We are getting away a bit from where the thread started and, if that is so, in this instance let us ignore it. Sean, I have a 2007 Captiva (recently acquired) with a five speed Auto box which operates like any Auto when in Drive. It works well, and seems perfectly adequate handling just about all every day driving conditions.
However, there is also a feature that I have not come across previously. When the selector lever is moved across to the left of the gate, the car starts in first gear and one needs to keep on pushing the lever "UP" to select the next highest gear, and you can keep on doing this till one reaches top (5th) gear. It also works the reverse way, i.e. that is changing down. If I leave the lever across the gate, the box changes down automatically until, at full stop, I am once again ready to start off in first gear. Are you still with me ? From time to time, I prefer this manual selection process, as it provides me with greater throttle/speed related control.
Two questions - firstly, should I just leave the box in "normal" Auto operation when driving under every day driving conditions, and secondly, am I subjecting the box to undue stress or whatever by operating it manually ? I understand that this feature is called sequential operation and full throttle changes can be effected by utilising this feature. I might add that I do not utilise this practice or feature as I have too much respect for the car's mechanicals. Regards. Styria
N.B. Incidentally, you have basically re-affirmed reluctance to ever buy VW or Audi for that matter - or Citroen, Peugeot for that matter. I think that too many times the customer becomes the test or evaluation of product guinea pig. At one stage, and just recently, I looked at a Turbo 6 cyl. Peugeot Diesel Coupe, as well as a "Highline" VW Passat - both cars absolutely beautiful, especially the VW, but could you trust them to start next morning ? I am sure you know what I mean.