Wish I hadn't read this. I'm in the process of buying a new motor which will probably be the Skoda Karoq. I've had quotes for the manual and now wondering whether to pay a few quid extra for an auto, particularly as we recently moved to the city for the first time in years. Isn't all the stop/start a pain in the **** with a manual. Does anyone know whether the Karoq is one of the dual clutch autos which have been mentioned?
Cancel that, I've just researched the matter. Skoda's auto is a dual clutch type which was developed by the VW Audi Group and early versions did have problems. Now they are allegedly totally reliable and will last 100,000 miles and more.
Quote: Originally posted by jjgderbyshire on 08/2/2021
Wish I hadn't read this. I'm in the process of buying a new motor which will probably be the Skoda Karoq. I've had quotes for the manual and now wondering whether to pay a few quid extra for an auto, particularly as we recently moved to the city for the first time in years. Isn't all the stop/start a pain in the **** with a manual. Does anyone know whether the Karoq is one of the dual clutch autos which have been mentioned?
As far as I know, Skoda do use the dual-clutch box, but there may be an option. Personally, although I'm a definite auto devotee, I wouldn't touch a D-C gearbox with a barge-pole, but I'm sure others will say they are fine. I was at one time looking at the Skoda Yeti as my next car, but it was the D-C gearbox that put me off.
Regarding city driving, you couldn't be more right. For me that is when manual boxes are at their worst. All that stop start driving would be an absolute pain! Then again, I've heard that D-C boxes don't like it either. They may be better for the driver than a manual, but the clutches don't like it. It's not the changing gear I don't like, it's all that clutch work. Being a former bus and coach driver I always liked driving the semi-auto ones. No clutch and a little electrically operated gearchange. Best of both worlds, but I never saw one quite like it on a car.
I have had two, from new, DC Autos and they have been faultless, and a joy to drive and tow with, I have toured extensively with them towing. I would not hesitate to have another when I look at changing again in a couple of years time. Gear changes slick and seamless and good MPG.
Quote: Originally posted by jjgderbyshire on 08/2/2021
Cancel that, I've just researched the matter. Skoda's auto is a dual clutch type which was developed by the VW Audi Group and early versions did have problems. Now they are allegedly totally reliable and will last 100,000 miles and more.
Please don’t be put off, they are a dream to drive and live with, I won’t hesitate to have another. They are the future. 👍
Like I say, it's only a matter of opinion. Some like 'em some don't. For me D-C gearboxes do away with one of the automatic's best features, the torque converter. A 2-1 torque converter effectively doubles the torque when pulling away with a load on, and effectively turns a 4 speed gearbox into the equivalent of an 8+ speed box due to its internal variable ratio.
Two things we can all agree on though is that automatics make great tow vehicles, and they make stop-start driving much more comfortable, whatever type of auto you drive. That's where they really come into their own.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Manual or Automatic
via mobile 08/2/2021 at 6:46pm
