[kbradford]

I'm debating which one to go with. Does anyone have pictures of the manual shifter in the SES model?

And what is everyone's opinions on manual v automatic in this car? My current Mazda has auto and my old Jeep had a stick. I've always missed the stick, but I'm curious if it's any good in the new Fiesta.

Thanks!

 

[BRGT350]

nobody outside of Ford have driven either the US manual or automatic. The new DSG transmission is an awesome peice of engineering, but in my mind, it is still an automatic. Some people call it a clutchless manual, but I say its an automatic. Therefore, even though it shifts faster than I can do it manually, I don't think it would be fun to own. The Fiesta is such a joy to drive, having an automatic would detract from the enjoyment of the car. Really, the Fiesta is for people who love to drive. The suspension and steering is tuned for carving twisty roads and putting a smile on your face. Not being able to heel-n-toe downshift and row your own cogs takes away from the driving experience. However, if I had a 2 hour commute in gridlock traffic, I may change my mind. For me, it is manual transmission all the way!

I can't get to Flickr' at work, but I have tons of detailed interior pics of the automatic and manual from the NAIAS and LA AutoShow. There should be links to them under the Fiesta Movement tab at Racetech Performance

 

[mrbirdman330]

I grew up on a manual transmission, I've been professionaly trained to drive all types of manual transmissions. The benefits of owning a manual transmission far out number that of an automatic. I have to agree with Bryan that the DSG is an automatic now matter how you slice the cake on it.

 

[kbradford]

I can't get to Flickr' at work, but I have tons of detailed interior pics of the automatic and manual from the NAIAS and LA AutoShow. There should be links to them under the Fiesta Movement tab at Racetech Performance

I've looked through your photos, and saw you have some nice pictures of the upgraded manual shifter (leather trim and chrome). Any of the standard one without that $150 upgrade?

 

[BRGT350]

I think the standard one looks like the EU version. I am ordering the upgraded shifter, so that is why I have so many pics of it.

 

[TeamFord]

Manual only for me. I test drove the Fiesta twice, once at SEMA and once at the Barrett Jackson event in Las Vegas. I was a blast to drive. Even the wife liked it.

My saying has always been "With a manual, you drive the car. With an automatic the car drives you."

 

[iamz]

I wanted an inexpensive, fuel efficient, good looking hatchback with solid handling. A quiet cabin and a more comfortable ride will be icing on the cake. If I was forced to have to get a manual shifter, I would have passed on the Fiesta.

 

[eRic]

get the manual especially since the six-speed powershift automatic in the fiesta lacks a manual mode or paddle shifter. PRNDL does not excite me at all.

 

[Mattdoommaster]

Manual all the way.

A small car like this just demands to have its balls revved off, and you need a stick-shift for that.

 

[Chan]

A car with no torque requires you to have a manual....at least thats what I say.

 

[golf strom]

I would definitely go for the manual tranny if you don't have a grid lock type of daily commute. The DSG is a fancy automatic as far as the driver is concerned not to mention that when something goes wrong after the warranty it is going to cost dearly to get it repaired....The Fiesta was made for a manual gearbox as most all drivers in Europe will specify it that way.

 

[Reddog99]

A car with no torque requires you to have a manual....at least thats what I say.

Although the transmission does the shifting automatically, the dual-clutch [automatic] transmission that the Fiesta will come with, has internals with hard gears just like a manual transmission. This isn't a slush box with a torque converter and bands. It's nearly like a six-speed manual tranny, except it shifts automatically.

 

[TeamFord]

It's nearly like a six-speed manual tranny, except it shifts automatically.

That's the thing, automatically