I have had two smart cars with the semi auto (Getrag) gearbox. A petrol then the diesel cdi - both the newer 452 models. I absolutely loved the auto gear change and could never understand the almost universal criticism. It changed gear exactly when I would have done were it a manual and it just felt like someone was changing gear for me - slight loss of momentum, then straight into the higher/lower gear. Foot to the floor and it changed down a couple of gears to allow for overtaking or other rapid acceleration.

 

I think the critics drove it like a CVT and didn't allow for the gear change. Bit like accelerator to the floor in a manual car and then depress the clutch and change gear, keeping the accelerator pedal down - it's not going to be good.

 

I got to the point where I was seriously wondering why all cars didn't have semi-automatic gearboxes by default!

 

Is the Up!/Mii/Citigo auto anything like the smart?

I too had spotted that strangeness. 

 

I do have the automatic i10 - bought it new about two and a half yrs ago. 

 

Never get more than 35mpg from it....often nearer 31  or 32.  (Brimmed tank figures).

 

Had an early problem with the offside drive shaft, which was eventually replaced with a modified one due to it producing a resonance at a certain rpm.  Bit better now but still not great.

 

Will look at the new one when it's been out for a while and the initial excitement in the dealers showroom has subsided. 

 

The 5 year warranty and 5 years Breakdown/Recovery cover is an attraction.  The trouble I had with Head Office is a distinct downside for me.  I think it'll be as reliable as a VAG product provided you don't get a duffer....(remember the problems Hyundai owners had with the clutches and gearboxes when the original one came out).

 

But I think it will compare favourably with the Citigo in terms of space, spec., warranty and 5yrs Breakdown cover.

 

The price looks roughly similar, the insurance costs will be higher due to a higher rating, the service costs will be comparable especially if you negotiate a 3year servicing deal at the outset (well worth doing).

 

 

 

           I will not change till September,so the new car hype will have died down at the Hyundai dealers by then. If i get the i10 it will depend on how good the discount will be. Pity they do not make it as a 3 door,as i do not need 5 doors,or 4 seats come to that.Perhaps the Kia Picanto auto would be better.

 

             I have also looked at the Ford KA. I can get a pre reg Titanium with £2500 off.The Grand Prix model looks good,a bit like the Citigo Sport with Black alloys,and Red and Black trim,but of course they are manual only,not automatic.

I have had two smart cars with the semi auto (Getrag) gearbox. A petrol then the diesel cdi - both the newer 452 models. I absolutely loved the auto gear change and could never understand the almost universal criticism. It changed gear exactly when I would have done were it a manual and it just felt like someone was changing gear for me - slight loss of momentum, then straight into the higher/lower gear. Foot to the floor and it changed down a couple of gears to allow for overtaking or other rapid acceleration.

 

I think the critics drove it like a CVT and didn't allow for the gear change. Bit like accelerator to the floor in a manual car and then depress the clutch and change gear, keeping the accelerator pedal down - it's not going to be good.

 

I got to the point where I was seriously wondering why all cars didn't have semi-automatic gearboxes by default!

 

Is the Up!/Mii/Citigo auto anything like the smart?

 

 

          I have also had two Smarts.The petrol 450 in 2003 and the latest 451 diesel in 2009 which i still have. I agree the auto box is excellent,and even smoother on the diesel as long as you take things nice and easy and let the box change at 2500-3000 rpm. I drive in auto all the time and love it.

 

           The only reason i would not buy another Smart is because they are now too expensive. I paid less than £9000 for my Smart in 2009.The last price for the Passion diesel before they discontinued them was £11500.....crazy!!  The new model will obviously cost even more when it comes out later this year,and it will only have a petrol engine from Renault.....no thanks!!

 

           I am sure the Citigos ASG auto box will be the same as the Smart. Even the lever and gate are the same. I guess if you drive it slow and easy and NOT with your foot to the floor driving at max revs,it will be fine.

Absolutely. I loved my Passion Cabrio cdi, but it looks like that engine is being discontinued. My petrol smart only got me in the mid 30s as far as fuel economy was concerned, the diesel cdi top 50s. I do better with my little Aygo, lol..

 

The smart is a quality car - the Mercedes heritage shines through. Moving to the Aygo was like downgrading, so I sort of understand the extra cost. The Toyota iQ, really smart's only competition, is also rather expensive - more than the smart.

 

smart still managed to make their cars affordable on their PCP scheme but only by dreaming up a ridiculously high guaranteed final value, effectively taking that amount out of the finance deal. It made it impossible for me to part exchange my smart at any point, so I just handed it back after the three years and bough an Aygo.

 

I wouldn't buy another smart - the petrol engine is nowhere near economical enough, and there are apparently problems with the MHD stap/start design.

The auto version is terrible, it ruins what is a very good car. Why VW thought it was acceptable to use such a rubbish box is beyond me. (Yes I understand its cost reasons).

Personally in my opinion they would have been better to either not bothered or used a dsg.

I've said before really really test drive the ASG before you buy. A proper test drive, travelling on roads you use not what the dealer says you can use.

tips for driving, learn when it changes and just before let off the power this smooths out the gear changes.

Now getting back to the problem. I don't think anyone with a new car should fork out money to fix a warranty issue. I would change dealership to one that has a good review in the dealer section.

I would also explain to Skoda UK that you bought the skoda based on how reliable they are and you feel that this is not the case.

Most importantly of all and this is to anyone that has issues with Skoda you need to let them know that you are and want to be a loyal customer.

I wrote one letter to skoda about the issue with my octavia out of warranty and they paid for the work due to my loyalty to the brand and future business.

As frustrating as it is be polite and try not to make them the enemy.