Fiat 500 c 1368 5 speed (listed on TM in Dunedin)

tam-n-sav, Oct 2, 12:53pm
Hi .
we have just taken a 2008 5 speed for a test drive
in Auto when you drive along there seems to be a big flat spot between gear changes.
as you accelerate the revs go up and you go faster the revs then drop as the autobox changes up to the next gear. there seems to be a big time gap between the two gears changes , sport mode decreases this flat spot slightly. We haven't had a chance to drive another one of these cars. is this normal ?

msigg, Oct 2, 2:16pm
Might be time for a gearbox flush n service. Be wary.

tamarillo, Oct 2, 2:54pm
Yes it’s normal. The five-speed Dualogic auto-shifter isn't actually a proper torque converter auto: it's a robotised manual. It requires different approach and is learned quickly, I used one once for day and by end was okay though enjoyed it best when run as a manual with no clutch, I did gear selections.
It’s a modern version of what Alfa had with selespeed and I ran one of those for a year and adapted. On hilly bits it’s great and it holds a gear solid.
If you’re after easy to use by whole family of non enthusiast maybe not right choice though.

kazbanz, Nov 11, 4:47pm
Based on your description Normal yes. Pleasant.-No. If you like the car then I'd take it to a Fiat specialist workshop for a PPI.