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A Sequential-Manual transmission of motorcycle ilk is a manual transmission. That said, there aren't any cars being sold these days with such a transmission (and haven't for decades).
"It's Ok, we all know you're one of those purists who really REALLY wishes for the old days when men were men and clutches were attached to pedals, but one day you to will realize the world of transmissions isn't that simple anymore."
This has absolutely nothing to do with being a purist and everything to do with using our language properly. It's really simple, if it can shift for itself, it's an Automatic.
As for Toyota's implementation of what they call the SMT, based upon its operation it should really have been called an SAT as it really wasn't a true Sequential-Manual in the classic sense. Said another way, it operated in a very similar fashion to BMW's early SMG transmissions.
So returning to my example, if your friend says he or she cannot drive a manual and thus needs to buy an automatic, you could then say, Okay, but what about a sequential manual?
The roomier & less costly Civic w/ slushbox actually feels torquier & gets way better mpg. Its longer-travel suspension (along w/ only T-speed 185/65-14 tires) also corners better along w/ higher road-holding limit, not to mention better at absorbing bumps & especially during bumpy corners (this car is like a mini TSX). Even when cornering hard at the limit, the suspension geometry made the car remaining completely neutral & breaking away evenly front-&-back w/ no surprises.
So, with the exception of the "quick & lively steering rack," the Z3 isn't even remotely competitive with the double-wishbone Civic in any way shape or form, either. But I actually had more fun driving the Z3, b/c I can tackle the limit all the time w/ "on demand" understeer & oversteer. During this period, I left the "much more competent" Civic in the garage & never bothered with it, while the Z3 made me drive more often than necessary.
"If I get to rent a car for a day just to blast off & skid around, then the new Focus SE stick will be the choice over the Golf/GTI. But to own one? I'm not sure -- The Focus has cheap/toxic plastic smell when exposed to sun heat, noisier A/C fan, shallower ride comfort than the Golf 2.5..."
You really do need to get out more; for pure driving enjoyment the Focus SE is a very poor second to a GTI.
The new Focus SE manual is just awarded, along w/ Golf/GTI, 3-Series, etc., as "10 Best Car" by Jan 2012 Car & Driver.
That's what the "Focus" is all about -- a well focused rear suspension for you to drift in a controlled manner. No wonder it replaced the old-name "Escort". Have you driven the new Focus SE w/ 16"s? Did you notice its oversteer is available on tap? I have also driven the Mazda3 2.3 w/ 16"s, but it seems to oversteer a little too nervously such as during "abruptly induced lane change" at fwy speeds.
Some Euro-Ford designs w/ rear multi-links really know how to have "pure driving enjoyment".
I doubt the GTI's tuning allows this kind of stunt, even though it may excel in track time.
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Now, if you go out for an extensive test-drive of a Focus SE 5-Speed and a GTI 6-Speed and actually have some original thoughts of your own, then I'm all ears; until then pretty much everything you post is irrelevant to this discussion.
The GTI should win the race on the track, but that's not necessarily the "pure driving enjoyment" for many drivers.
By the way, the hydraulic steering of Mk1,2,3 Jetta/Golf/GTI is my favorite steering, not the ones on the Focus'!
& because of it, I plan to get the Golf 2.5 in order to lower the road-holding limit. That way, it'll also surpass any Focus in ride comfort, especially over deep bumps.
Hey Merry Christmas, if you can still say that on here.
Puffin :shades:
At best, you can say it's an automatic clutch, but not an automatic transmission.
(since you wanted to be anal about it, by raising the 'automatic' issue)
Looked at it from a different perspective, name me one manufacturer which sells cars equipped with an automated mechanical gearbox which doesn't refer to it as an automatic. I'll give you a hint, Porsche invented their own name for their automatic transmission, they call it the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). Beyond that...
Man, that is obsurd, even after resetting the computer with new shifting strategy? This tranny will eventually grind itself up, perhaps after the warranty expires. & there goes all the $ you saved from the "40mpg".
Modern electronics are still not smart enough to automate a manual tranny, not even in the pricy Audi A3:
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0ee004/105#MSG105
"I've nearly had 3 accidents due to this transmission problem."
No wonder a reliable car manufacturer like Toyota wouldn't bother with it, not even in its highly sophisticated Subaru-developed upcoming Scion RWD sports car.
Is that som'in to cheer about? You're better off w/ naturally aspirated 2.0 in the Focus even w/ only a 5-sp manual.
Are VW's well known for reliability or "affordable-cost per repair" when combining w/ supercharger, turbocharger, direct injection or DSG? Have you wondered why Toyota's aren't equipped that way? B/c, according to recent Consumer Reports, Rabbit/Golf imported from Germany are outperforming most Toyota's reliability when not equipped w/ these "risky" technologies.
You can laugh at the slushboxes on VW/Audi/Porsche vehicles over the past years, but at least they are built by Aisin/Toyota in Japan. & I better go collect one soon! :P
Also, looking for a car like the Focus or golf that has blind spot mirrors.
