregard all of this! biggrin

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

217 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
StaniX2 said:
It’s been a while since I had my license and I feel a bit nervous, think that automatic will be easier for me to start with, as I won’t be stressing too much about clutch and gears.
A nervous driver is a dangerous driver, no matter the transmission. Maybe get yourself booked onto something like a roadskill training day to build up confidence before tackling the roads? Not sure where you are in the country, but something that teaches car control, skid pad etc. There are usually a few places that offer courses like this and they aren't always all that much money. But might do wonders for your behind the wheel confidence.


StaniX2

Original Poster:

5 posts

42 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
A nervous driver is a dangerous driver, no matter the transmission. Maybe get yourself booked onto something like a roadskill training day to build up confidence before tackling the roads? Not sure where you are in the country, but something that teaches car control, skid pad etc. There are usually a few places that offer courses like this and they aren't always all that much money. But might do wonders for your behind the wheel confidence.
Totally agree! This is my plan to have something like a refreshment course. But wanted to get a car first , so then I will be able to start driving straight after while it’s all fresh. I am in Manchester/Rochdale area, if you know any places around here doing these type of courses let me know. Thanks a lot!

StaniX2

Original Poster:

5 posts

42 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
quotequote all
I guess it’s better if it’s fully auto, rather than semi. It just seems a bit difficult to know which dealer is best. As some of them have 100 5 star reviews on AT , but google ones aren’t great, or don’t have any at all. It feels like you can never be sure and it’s always a bit of a risk and luck.

RazerSauber

2,825 posts

87 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
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My other half has an Astra H with the Easytronic AMT gearbox. It's alright. Won't set the world on fire but it works just fine. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It is a bit more jerky than the torque converter auto I had in a Range Rover but not as bad as the AMT a friend had in her Aygo.

otolith

67,886 posts

231 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
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If you are spending money on training as a new driver, I'd suggest that you look at something like this. Messing about on skid pans is fun, but poor car control is not the primary cause of most accidents.

https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses/young-driver-...

ZX10R NIN

30,401 posts

152 months

Thursday 19th January 2023
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Go for the full auto , the semi had a few issues.