I was just curious. As I approach 1500 kms traveled on our B200 and thereby ending the break in period, (I have so far avoided the temptation to use the manual mode) I have just started using the 'manumatic' mode on our car.
Do a lot of you guys use this? On my previous car (Mazda 5, auto with sport shift) I used it a lot. I find though that the side to side motion to shift is counter intuitive on the B200 compared to the Mazda setup.
Don't mean for this to be a poll. Just a question out of curiosity.
I have never used this feature and I am content to let the transmission do the work it was designed for. In fact, there is a whole list of things that I let happen automatically, for example, automatic headlights, dimming mirrors, intermittent wipers, locking and unlocking doors, etc...
I find these handy features help me keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.
I live in a big city and have to drive defensively because the others on the road are often unpredictable or erratic. On any crossing of the Lion's Gate Bridge, you can see several multi-tasked drivers - reading newspapers and maps, drinking coffee and eating donuts, combing hair, doing eye brows and make-up and many other tasks not related to driving.
With all of this going on around me, I am happy to let the transmission do the shifting.
I use the shifter when I am bumper-to-bumper as it provides some engine braking - also, the engine seems to make less of a racket (it IS LOUD) when you use the higher rpms with the shifter and it accelerates faster (well, it feels like it does....).
I do use it quite a lot ! Especially when I want to drive in a more sporty fashion.
I actually find the the engine to be much more smooth and the acceleration is way better. I have a b200 non-turbo. Of course your gas mileage is reflected ... well there are some pleasure in life you can buy
I was just curious. As I approach 1500 kms traveled on our B200 and thereby ending the break in period, (I have so far avoided the temptation to use the manual mode) I have just started using the 'manumatic' mode on our car.
Do a lot of you guys use this? On my previous car (Mazda 5, auto with sport shift) I used it a lot. I find though that the side to side motion to shift is counter intuitive on the B200 compared to the Mazda setup.
Don't mean for this to be a poll. Just a question out of curiosity.
Cheers,
Hey martman,
don't worry, I use the manual mode 'always' and it makes driving the 200 a lot of fun. My wife, of course, leaves it in automatic. I'm not sure what your concerns are re shifting yourself. You can, for example, and I've done this leave the car in 'first' gear and simply floor it which keeps the rpm pegged and will give you max torque as the car will upshift for you at, say, 6k rpm .... suprises many just how quick this car can be.
re the side to side motion, I also thought at first that it seemed, well, different. However, I would now say that it is 'A LOT BETTER' than the front to back pseudo shifters. Your hand can be left in a resting position on the arm rest while you simply flick the car into the appropriate gear, rather than having to move your whole hand/arm back and forth. I believe it's the second best method to paddle shifters.... you'll like it.
FYI I have a non-turbo, my wife found the turbo just a tad 'twichy' off the start and likes the 'smoother' drive of the non-turbo. Sooo, I compensate by driving it quasi-manually .... well, at least when the wife isn't in the car
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cheers, guenter
started with: Ghia Type 1, TR4A, Beetle, Ghia Type 3, Westy, Mazda323, 240D, 190E.
I use the manual mode mostly for engine braking while going down hills. However in manual mode the transmission will still down shift if the speed is to low for the selected gear and the first gear is enabled when stopped. I have not tried it but the transmission will also up shift if engine speed is to high. So the manual still has auto overrides to protect the engine and drive ability.
Like the others I usually use this only when the wife is not aboard. She is the primary driver of the B and she picked the turbo (maybe because it would please me). Just because you are retired you don't have to slow down and always drive in the slow lane. Unfortunately traffic is so heavy that all lanes are the slow lane.
BeeClass
I agree with you about the automatic features in the car, especially the wipers, making driving a pleasure. The traffic is terrible around here and I would never drive a standard around town. Never used the cup holder,eat at a table and keep hands on the wheel.
Its usefull when you are towing, i read in the manual that its advisable to use it while towing in uneaven terrain, hills and mountains, so you do not over load the breaks. I have just towed for the first time and found the manual setting a god send and made the drive a pleasent one. Even on the flat being able to hold the car in a gear gave me a better ride while towing. I have just covered the 1500km easy drive period and have noted that the consumption has changed for the better already, mind you it warmer out too. My tyre pressures were well over the specified when i collected the car and i didn't check before untill i hooked the caravan on the back, i had to let air out of all the tyres. Dealers just don't care do they?
I like the manual shift but i also like the auto and find the auto for me is just perfect.
I don't use it in the B, though I have tried it to see what it is like, and have knocked into manual mode once by accident (revvvv...). It strikes me as funny that the CVT simulates having gears, which seems to defeat the purpose of the CVT! Having said that, I do use the manual for the DSG transmission in my Audi sometimes. A very good system (dual clutch).
As an aside, I found the lack of gear shifting a bit funny at first in auto mode but am used to it now - anybody else?
Linear Mode