Are you talking about the warning light invented by Volvo? Some aftermarket stick-on convex mirrors work better -- at least they got a 3-D video showing the "vehicle-approaching speed & acceleration".
The one built in the mirrors of the new Fiesta/Focus didn't seem to cover the blind-spot sufficiently, as I tested them out at the LA Autoshow this time.
Ya, I like the Volvo blind spot blinkers. They seem to get your attention.The best VW for realiability is the 2,5 liter in the Golf.
Lastly I have had alot of nice Integs an especially the RSX Type S six speed all naturally aspirated.Acura should of kept it. The SI Civic can't compare. I have a 2011 BMW 328 i rear wheel in my garage on blocks for winter.
The focus with that dry tranny isn't for me even if it's going to be a winter beater,also a five spd makes you want shift into 6th gear. You have step up to a SEL focus for the lumbar pkg 302and they don't offer a std tranny. :P $25k for a Focus ? I don't think so.
$25k for any car w/o lumbar AND seat-height adjustment for BOTH front seats? I don't think so, either. Looks like even Japanese cars are too expensive for me!
But the $19,600 made-in-Germany Golf has them all. Plus, you can have heated front seats (& windshield-washer nozzles) w/o leather or moonroof while the back seat got adjustable A/C ducts.
My favorite Focus III is still the manual SE sedan w/ sport package, but only if it can be equipped with those "ST hatch's Recaro front seats" displayed in the recent LA Autoshow :P
http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/golf/2012/options.html?sub=hatchback&trim=20l-- tdi&style=101394808
http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/gti/2012/options.html?sub=hatchback&trim=pzev&- style=101394376
How come I can type now?My cursor was turning into a compass rose before and I couldn't post.
Gas is going to go up and I don't want to have to put premium in 3 cars(wifes car) My VW with the 5 spd 2.5 has some real torque thogh and if you tried to duplcate it with all my options(lumbar) is'nt an option though.You have to start with a SEL DSG.Then you end up at 25k.
I don't know what hapened to Mazda ,especilly the Mazda 3 148hp pefect engine,but you can't get a sunroof and lumbar support is gone and forget about heated seats. You guys remember the 2008 Mazda I New Value, what a car except for RSA Eagle tires.(loaded)
I looked at Hyundai 138 hp Elantra way under powered,Accent,too.Focus way over priced. I might think different if it came with a six speed though.I wish Mazda would come out with more sky active models.Do you have a clue to FE with a 1.8l in a Golf 6spd?this is a new engine never in America before being built in its old plant.Well, I tried to buy American.
VW sells a Polo GTI it's 11" shorter than the Golf.I see all these cARS AND DIFFERENT FROM A 1.2 L DIESAL AND UP AND CAN'T BELIEVE WE DON'T GET CARS OVER HERE LIKE THAT.I MEAN I KNOW OUR GAS IS CHEAPER,BUT OUR ECONOMY IS IN THE TANK AND WE DON'T HAVE SOCIALISED MEDECINE AS THE UK AND EUROPEANS DO. I KNOW THEY TAX THE GAS OVER THERE FOR SOCIAL PROGRAMS.
Boy, I don't know how hit the caps button sorry.I really wanted that Focus,but not for the price.My wife is on my case now saying to keep the VW She gets upset seeing the Beemer in the garage.I am a car nut I trade every 3 years.I've had 3 corvettes, 3 RX 7's about 3 IntegrasPlus my favorite the Type S. I still be driving Acuras if they kept the RSX.(they goofed the TSX is for old ladies)
I loved watching the videos of the Focis Ti going trough the gears. I had my heart set on it. I have to have a car, thats keeps you busy shifting ,you know a fun ride. I won't spend the money. I have my honey do list on the weekends and need a HB.The Focus seats fold flat too.I know that I"m sort of dissing Ford,but they are like Toyota and Mazda. They make you buy so many options,or upgrade to another model.
Here I'am in Maine and there isn't any snow,don't think the wife isn't on my case.I should of stored the car with just the tires on. It's going to be 45 degrees to morrow ,it's 43 today.
Well happy New Year. We are off to Errol NH to Lake Unabagog to camp on the Magalloway.If I can get a beaver off Trapper Dave.I'm going to put it on the river ice and try to bag a coyote out the window. :shades:
I thought the Focus was a 'little' more expensive than the others...but last time I checked I was eligible for about $2500 in rebates. So Edmunds TMV - 2500 turned into a very competitive price.
Exactly how easy is it?
If it's gonna cost over $1k in order to complete with all the remote buttons working, then the comparison to Focus' pricing...
Said another way, it is my understanding that if the Golf in question is purchased with the "Convenience and Sunroof" package (which includes Bluetooth and the higher end audio system), then all of the buttons will operate properly following a VAG-COM reprogramming. Do you know any different?