@Rox That’s why I said the new as in latest models, both tested some time last year to see for myself if there auto boxes had improved and nope they haven’t still have exactly the same issues all cvt gearboxes have. I hated the cvt box as like all cvt gearboxes you accelerate and all you get is more noise in the cabin with little change in speed unlike a regular box which kicks down a gear, the same when your going down hill because the box can’t change down as it doesn’t have individual gears, so it feels like the car is coasting not a nice feeling when the hill is steep, what does it matter how long a test drive is, if you drive it and don’t like something as major as the auto box you don’t like it and choose something else. As I said each to their own I know what I do and don’t like in a car and a cvt box isn’t for me. I’d take the manual version anyway.
Pretty much exactly as i thought, some people just cannot drive a manual version, I hope to do some videos soon gonna borrow my brothers go-pro hopefully next time i down in london.
I do get what you are saying, but the cvt box can change down to any point it needs. It’s like using adaptive cruise you need to understand how it works to get the best out of it, a cvt works differently to the dsg.
For me the real issue with a dsg or a cvt is the same, i have to press the peddle down alot the more it hurts me unless, i use sport mode which uses alot more fuel, kicking down etc causes me more pain. hence i can now kickdown in the cvt using the paddles., If and when needed.
Engine braking is hard to do in an automatic in normal mode as you would do in a manual, it is why say when driving in snow an automatic is not as good imo. If the cvt ain’t got a manual mode or paddles i can see how it would be an issue in certain circumstances.
I cannot power/slide around roundabouts in an automatic in the snow anymore!. engine rev matching is not easy, unless it has paddles and then simulates the gears. My golf did not have paddles but if you shifted the gear lever to the left it became a semi-auto. Maybe that is the issue with those versions and the cvt.
The dsg has the same issue when driving in auto mode imo and on the mk7 golf i had, it had eco mode as well and the car would coast to save fuel, did not use that alot.
No Automatic is as good as a manual but it is what it is.. Sometimes it is in the design to be more frugal and cut emissions, which is the way alot of cars are going.. That a certain driving experience is not given in the same way as before. I have not driven the cars you mention so i cannot comment on them. I am talking about the honda i have and other cars i have driven alot. But i do understand what you saying and your reasons, i appreciate that. Also i hope you understand where i am coming from.