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THE AUTOMATIC
Page 60
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CHOICE
Vauxhall has gone automatic crazy with the introduction of its Combo Easytronic and newly rated 2.0-litre Vivaro Tecshift.
Automatic transmissions are creeping out of the 'expensive' category and into the one marked 'increased driver and fuel performance as operators realise that the technology now offers tempting benefits of its own.
Heavy trucks have taken the lead in terms of numbers in the last few years hut now the word on— and the availability of— auto shifters is altering down into the light CV market.
Increased choice A.Ithou0i Vauxhall previously offered an tutomatic on the Vivaro (branded Tecshift),it as available only on the 2.5-litre version. Hut -tow the company has introduced it on the 2.0itre version, along with the company's Easytronic shifter (as used on its Corsa. vleriva and Astra car) on its Combo van.
Starting with the Vivaro, the six-speed box is itted to the 11411p-rated engine and can be switched between automatic and manual changes with a sideways tilt of the gearshift.
On initial contact it gives the impression of retaining traditional automatic qualities, ie dropping revs between upshifts and staggered downshifting at junctions.
Rut it is only as you spend time with it that you start to work with the box, changing your driving style to suit its character.
Practice pays off This might sound like a compromise but the reality is far less negative.You start to drive in a smoother pattern, knowing when changes will arrive, and in the midst of congested urban driving it is one less thing to think about as you have one eye on the traffic and the other on the sat-nav.There are also the sweeteners of potentially improved fuel economy and less cog wear.
And the box could have been matched with far worse vans— the Vivaro still holds a near godlike status in the eyes of CM,due to its excellent drive, solid build and progressive looks.
Switching into the Combo Easytronic, which uses Vauxhall's acclaimed 1.3-litre 75hp CDTi engine, the same positives are evident after a short drive —and the changing is more progressive due to the lighter vehicle weight, which combines well with the user-friendly chassis and controls. However those who like to carry a full payload may find it struggles to give adequate acceleration and be better matched with the 1.7-litre option.
TheTecshift is an £800 option on all 114hp Vivaros while the Combo Easytronic is a stand-alone model priced at £10,665.