Is it lazy that we are having this debate using a forum rather than going up the pub and having it..?? Bit of a poor analogy but I think it is just a sign of the times. Why do something the hard way when technology can do it for us better?

I not disputing that going up the pub is more fun... Just not as convenient!  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Does your local have one of these then?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cLgs-kxzzE

I am an Auto advocate through and through but I much prefer the manual handling barmaid anyday of the week

mudslinger wrote:

IF you have an AUTO you got a MANUAL as well...!!!

I'm a fan of good auto's, the twin clutch setup in my GTI and the auto in the Freelander are both brilliant. The FL always seems to be right in the rev range where there's a huge amount of torque, and the GTI changes that quick that even if its out the power band it's there almost as soon as you flex your toe!

However, I'd never not give someone a choice though, and in certain cars I'd prefer a manual. For off roading I think an auto is a better choice, with low range for serious off roading (an attitude shared with Land Rover)

I'd always only get an auto if it has a manual override, but would never want paddles unless it's on a performance car.

And no, the range rover sport isn't a performance car! Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Captain Worm wrote:

As for flappy paddle semi automatic gearboxes in Landrovers, it will never happen (I hope) :

They are already available in a Disco 4 and have been for over a year.

Disco isn't a semi auto box, it's an auto, I think CW may be referring to a semi auto sequential set up

not 100% sure but if you get a car with the rotory dial instead of the auto gear stick you get flappy paddles

heard mixed reports on them though, especially when off roading  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

I fail to see how flappy paddles on a car that goes off road can be a good thing.

Turn the wheel 180-270 degrees and you'll be having to think about how to change. The lever with the manual override is a much better solution. I had an XF at work for a while and it wound me up in that. And when it's in auto the paddles somehow seemed to be in the way  Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Its down to the individual. Ive driven autos and manuals for many years and for me its been and always will be a manual. I would only every go over to the dark side if my left leg fell off

When I say flappy paddle I mean the twin clutch type boxes not the ones with torque converters like on the new disco... Any one can put paddles on a car with a tiptronic setup like on the fl, they just do the same as the gear lever.

To put a twin clutch type box in a Landrover would be a nightmare as the brains have to control an actuator that effectively acts as your left leg, and no matter what anyone say when it comes to balancing a clutch a computer is not better than a person. The dsg box on the golf is testimony to this by the fact it roles backwards unless you give it a blip and then it shoots forwards!! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Captain Worm wrote:

When I say flappy paddle I mean the twin clutch type boxes not the ones with torque converters like on the new disco... Any one can put paddles on a car with a tiptronic setup like on the fl, they just do the same as the gear lever.

To put a twin clutch type box in a Landrover would be a nightmare as the brains have to control an actuator that effectively acts as your left leg, and no matter what anyone say when it comes to balancing a clutch a computer is not better than a person. The dsg box on the golf is testimony to this by the fact it roles backwards unless you give it a blip and then it shoots forwards!!

I went from an FL1 manual to my SD4 auto and its great. Better once I got the hang of it as I was a bit lead footed at first and the kickdown caught me out

I did try out a TD4 but plumped for the extra grunt of the SD4. Very happy and with GGS mode, HDC and winter tyres, I have laughed in the face of the snow!  60 plate SD4 XS, Stornoway Grey, Arm rest pack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly--gT1RJdk

Would it hold on a incline Dave? My mates r32 with the wet clutch set up wont hold on even the slightest hill. Throws you a bit when you have to use a handbrake on an auto! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

I had an Octavia with DSG, that would roll backwards on a hill, later models have hill hold, something that's not standard across the range.

In fairness it does have hill hold which would stop the initial roll as you describe. Unlike a torque converter, when stopped there is no 'pull' as such. It will set off on idle however and creep up any hill, including the 1 in 4 that my grandad lives on. The hill hold deactivates when the power to set off overcomes gravity dragging it back. Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County