The new 09 Transmission is alot different you can paddle shift while still in drive and it does not have the rocking horse effect. It only makes you go back when it shifts, but not foward it shifts a lot smoother!
Took a test drive today in a 2009. As stated by smart, the transmission shift lag has been improved upon. I'd estimate it is about 50% better than the 2008 I drive. It still is nowhere near as smooth as the Toyota Echo automatic I previously drove, but it's better.
I think it is a disservice to compare the smart's electric shift manual gearbox to a hydraulic automatic transmission. There are already enough misunderstandings and false expectations of it.
Some models of cars don't offer ANY kind of automatic drive... Are they also lacking when compared to an automatic Toyota Echo?
Can the 08 transmission be reprogrammed/upgraded to the 09 specs? I especially like the idea of paddle shifting in Drive mode and not having to move the stick over to the left. It interferes with my leg as I am on the large size.
Can the 08 transmission be reprogrammed/upgraded to the 09 specs? I especially like the idea of paddle shifting in Drive mode and not having to move the stick over to the left. It interferes with my leg as I am on the large size.
We've had a dealer confirm that there will be a ECU flash for the 08's to bring them up to the same program but there wasn't a time table given. It's being rolled out.
I use only the manual mode in my 2008 Passion. What I would like to see is a transmission control programme in which all of the shifts in the manual mode are under the control of the driver. The current programme shifts down automatically as the car slows down, and it often conflicts with my deliberate down-shift, causing the transmission to shift into too low a gear. This generally occurs when down-shifting for a turn, and it is vexatious, to say the least.
Understood but I don't think it's gonna happen... of course the same dealer that told us there will be a flash is the same dealer that told us you had to have the correct VIN to purchase yellow panels... so I'm still waiting for some sort of corraboration.
I think it is a disservice to compare the smart's electric shift manual gearbox to a hydraulic automatic transmission. There are already enough misunderstandings and false expectations of it.
Some models of cars don't offer ANY kind of automatic drive... Are they also lacking when compared to an automatic Toyota Echo?
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