CarsGuide: Auto is killing manuals

The auto Evoque is faster accelerating than the manual....................... by a significant amount!

True.

However, driving in curvy and steep roads, I prefer a manual. MPG……… better by a significant amount!

Auto

Been driving an auto box in my Lexus 400h for the past couple of years - I enjoyed it at first but now can't wait to get back to a manual shifter - its much more engaging and the extra mpg is an added bonus

Wicksy, I thought the 400h is a hybrid and is supposed to be ultra economical or is it a myth?

(04-09-2011 08:33pm)FullFatTim Wrote:  Wicksy, I thought the 400h is a hybrid and is supposed to be ultra economical or is it a myth?

Bit of a myth, Tim, I average 28mpg - nowhere near the official figures - it is a very nice car though, refinement is top class

It was a tough decision for me. FullFatTim is right about the auto having a much better acceleration. I even considered going with gasoline for that reason alone. In the end, I love the three pedal option and can’t get myself to go with the auto. I know I’m probably in the minority here; it is just a personal preference. There are not many SUV’s that offer a manual transmission.

Greater acceleration isn't everything and I have to agree that on the sort of roads you are buying your car to drive on I would have gone manual too. I'm not totally sold on auto boxes for every eventuality - for instance I have stated elsewhere on the forum I would love an automatic Defender, but off road on the trails that I drive with very steep slopes an auto is actually a liability and the few people who come along to events that have an automatic all say afterwards they wished they had a car with a manual gearbox. Manuals seem to be able to utilise engine braking far better than auto boxes. BUT take me in the city with lots of stop start motoring then I would much prefer my automatic.

FullFatTim, I totally agree with you!!! For city driving an auto can’t be beat. I’m also a fan of faster cars. To lessen the blow of being slower I would be saving the upfront cost of the auto plus around 250 gallons of diesel if I drive 50k miles in 4 years. Beaucoup d'argent. That said, I would have been very happy to pay for a manual V6 if it would have been offered.

Dynamic Plus SD4 Coupe,Fuji White,Velocity Ebony Oxford,Manual,Meridian 825W,20”Style 7,Pano Roof,ETA Jan 12