Automatic Transmission ND

[Rocinante]

If it is universally agreed that an automatic transmission is a bad idea,
why is Mazda releasing the new MX-5 ND with an automatic gearbox option ?

All the You Tube reviews are filmed with manual gearbox cars cruising along
scenic country roads without a traffic light in sight. Not even one review of
the automatic gearbox.

What about real world hassle of using a manual transmission car as your
daily drive in urban gridlock and starting on steep terrain junctions ?

Wondering if there are NC series Automatic transmission owners on this forum.
If so, would like to hear how bad their experiences have been so I can
dissuade myself from ordering the automatic transmission ND.

[Lokiel]

Unless you have a physical limitation that makes the automatic transmission the only choice, you'd be foolish NOT to get the manual version, driving a manual MX5 through "the twisty stuff" will put a MUCH bigger smile on your face than an automatic and will improve its re-sale value (if you care about that).

I'm guessing that Mazda are producing a lot of automatics because few Americans drive manuals these days and possibly the market is for the 50+ audience and they perceive that they'll prefer automatics as they age.

Try driving the manual and automatic versions through some twisty road sections, you'll experience "Jinba Ittai" far more in the manual.

[JBT]

I own a manual NC and have dríven an auto. The 6 speed auto is excellent and has manual select paddles as well as manual stick select....and it doesn't make the horrible growling/rattle noise that comes from the manual box at lowish revs when it gets hot.

If I had my time over, I'd buy the auto. Great for doddling in the traffic and a blast if you get serious.

[Mr Morlock]

I don't think a case can be sustained for saying that an auto is harder to sell than a manual- I suspect its the opposite - less autos and more selective buyers who don't want to fiddle around with a pretty antiquated type of transmission. So many sports cars now run auto paddle shifters and running an auto in suburbia has to be a better choice. Almost no one buys big cars in manuals and by far the biggest choice in the Australian car pool is for auto cars just like USA. Take the test and drive both if one can - however an around the block run might not be enough. Incidentally I imagine its far easy to thrash and abuse a manual but less likely in an auto. Witness- on these pages people complaining about their manual transmissions baulking and the magic oil that supposedly fixes it! I might take JBTs advice for myself if I ever get to upgrade to an NC.

[Steampunk]

"Universally agreed auotmatic is a bad idea....?"
Yeah... Ever heard of a company called Mercedes Benz?

"Real world hassle of using a manual transmission..." unless, as mentioned, you are physically limited or just uber lazy then; what hassle? I'm assuming youve dríven autos for the vast majority. Ive dríven almost exclusively manuals and its like tying shoelaces.

People buy an MX-5 not just for handling prowess, but looks and the ragtop. Some dont even care about the former, and if you're a "straight line specialist" then auto is the go.

You will get your answer, not from this forum, but from an actual test drive because even if someone says that auto ND is faultless, it still may not suit your driving style.

[bootz]

I love my 6 spd, but continually shifting the cogs around the suburbs to maintain a relaxed rpm is somewhat wearisome. The general lack of torque under 3000 does not help either.

[Mr Morlock]

What hassle of using a manual? The public and the car cos in Australia have long recognised the advantages of autos and the ease in heavy traffic. The sales prove it ie people voted with their wallets. It's not Europe where manuals once meant better fuel economy. Buying a big car including a 4wd I would not go near a manual but an MX5 is not the beast a big car with a heavy clutch and a clunky shift is. Incidentally a lot of women hate manuals and don't see the point of them. Many partners will therefore not drive the MX5 and then the manual shifting he man has to drink light beer- oh the pain of it all.

[Vat]

From a business point of view, why on earth would you not offer an auto in a market where 70% of car sales are autos?

[Okibi]

Mazda are in the business of making profit, the market will dictate how many autos/manuals they sell.

I suspect many are waiting for the 2lt to arrive anyway.

[Red Dragon]

As JBT said, you can drive the auto in various modes they are not much different in performance to a manual they are better in stop start peak hour traffic.
Since having an NC2 for the last three years i would not go back to a manual either road or track.
Look at all the so called super cars paddleshift auto's

[Mr Morlock]

If you check Car sales auto NCs are asking high dollars and not most cars have fairly high kilometres. My guess is that the autos do get used not simply as weekenders in warmer weather.

[chops]

ND Skyactiv auto is a step up from the NC auto. Faster changes, good rev matching on paddle down shift and a good blip noise! Sport mode allows you to use full 7500 rpm and won't upshift anyway

driving NA & NB autos is not for me, I really enjoy NC autos particularly the short diff. The ND will no doubt be popular in auto

Having said all that mine is a manual

[M1474]

Ive dríven almost exclusively manuals and its like tying shoelaces.

I buy boots with zip sides because I can't be bothered tying laces, I can't handle driving an auto though.

[davekmoore]

If you have to have an auto the one in the ND is the best auto-driving I've experienced.

If you want an auto the one in the ND will put a smile on your face, helped by the flappy paddles.

If you're undecided between manual or auto get the manual. It's awesome.

[Mr Morlock]

recent info suggested that 40% of ND's would be autos so its catching on!!