I have a 2007 VW Bug. It has an auto transmission, with a semi auto shifting also. I have never used the semi auto- I really don't understand why the car has it. Please tell me more about it- also- which gives better gas mileage?
Thanks.

 

The reasoning is that in some cases the car will not shift optimally- for example you coast on top of a mountain pass just before the downward slope begins- the standard program does an upshift. You want a downshift for the downslope.
Another part is in the twisties- the transmission does not know how far away the next bend is- so you lift your foot, and get an upshift, but want deceleration for the bend.
In these situations the manual override will be an advantage.
In situations where the automatic logic is doing it right there is no difference in fuel economy. (You would do the same by hand as the computer does)
In other situations as described above you can increase fuel economy.

HTH

AlpineRAM

 

AlpineRAM nailed it.

I always hated driving automatics in the mountains for that very reason. My Magnum has that feature and I love it when driving up in the mountains. Really shines on those tight curvy roads in North Carolina.

MikeyB

 

Its for people who are too lazy to clutch...

 

I wish the 48re had that option so I could pop it up and down when it gets hilly pulling a heavy trailer. I have to keep pushing the tow/haul/od button through the cycles to keep it at the right rpm so it won't bog. That includes the computer doing all it's cycling and shift point stuff every time, kinda annoying.


I also think you can take off in 2nd or 3rd to get traction in the slippery stuff.

 

also works well in snow to control your speed.

 

Is your bug a diesel?

I found in the Jetta, I can get a little better MPG by shifting ~3200-3400, instead of letting the Auto shift.

However, the wife doesn't get it. So I just have her drive in Sport mode all the time.

Tony

 

I have a 07 charger RT and it is fun in the mountians of NC with the auto stick. For everyday driving I put it in D but when I want to race throught the curves it is auto stick all the way. I did find out this weekend in WV that it will not engine brake in autostick mode just freewheel.

 

Really? Mine will engine brake in autostick mode. Less evident in the higher gears though.

MikeyB

 

I thought it would but for some reason it didn't so I just let the computer do all the work.

 

VW had the same thing back in the 70's.

 

I feel the compression braking in all gears.

Tony

 

The auto stick is the only reason I drive my sis's 300M. It is nice on hills and winding roads, and I def. notice engine braking when I downshift in it.

 

Or are convinced they can't do it.

 

Maybe due to about 90% of the cars on the market today don't even offer manual transmissions.

And trucks are heading that way too.

MikeyB