Why Automatic

With the Si4 you have no choice but to have automatic. On this petrol model I would much rather have a manual. Sports models should be manual!

Don't forget the first Range Rovers were manual with high and low range and a gearbox which you had to go fishing in to find a gear!

If economy/saving the planet was a concern for me, I'd buy some sort of hybrid. For me this car is purely about what I want - I've chosen the engine and options I want without caring about resale, economy, what others think etc.

For me, I chose auto cos it's more relaxing, MUCH easier when in traffic, and it's a range rover. Its a bit odd having a manual range in my opinion (I can't imagine the queen wants to wiggle a gear stick around).

like they said its a RR; i have an Exige for the pleasure of a mannual and a pleasure it is!

Whilst on the subject of automatic gearboxes, does anyone know why the order is P, R, N, D? Seems odd to have to go through the reverse gear every time you want to drive away/park.

I have found this in Wikipaedia, don't know how correct it is:

Quote:Automatic transmission modes

Conventionally, in order to select the transmission operating mode, the driver moves a selection lever located either on the steering column or on the floor (as with a manual on the floor, except that most automatic selectors on the floor don't move in the same type of pattern as a manual lever; most automatic levers only move vertically). In order to select modes, or to manually select specific gear ratios, the driver must push a button in (called the shift lock button) or pull the handle (only on column mounted shifters) out. Some vehicles position selector buttons for each mode on the cockpit instead, freeing up space on the central console. Vehicles conforming to US Government standards must have the modes ordered P-R-N-D-L (left to right, top to bottom, or clockwise). Prior to this, quadrant-selected automatic transmissions often used a P-N-D-L-R layout, or similar. Such a pattern led to a number of deaths and injuries owing to driver error causing unintentional gear selection, as well as the danger of having a selector (when worn) jump into Reverse from Low gear during engine braking manoeuvres.

I chose auto for the first time for the comfort of driving really. Love manuals and when I jump into my manual civic type r I still love the control. No regrets with my decision tho.

Got the auto, first auto i've owned and it's great especially in sport mode when you want to put your foot down!

I've got a manual and it's a very good, slick gearbox - no complaints. Most of my driving is out of town otherwise I think the auto would be the more logical choice. Also went for the manual due to BIK reasons (boring I know).

Driving a Range is about relaxation and lazy driving (on the road that is) so changing gear is unwelcome effort!!

Plus...autos with paddles are so good now I don't know why anyone would buy a manual...other than financial constraints