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Tofufi
Volkswagen were making semi-automatic Beetles as long ago as 1968 :biggrin:

All the other makers are playing catchup...



We almost brought one on an impulse for my mother as a play thing when at VW action one time. Do they actually work well?? Imagine it's another thing to go wrong.
Yes you can drive a semi-automatic seeing as they are typically an automatic with a "manual" mode. They don't require any of the skills associated with driving a proper manual such as clutch technique, just a mild understanding of when to shift up or down.

Also loads of cars have semi-auto, things like tiptronic were you can use the shifter like a squential shifter.
Reply 22
Hehe Actually if put mine in Semi Automatic mode, a little thing flashs up on the dash telling you you need to change up or down! A Child could actually drive my car :P
Reply 23
wtf you have to get a license to 'drive' an automatic. well, its not really driving, it should be alled riding an automatic car
Reply 24
scotttb
wtf you have to get a license to 'drive' an automatic. well, its not really driving, it should be alled riding an automatic car


Why bother posting? Nobody gives a **** what you think.
scotttb
wtf you have to get a license to 'drive' an automatic. well, its not really driving, it should be alled riding an automatic car


So you're in favour of letting unlicensed automatic drivers out on the roads? I can just imagine how awesome they will be at driving.
Reply 26
CJN
Why bother posting? Nobody gives a **** what you think.
why bother replying? nobody gives a **** what you think


DarkWhite
So you're in favour of letting unlicensed automatic drivers out on the roads? I can just imagine how awesome they will be at driving.


riders*
Reply 27
initiation
We almost brought one on an impulse for my mother as a play thing when at VW action one time. Do they actually work well?? Imagine it's another thing to go wrong.


Never tried one, so I can't really comment.

From what I recall, they were 3 speed and generally fairly reliable, if a bit slower accelerating than a standard beetle.
Reply 28
Out of interest, what about a SMG (sequential manual gearbox)?

Obviously it doesn't have a clutch pedal so I would class it as an auto, but BMW insist it is a manual so how does that work for drivers with automatic licences?
Reply 29
A friend of mine has a semi-automatic.. but calls it a "semi-manual" :rolleyes:
Tofufi
if a bit slower accelerating than a standard beetle.


That would be fun:p:
two pedals and flappy paddles ?

yes you can drive it on an Auto restricted dlicence
1992LP
Out of interest, what about a SMG (sequential manual gearbox)?

Obviously it doesn't have a clutch pedal so I would class it as an auto, but BMW insist it is a manual so how does that work for drivers with automatic licences?


two pedals and sequential / flappy paddle change = automatic in the eyes of the law ...

sequential manuals are de rigeur on bikes and racing cars but they do still have a clutch ...

in terms of the law it;s the absence of a clutch pedal that determines auto or not
Reply 33
scotttb
wtf you have to get a license to 'drive' an automatic. well, its not really driving, it should be alled riding an automatic car


i didnt have to, i just couldnt be bothered with gears.
it kinda is driving because i am allowed on the road? and have a driving licence?
Reply 34
AntiMonarchist
I thought only ferraris had semi automatics.
does it have flappy paddles behind the wheel?

fiat 500s can be semi automatic which is the car i want :biggrin:

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