Manual or automatic

Years back when Michelle wanted to go down the caravaning route, my only comment was, the thing does not dictate what car I buy.

Last week it didn't! 

I bought a 2018 Audi Avant Black Edition, 190 bhp,  wait for it,............. petrol, with 7 speed auto gearbox.

Towed Saturday from York down to CMC Chapel Lane, then yesterday into Cornwall along the A30 and its hills.

Fuel consumption towing around 1480kg, car loaded plenty 21.7 mpg.

But with regards to Auto gearbox, stunning!

Rapid seamless gear changes, engine revs automatically matched to the new ratio, far better for the drive train than any manual gearbox.

Once on the A30 at Exeter set it at 55mph and the outfit stayed there. The gearbox changing gears as and when needed.

As a side point, the car also applied the brakes on the downhill sections too.

Very easy driving, far better than manual.

Auto gearboxes have come on from the old days of 3 gears. Downside at 38000 miles the oil needs changing. Never changed gear oil in a car in a lifetime of ownership.

Aren't Audi's autos DSG? If so, then it is a manual gearbox with auto controls.

Not sure it matters if the gearbox is a full auto or a manual with auto controls.

If it's a DSG you still have clutches to wear out. 

A recent enquiry at our local Audi dealership revealed their autos to be the dry dual clutch variety. 😕

I changed back to  a real  6 speed auto last year (left knee nacked)my how they have changed!! from years ago,,seamless changes either solo or towing an still average arround 29mpg with the van on the hook and over 40mpg solo that's 2ltr 181bhp, w will not now go back to manual box 

No 😃👍

As long as you dont put heat into them, that is slipping the clutch by driving without first engaged fully, a dry clutch gives a better experience and higher mpg.

I no longer reverse the caravan ever, my Jag broke the dual mass flywheel on a manual 6 speed box, long reverse into storage, lots of heat build up, pop.

A wet clutch under similar conditions would contaminate the oil, and also wear out! 

We'll have to disagree on that one W&M. 

Btw, how can you drive an auto without engaging the clutch?🤔

Speeds below 5 mph ish, the clutch has to slip, such as very slow moving traffic. In such, Truro today for example, my style is to stop, wait for a gap then drive into it. Nothing to do with the clutch but the start stop function.

Clear as mud then ...... 

Torque converter, slush box auto every time .......