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bigjl

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I thought it was a 1.4 but it definitely wasn't a proper auto. Every gear change was marked by a rapid deceleration and our heads nodding backwards and forwards.

Definitely sounds like the automated manual!

The 1.4 has the same Autobox as fitted to the Astra up till 2004 and in the mk1 Zafira. The 4 speed with the Sport button on top!

If it is then it's a strong and reliable box with smooth changes and quick kick down.

Definitely no loss of acceleration during up changes, in Sport mode they would redline the engine under hard acceleration.

Probably a more robust gearbox than the 6 speed that came in later models like the mk2 Zafira.

bigjl

gabitzul wrote: »

Just a little thought on the IQ as I had one.

The auto gearboxes are CVT so reliable. Avoid at all costs any MMT type gearbox (automated manual).

The IQ is ridiculously easy to drive and park as it's tiny and the turning circle is tighter than that of a London taxi. I think that says a lot.

If you go for the 1 litre engine, make sure the EGR fix has been done or if not ask for the (main dealer only) to do it.

Between the engines, I would go for the 1.33 as it's more potent and not much less economical. You will lose £0 tax p/a but not big loss.

CVTs are not as reliable as a traditional torque Convertor box IMHO and they Rev the nuts off the engine when you want to accelerate briskly.

One of the biggest hurdles with the Jazz Auto was the pathetic CVT box, they would have sold more with a proper TC Auto.

DragonQ

Noble_Viking wrote: »

I am overwhelmed by the varying different kinds of automatics!

I knew I wanted a DSG as soon as I test drove one. Much nicer in traffic than manuals, in most cases the gear changes can't be felt, and you can shift gears manually if you really want to. Even with my car's 105 PS engine I can get great acceleration just by putting my foot down because it changes gears so fast. It makes up for the relative lack of power of diesel engines while still getting great MPG.

AnotherJoe

We have an automatic Aygo, wouldn't recommend it, the gear change at low speed is poor.

iolanthe07

bigjl wrote: »

Interesting as I never expected a 1.25 Auto to get anywhere near 45mpg, though as you are based in Somerset is most of the driving away from the urban sprawl?

When I have used our Picanto to drive into East London and the roads have been quiet it is easy to get mid 50's, really being careful you can reach 60mpg.

Actually most of my wife's driving is around a seaside resort, short trips and stop start - which is why an auto is ideal. Perhaps that is why MPG is not great. The Picanto is surprisingly well equipped for a cheap car with power folding mirrors, reversing aid and bluetooth voice control.

chiny

After decades of driving manuals, 6 years ago I went for a Toyota Hybrid (a Prius) and I absolutely love driving it. Seriously quiet, low stress on city commutes and real mpg not bad (typical winter city 62mpg, typical summer 67mpg, best ever on country roads 77.3mpg). The gearbox is sophisticated engineering and there is a different driving technique to a manual.

If you enjoy Top Gear, or read motor magazines, the Toyota Hybrid is unlikely to "do it" for you.

Now retired, I'm now looking for downsizing a tadj, to a Yaris Hybrid. I am toying with the Honda Jazz; just need a dealer to let me test drive a CVT but I'm probably spoiled by Toyota.

bigjl

chiny wrote: »

After decades of driving manuals, 6 years ago I went for a Toyota Hybrid (a Prius) and I absolutely love driving it. Seriously quiet, low stress on city commutes and real mpg not bad (typical winter city 62mpg, typical summer 67mpg, best ever on country roads 77.3mpg). The gearbox is sophisticated engineering and there is a different driving technique to a manual.

If you enjoy Top Gear, or read motor magazines, the Toyota Hybrid is unlikely to "do it" for you.

Now retired, I'm now looking for downsizing a tadj, to a Yaris Hybrid. I am toying with the Honda Jazz; just need a dealer to let me test drive a CVT but I'm probably spoiled by Toyota.

Buy the Yaris.

The Jazz will never get close to the economy of a Hybrid Yaris.

gabitzul

bigjl wrote: »

Buy the Yaris.

The Jazz will never get close to the economy of a Hybrid Yaris.

I did drive a hybrid Yaris last year whilst the IQ was in for a service. Weird little thing to drive to start with but, once used to it, was fine.

Compareed to the IQ it did not feel any more refined though, quite a lot of road noise so probably not best for long journeys. The hybrids really make a difference for town driving, no more clutch action and the battery helps with the economy.

rhysadams

Don't forget about the Renault Clio or even the Smart Car 5dr. All really good auto's. I personally don't like the Toyota Aygo/Pug 108 elastic band gearbox. A lot of noise for little effort

DragonQ

Noble_Viking wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your comments. In the end I have opted for a VW Polo 1.4 BlueGT with a 7 speed DSG gearbox. I was initially planning to buy new, but I found a fairly new car (just short of 12 months old) at my local VW garage and it was love at first site!

Nice, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.