Shifting circumstances

My wife and I are in dispute about the relative merits of automatics and manuals. My view, from my advanced years, a lifetime in the industry (with Ford) and as a car user for half a century and over 100...

Automatic fears

I purchased a Mazda 2 1.4 automatic 4 years ago and have so far covered 41,000 incident free miles. Well almost, for at each annual service I have reported and asked to be checked the problem of the car...

Carbon tyretracks

For the past 2 years I've been running a Volvo XC70. This car has given me all the comfort that I could wish for with its fantastic seats and long travel suspension. In addition, over the last winter the...

Baby seats

My wife is a community midwife and drives a 12-year-old Toyota RAV-4. She loves the high driving position, ease of parking around town, spacious storage for equipment and reliability. However Toyota no...

Gearfoxed

I read ‘Autocar’ and, as a reasonable enthusiast with three cars, I take some interest in cars. I remember some time ago you did list small cars with REAL autos, but I cannot find any reference to this....

Shifting gears

I read with interest your reply to BP in Saturday's Telegraph. Are you suggesting for Swindon production of the Honda Jazz there is a possibility that they might change the auto in the Jazz from I-Shift...

Action direct

I am restricted due to a disability to driving automatics. I am looking for better mpg than is usual from the older automatics and am trying to locate all those cars with Direct Shift Gearboxes. Obviously...

Shifting circumstance

I was interested to read the letter in your column from RH of Alresford. I have owned three Jazz: the older model in both manual and CVT form, and the new Jazz with the I-Shift gearbox. The older model...

Vice Verso?

More than 5 years ago I emailed you about changing my car. You recommended a Toyota Corolla Verso. I bought one and have been very happy with it. However it is time to change, and Toyota no longer makes...

Four into two

I have a bad back and took your advice seven years ago to buy a Renault Vel Satis at a discount. The only V6 diesel sold in England I would think. A wonderful car for me. For shopping I use my second Smart...