Sport model auto question

[Surfer]

Last year in October we were very keen on leasing a 3008 Sport diesel auto, but the maximum braked towing capacity is only 1100kg and our caravan is 1300kg so we settled for a Ford Mondeo 2.0L diesel auto.
Unfortunately there is an issue with the Ford gearbox when coming almost to a stop and then accelerating. The gearbox cannot decide which gear to select which then results in you coasting in neutral for a second or two and then ther revs climbing and the box engaging. This is a software issue and Ford have stated that it is a trait in the car and we should accept it. I feel it is a dangerous trait and should not be there. In the Sport or manual mode there is no issue!
As the lease company have had other complaints if I so chooe, they will refund my deposit and as I had a tow bar fitted on the current car are prepared to fund a tow bar on any other car I choose all without any penalties.
Today I took a Sport 3008 diesel auto for a drive and noticed that when it changed gears it was almost as if the brakes had come on as it slowed down considerably in between changes. Granted it was cold and mileage was only 12 miles. Also when coming to almost a complete the stop and then accelerating, the gear was engaged quickly, but the pick up was very slow almost dismal. At least it never went into a neutral mode like the Ford.
The car comes standard with energy saver 17" wheels which is why the maximum towing capacity is only 1100kg, but if using non energy saver tyres then the maximum braked towing capacity increases to 1300kg the same maximum weight of our caravan.
The dealer has agreed to swap the tyres so that the car has the non energy saver tyres on it. I like the comfort and layout of the car plus the electronic handbrake, but the jerky gear change is a concern plus the dismal pickup. If I knew it would disappear after a few thousand miles that would be acceptable.
My concern is if it doesn't I will be stuck with the car for the next three years as I doubt whether they would let me change again. I am in a real dilemma and do not know which way to go. I can pick up the 3008 next week if I decide to go ahead.

[john_h]

i think it maybe beneficial to go for a manual or semi-auto car as then you can select the gears, keeping the revs higher and not depend on a computer try and figure it out.

plus what engine size is the 3008?

[Surfer]

Engine will be Diesel 1.6L auto. Unfortunately manual is not an option for me and the petrol one is out of the question.

[shimaine]

Can you use the gear lever or the paddles instead of auto? I have 1.6hdi egc sport and my wife and i never use auto for the same reasons you mentioned. If you lift of the power a fraction before clicking the paddle or gear lever it seems to eliminate the lurching.
Also,i know of several people who tow caravans with citroen c4 (same gearbox) They say its not a problem when using paddles or lever. Possibly because you can hold a gear until revs are higher before changing.(Dont quote me on that!) Hope this may help.

[chopper1192]

Originally Posted by Surfer

but the jerky gear change is a concern plus the dismal pickup.

Don't buy/lease it then.

[Surfer]

It will be a lease car. We took another one for a spin yesterday and tried lifting foot off the pedal and it changed okay, but it is remembering to do it evey time. Really a semi-auto and not a proper auto.
The only other bugbear is the seat belt as I have difficulty clipping it in as the receive is so low down. Otherwise we like the car but for towing a caravan I don't think it is suited. Pity. Thanks for the info.

[Greenbox]

Can't help with the auto question but you will quickly get used to the seatbelt. I first thought I would never get used to it but after a few times I never noticed it.

[chopper1192]

Originally Posted by Surfer

The only other bugbear is the seat belt as I have difficulty clipping it in as the receive is so low down.

Yes, it's an automated manual box and not a true auto, and needs to be driven accordingly, as would the same set up from anyone else.

The seatbelt is also a minor gripe for me, as is the centre console being hinged for LHD cars. Otherwise, i love mine to bits!

[colin13]

Originally Posted by Surfer

The only other bugbear is the seat belt as I have difficulty clipping it in as the receive is so low down..

I'm with you on this we were surprised at how low it is when having our test drive, I'm looking at belt extensions on e-bay can any one tell me the width and length of the tongue please.

[jet_andy]

Don't get the seatbelt thing - never found it to be a problem.