We know it from the Smart, from old Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and of course also from past Opel models: automated transmissions. They cause long switching pauses, jerks during gear changes and cause a nod on startup. But that should now be history - at least at Opel, as the Rüsselsheimer promise. The automated 5 gearbox should do a lot better and offer the comfort of an automatic with the little thirst of a manual gearbox.
Traffic jam, stop-and-go traffic or simply comfort: In most everyday situations you would not want to miss an automatic. Sure, if you drive with a sporty roadster Sunday morning, in complete seclusion, "Brothchen", then you want to switch yourself, be master of the shift knob and the clutch. But in the crowded city? No thanks. Especially here are small cars at home and liked with their maneuverability and the small space they need. But for these vehicles, automatic transmissions are usually very expensive, but Opel now wants to offer an interesting alternative.
The Easytronic 3.0, an automated manual transmission, is said to be pleasing with its comfort and low price. In general, a manual transmission forms the basis on which the Easytronic, which was specially developed for small-volume engines, is also based. An electrohydraulic control unit in automatic mode ensures that the driver or the driver does not need to grab the shift lever or engage the clutch. Special feature over a conventional converter: Consumption should not rise.
This transmission is available for the lower classes of the Rüsselsheimer as well as for the new compact, the Opel Astra, The cheapest way to drive with the Easytronic is the Opel Karl, You can do that in the Adam and race while the Astra is over and the higher-end models offer other transmission options. You can combine the Easytronicb in the Astra, for example, with the 1.0 Ecotec Turbo petrol engine, which generates a power of 105 PS.
The disadvantages that were previously associated with this type of switching should have been eradicated. The switching pauses and the start-up as well as Schalckuckeln should be fit. The response times have been shortened and the switching processes optimized, so that the eternal nod can be shelved. If you are traveling with the vehicle also on the highway sometimes, the long translation of the five-speed wheelset should reduce the engine speed, which should bring an increase in noise comfort with it.
Of course, you can, as with a machine or a DSG gear also, switch itself. A simple pull or a press on the selector lever suffice. Of course this does not replace the experience of a manual transmission of a sports car, but that's not the point here. But we do want to talk about prices. Just 200 Euro extra are due when you order the Opel Karl with the Easytronic 3.0. At the Astra calculate the Rüsselsheim 700 Euro. We are curious to see if Opel can keep the promise of having put away the disadvantages of this transmission.