First Time Automatic Owner
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 9:11 pm
Well, I eventually decided on a new car (6 months old) to replace the 11 year old Civic and picked it up Monday.
Renault Clio Renaultsport RS 200 EDC with cup chassis/wheels
That's a mouthful, but basically a small family sized turbo charged hot hatch with a flappy paddle dual clutch gearbox.
It's fantastic to drive, both in auto and manual mode (especially with the engine/steering/suspension set to sport mode). Very slick gear changes. A quick car A to B and relaxing to drive in town (once I mastered how much brake pedal pressure is required to activate/prevent stop/start kicking in everywhere. Before anyone asks, yes you can stop blinding the driver behind ... apply the handbrake and select neutral and release the foot brake. Though the temptation is there to drive like everyone else and keep my foot firmly planted on the pedal. Given my ranting in the past on this subject after 2 days I am still being good.
QUESTIONS
1. Handbrake - Do I, don't I? If so, when? Can I keep it in gear with the handbrake on?
2. Hill starts - It has Hill Assist. Can't say I'm impressed as there is still a small amount of roll-back even on a modest slope. Compared to a geared car and good clutch/handbrake control where you get NO roll-back. Am I being too fussy (perfectionist )
3. How do I creep up close to something? My drive way is very short with the smallest of incline (think the average kerb crossing entrance slope) and in my clutch car I could creep it easily to an inch from my house wall. With the new Clio, I creep forward (as much as I dare) apply the foot brake, by which time it's dropped back 2-3 inches. Help!
Renault Clio Renaultsport RS 200 EDC with cup chassis/wheels
That's a mouthful, but basically a small family sized turbo charged hot hatch with a flappy paddle dual clutch gearbox.
It's fantastic to drive, both in auto and manual mode (especially with the engine/steering/suspension set to sport mode). Very slick gear changes. A quick car A to B and relaxing to drive in town (once I mastered how much brake pedal pressure is required to activate/prevent stop/start kicking in everywhere. Before anyone asks, yes you can stop blinding the driver behind ... apply the handbrake and select neutral and release the foot brake. Though the temptation is there to drive like everyone else and keep my foot firmly planted on the pedal. Given my ranting in the past on this subject after 2 days I am still being good.
QUESTIONS
1. Handbrake - Do I, don't I? If so, when? Can I keep it in gear with the handbrake on?
2. Hill starts - It has Hill Assist. Can't say I'm impressed as there is still a small amount of roll-back even on a modest slope. Compared to a geared car and good clutch/handbrake control where you get NO roll-back. Am I being too fussy (perfectionist )
3. How do I creep up close to something? My drive way is very short with the smallest of incline (think the average kerb crossing entrance slope) and in my clutch car I could creep it easily to an inch from my house wall. With the new Clio, I creep forward (as much as I dare) apply the foot brake, by which time it's dropped back 2-3 inches. Help!