I couldn't be arsed to deal with a manual these days. And my feet are now in a state where pressing the clutch is very uncomfortable. So I'm sticking and will continue to stick with some flavour of auto, presently the sun/planet thingy that Toyota uses. And it gets me 60mpg most of the time.
I've driven numerous manuals and autos over the years - and would be perfectly content never to use a manual ever again.
As has been said, in stop-start heavy traffic, an auto is far nicer. And at motorway speeds - who cares? You are in top gear most of the time.
Last manual I had was a Saab 900 16V turbo. But once you were doing over about 20, you could stick it into fifth and hardly ever change. (Not actually a good idea, but it could cope.)
Currently have a VAG with 7 speed DSG box. Yes, it has paddles but I never use them. Occasionally I switch to Sport mode for a particular bit where I might want it to be a bit more lively. But most of the time, happy for it to manage - and watch it go into two-cylinder mode, or full coasting, as it decides.
Also often drive a Toyota hybrid. Even nicer at 0-5 mph.
As are Fire engines, because the younger generation couldn't cope with a Crash gearbox
Its not the time to change, its the time to *decide* to change...
It's interesting that the Toyota Yaris went from five engine options in the
2017 model:1.0 petrol manual
1.3 petrol manual 1.3 petrol auto 1.4 diesel manual 1.5 petrol hybrid autoto just the hybrid auto in the 2020 version.
Looks like they've decided manual isn't worthwhile any more.
Theo
More likely they?ve decided that pure petrol/diesel isn?t worthwhile. The auto box is just part and parcel of the hybrid design.
Tim
I know the older automatic was horrible - maybe the 2016 model. But agree with Tim+ - suspect it is simply getting away from non-hybrid. Except for the GR Yaris!
The 2008 computer-clutch semi-auto was terrible[1], as was the diesel (felt like driving a Transit). The 2011-2020 CVT auto was better, but still somewhat laggy. The hybrid is much better.
You're right though - the hybrid is the better car and the manual is a casualty of focusing on that, rather than killing the manual but keeping the CVT auto.
Theo
[1] still to be found in the current Aygo
They work well with adaptive cruise control.
Interesting that these rubber band CVT transmissions were all the rage a few years ago with smaller cars from the larger makers like Ford. Not anymore.
In article snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk>, "Dave Plowman (News)" snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk> writes
There is a 3rd type, the Continuously Variable Transmission. Originated on the DAF I think. Still used by Honda and Suburu. Had a DAF 44 many year ago. Quite amusing to drive, but very good ins now as each wheel could change ratio independently.
+2 Used to drive a Ford Fusion (manual) Now I drive a Toyota Yaris hybrid (well it is actually my son's Motability car but as I am the one with the license...). Both these are/where small cars so gutless . But the Yaris is a VAST improvement on the Fusion's 'play tunes' with the selector to get the best out of it.
The Yaris has an auto box (e-CVT) that is really smooth .
Along with the motor/engine combo' It has 'kick-down' for overtaking etc.
Driving it is so very easy
In fact so easy that with cruise control set I become a steering wheel attendant so my mind can wander, never to dangerous levels but I sometimes realise that I have no memory of covering the last mile.
It gets a bit 'floaty' at motorway speeds[1],but it is meant as a city car anyway.
[1] I ONCE did 85 along a local dual carriageway/pretend motorway (Edinburgh city by pass[A720]) as we had a bit of an emergency call to the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh (RIE). Found the car was affected by every wee puff of side wind. After about the tenth time thought it was better to get there a little late than to get taken there in a fast white so pulled over into the lane with the lorries and settled down to 56 mph
Some 20 years ago I was listening to a story tape while driving to Chester. I got off the M6 onto the M54 with a view to going up the A41. I started the tape on the M54. Next thing I knew I was in a big city, and the autopilot switched off. No idea where I was but eventually worked out I was, in fact, in Chester, having overshot the actual destination by a few miles. I had no recollection at all of the preceding 50-odd miles. Haven't listened to a voice tape/disc since.
It has become such an integral part of driving my car, I'd forgotten to even think about mentioning that!
Mine will even come to a complete stop and then start again without intervention.
Having used standard cruise control, adaptive is just so much nicer.
Never had anything like that and I listen to podcasts instead of music when on a decent trip.
I guess that will be something to look forward to with my next car, not that I expect that to be any time soon.
How fast does it put the anchors on if someone cuts sharply in front of you?
Chris
In article snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk>, "Dave Plowman (News)" snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk> writes
Honda and Suburu to name just two.
I do not listen to podcasts or chat radio precisely because of Tim's experience. At least with 'radio music' you can stop listening instantly if road conditions dictate. Whereas if it's a podcast/talk radio/audio book, you tend to get enthralled in that and not realise what is happening.
Maybe I am just of the easily distracted type. Sorely tempted to put some form of 'look squirrel' comment in there.
It's all about what yer concentrating on. It was a good story :-)
In article snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk>, "Dave Plowman (News)" snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk> writes
I've had a couple of Jeep autos, excellent boxes.
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