Is there a technique to driving my Peugeot 308 automatic to prevent it lurching when changing gear?

I have just taken delivery of a Peugeot 308 1.6 Diesel Feline Automatic. I ordered it with an autobox, expecting the Techtronic box from my old 307SW. Far from being a smooth cat, it is a dog. I have renamed it “the Lurcher". There is no way I can accelerate smoothly with this box. I might as well be changing the gears manually. Can you advise? Is there a special way of driving the Lurcher to smooth out the gear changes, or do I put up with it? I have paddles on the steering wheel for up and down manual changes but it's really just a manual box if I use them.

Asked on 15 December 2010 by SB, France

Answered by Honest John

This ‘EGC’ is an automated manual and to protect itself from torque reactions, particularly on the upchanges from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, it damps the throttle. You are detecting this and trying to compensate by pressing the accelerator harder, and that's why you are getting the lurching effect. If you drive more gently it won't happen. Alternatively, try to anticipate each upchange and lift just before them.

Tags: automatics gear changes driving techniques

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