Automatic License Laws

Joe_Horner

pullenuk wrote: »

You will find a lot of automatics now have manual control. For example the DSG gearboxs in VW, Seat and Audi. BMW have their version too. DSG is actually faster than an manual gearbox!

Almost all autos have always had manual control, it's just that no-one ever uses it In fact, the only car I can think of that literally only offers "forward" and "reverse" with no other control available are our trusty old Dafs (and even they have a crude low ratio hold for hill descent).

Using a normal auto shifter (1,2,3,D etc) the only things you can't do with them is force them into a higher gear than they want or block change, neither of which is wanted / needed by the average motorist anyway!

daveyjp

Even the driver of a traditional torque convertor box should be taught how to use lock up function. Sticking it in D and never touching the stick again is not how an auto should be driven.

Gloomendoom

pullenuk wrote: »

My corsa is semi auto. Drives fine baring in mind it's a cheap car and only got a little engine. My honda is a full automatic.

If your Corsa automatic is the same type as I had as a loan car, I can fully understand why why you describe it as a semi-auto. To make reasonable forward progress, the gears had to be selected manually.

It is probably the worst car I have driven in 35 years of motoring, certainly the worst automatic car.

frisbeej

Gloomendoom wrote: »

If your Corsa automatic is the same type as I had as a loan car, I can fully understand why why you describe it as a semi-auto. To make reasonable forward progress, the gears had to be selected manually.

It is probably the worst car I have driven in 35 years of motoring, certainly the worst automatic car.

Rubbish. I borrowed my Mum's a few times, it was absolutely fine, 60+ mpg and the only thing that needed replacing in 10 years was a noisy water pump.

Gloomendoom

frisbeej wrote: »

Rubbish. I borrowed my Mum's a few times, it was absolutely fine, 60+ mpg and the only thing that]needed replacing in 10 years was a noisy water pump.

Good for you and your mum, but I suspect that we are talking about different cars. The one I drove was virtually new on an 11 plate, if I remember correctly.

I commented to the chap that delivered it that I was pleased it was an auto. His response was "Let's see if you are still so pleased when I come and pick it up."

After two weeks of misery, I was glad to hand it back.

bigjl

Yes the automated manual as fitted to some Corsas and Astras is not the best and is also plagued by problems

But it is only fitted to smaller engined versions.

As the Corsa with the 1.4 engine is apparently fitted with a traditional torque convertor autobox, probably the old 4speed from the Astra which was a strong and reliable box.

Though not sure if 60+mpg is possible unless you are hypermiling or being towed.

pullenuk

Its not the worse auto i driven at all. Trust me there are worse out there. Try an iveco auto and the corsa is a dream.

Mine done over 150,000 miles. No problems. Most reliable car i owned. Never failed to start. the newer corsas are rubbish. Same gearbox in a heavier car which doesnt improve at all. The auto feature is a little poor but the manual fine. Its not the worse by far.