Made my second trip to Meridien today to try out a GT S MC shift having previously driven the GTS auto.
I pretty much expected this to be much about putting aside any nagging doubts as to whether I could get on with a semi auto rather than an auto. Given my previous experience of robotic manual cars I expected this to be a thanks but no thanks experience.
Those of you that have read Dan's previous write up when he took delivery of his car last year will have an idea how some view these cars.
That 'some' has a new addition. Two words - Blown Away.
Arrived this morning, Elliott showed me the car I would be driving, mentioned he would have to move the MC Strad out of the way and we'd be off. I was minding my own business, finishing off my coffee and heard a lovely roar on start up (which I assumed to be the MCS). But then I realised it was the GTS. It was the first of many factors that pointed to how watered down the GTS auto is. Perhaps that is unfair - not watered down - pitched at a different audience.
Looking back at Dan's 'write up' I think he has it spot on and I won't try and add to waht he said, other than that I agree 100% with the first impression.
As to what I think about the semi auto?
Really pleasantly suprised - smooth(ish) auto mode once warmed up and fast acting manual (again once warmed). Balance this with the other attributes over the S auto - ok ok mainly the sound and the MC shift definitely has the edge for me.
To think I almost decided not to try one out!
Meridien have a couple of cars that meet my broad wants and needs but there are several other cars out there around the £70k price point too. Time to start the chase!
I pretty much expected this to be much about putting aside any nagging doubts as to whether I could get on with a semi auto rather than an auto. Given my previous experience of robotic manual cars I expected this to be a thanks but no thanks experience.
Those of you that have read Dan's previous write up when he took delivery of his car last year will have an idea how some view these cars.
That 'some' has a new addition. Two words - Blown Away.
Arrived this morning, Elliott showed me the car I would be driving, mentioned he would have to move the MC Strad out of the way and we'd be off. I was minding my own business, finishing off my coffee and heard a lovely roar on start up (which I assumed to be the MCS). But then I realised it was the GTS. It was the first of many factors that pointed to how watered down the GTS auto is. Perhaps that is unfair - not watered down - pitched at a different audience.
Looking back at Dan's 'write up' I think he has it spot on and I won't try and add to waht he said, other than that I agree 100% with the first impression.
As to what I think about the semi auto?
Really pleasantly suprised - smooth(ish) auto mode once warmed up and fast acting manual (again once warmed). Balance this with the other attributes over the S auto - ok ok mainly the sound and the MC shift definitely has the edge for me.
To think I almost decided not to try one out!
Meridien have a couple of cars that meet my broad wants and needs but there are several other cars out there around the £70k price point too. Time to start the chase!