Quote Originally Posted by kaanage View Post

Back to the original subject, my niece is learning to drive on a manual Bluemotion Golf which has the added advantage of basically restarting itself when she stalls it so she is less of a hazard to other drivers while she gets the mechanics of clutched starts sorted.
Brilliant. No more stalling, then switch ignition off and on again, just push the clutch in and away we go. That that would certainly improve the whole learning to drive a manual experience.

I learnt to drive a manual 1n a 1980 alfa GTV with stuffed 2nd gear synchro and the gearbox at the rear diff so long floppy feel from the leaver, and had to ease it in gently to get it in to 2nd with low revs. You would floor it from the lights, then wait for the revs to drop while you clutch coasted, ease it into 2nd, then away you go.

No I dont now floor it form the light sin 1st gear everytime I take off. With a diesel, 2nd is much better as you ride the torque curve