New Puma driven in latest Auto Express

[BjNtheBear]

Apparently Ford has "made a good car into a great one", definitely don't like the positioning of the screen and air vents above it or the steering wheel or the pricing but what sinks it for me is that they've removed the manual option from the 155....why?

[Stoopo]

Probably due to so many gearboxes going belly up in the 155.

[KevC]

Supply and demand. Hardly anyone buys manuals these days even if the companies make them.

[BjNtheBear]

I'm probably just old school with the introduction of hybrid and full fat electric cars I suppose it's getting phased out some sad but I'm going to hang on to the manual shift for the mo (or until the gearbox packs in Stoopo )

[Ron240]

When I was younger I always wanted a manual gearbox in a car, and actually laughed at older people who said they preferred an automatic.
Now that I am older and have experienced modern sporty cars with their standard automatic gearbox I much prefer them.
Times and attitudes change, but the days of the manual gearbox are definitely numbered.

[KevC]

Same. I've been driving paddle shift autos since 2009 and I wouldn't go back. So much easier. And if it's a sporty car it's a lot of fun to paddle shift. In a lot of ways it's the best of both worlds. When you're just tootling about or commuting it's stress free and when you want to get on a bit more you have the paddles.

I'd only have a manual if my lotto numbers came up because they didn't make the F40 as an auto

[Sparks]

Traffic numbers have made automatics a must now in urban areas. Even on long journeys, the amount of traffic jams are getting more frequent, an automatic (especially with stop and go cruise) makes the whole driving experience today far less fatigue inducing.
I wouldn't go back to manual now.

[MadTruckeer]

Afternoon all.
Bit off topic.....there is a point!
Started hgv career,spanning 30yrs, on manual gearbox.....
4 over 4 box 17T.
Then 12 speed twin splitter 38T artic. Then 4 over 4 44T artic.
Then auto 44T artic until lost licence 2022 on medical grounds.
Loved twin splitter, 4 over 4 not bad...but soon as autobox came in, overnight all the skill/experience of matching revs/speed looking after the clutch etc was lost and u was just a pilot!! Rant over
Cars always bn manual boxes,since passed my test 1986,I have driven auto boxes but never owned until now, unfortunately my medical situation dictates .
The Puma 155 auto is a brilliant little car/box very relaxing to drive .
Being my "1st auto box" I wasn't convinced but soon got used to it!!
I defo wouldn't go back to manual car!!!

[Smartguy67]

I like the gearbox in the Puma as it matches the car well. My only issue is it sometimes changes up before I would with a manual box. Minor observation and not a moan.

I was against having an auto as only owned 2 autos before which was a Galant 2 litre and a Rover Sterling. Old school by today's standards but technology has basically taken a manual gearbox and made it change electronically with the DCT or powershift.

Not sure if my own car when I come to replace the Kuga will be manual or auto but when we drop to one car it will be an automatic. Only real issue is expensive oil changes.

[BjNtheBear]

In this particular report they say the auto box is disappointing in that gearchanges while smooth aren't very responsive, even in sport mode and there's no manual override.
Given some of your comments though I wouldn't rule out a test drive of an auto to see what all the fuss is about