Retail therapy has left me feeling....

BUT........what are they like in snow? only just thought about that

 

They'll more likely be in the right gear in snow/on ice without your input than a manual car will be (no offence intended).

 

None taken

 

For goodness sake stop worrying and enjoy your new car!!! Automatics are the best!!!!

Val

 

Maybe you are right Val
I guess the esp would kick in if in trouble in bad weather, and work interactively with the TC? In an attempt to keep you on the road
I have to think about these things unfortunately. I have commitments at home and work 25 miles away. A couple of inches of snow here and everything grinds to a halt, as you know.
I can remember leaving work at about 3.30pm one day, and getting home at 9pm
Another topic for another day though

 

Everyone so far seems to be in favour of automatics. I was cured of those many years ago in a Triumph 2000. Yes okay, things have changed a bit now but this car used to go into engine failure every time I took a certain route, it would leave me with nothing, no brakes, steering or gearbox and the handbrake was almost useless, particularly in a car of that weight. When you find yourself in heavy traffic and heading towards a large shop window it's no joke!

Anyway, that aside an automatic would be hopeless here on the island particularly during the winter months. We get very little snow but a lot of ice and living in mountainous terrain it's safer and more comforting to have a manual gearbox to help out when the going gets tough. We have no motorways or dual carriageways either but bendy country roads where using a manual gearbox helps especially with overtaking, getting immediate response by dropping down the gearbox and not having to wait for the cars own response. I've had a few automatics in the past but prefer the feeling that I'm in control.

 

esp. TC, you've lost me!!!!

 

Ha Ha, I thought that might throw you. I was smiling as I typed it.
Electronic Stability Program, and Traction control

 

And its is extremely disconcerting when two wheels on one side lose grip, causing the car to start to go sideways ever so slightly, you compensate without even thinking because it is so subtle, but the computer also compensates the same way, so between you and the computer, you end up over compensating so the car actually feels like its skidding.

I'll take the older primitive car every time

 

I agree with pretty much everything that has been said, and I too am an old fashioned style driver (@fat controller ) in terms of wanting full control. I have had to make some driving style adjustments since I collected the car yesterday. I don't drive as fast for one thing, because it just gets you that way. It makes you relax and just want to cruise!
There are a couple of things I am not so happy with, like the computer showing 29.8 mpg
Thats taking it steady too! 1.6L 16v i , and it seems pretty noisy when you kick down (lower gears), but that soon goes as it changes up and settles down.
@JWK . The tyres are the same as my Vec .... something like 215/50/17 , so we will see, but I know skinny tyres are much better in the snow. My ex's fiesta was loads better than heavy old Vicky with her wide tyres.
As for ESP, it is thankfully switchable, but I would only do that in snow to be honest. I think this youtube clip shows it benefits. @val, if your car is pretty new, I would imagine you have a switch, but it will probably default back to 'on' when you switch the car 'off' and back 'on'.

I think this video is a great example of beneficial modern technology, when conditions suit
Which coach would you rather be on? I know my answer

 

My dear old Helga (a 1994 2.3 Volvo 940 estate) did that Upto 38mpg on the motorway once. Old Gothilda, like Helga except automatic and with a hair dryer turbo averages 23mpg but gets upto 27mpg on the motorway. These are calculated figures.

I'd rather be in my car But if I had to get on a coach, I'd rather be in the one that is driven by a driver that knows better than to cane a massive great bus around on wet tarmac.