A slightly different box (being a 57 plate 1.9) but pretty similar.

When setting off if you go straight from the brake to throttle with no pause it can be a little sudden as the clutch bites but changes to 2nd and from 3rd to 2nd I have never noticed any jerkiness.

I also don't think I could ever describe 'D' as being lazy. I think it is programmed pretty well for all purposes. Fairly laid back with light throttle, nice whizz quickly through the gears with a bit more throttle and then if you suddenly decide to go for full throttle there is little to no delay (depending on your previous driving style).

I use manual now and then but mainly for overtaking if I want to pre-prepare for it or for coming down hills/for extra engine braking.

I don't ever bother with 'S' tbh.

Phil

The only annoyance there is right turns out of T junctions. I pull away. Get half way out of the junction.Go for second and its half way around the wheel where I cannot easily reach it. I haven't yet figured out an elegant solution to this yet

Flick it into D at the junction - takes a second

Flick it back once you're on the straight again - takes a second.

Not really an inconvenience IMO, it's what I do.

The alternative is, as you pull out, pull the paddle straight away; the box will change up half-way around the corner (generally, depending on how much you boot it from the junction).

H