Alistair,

indeed..I've driven yours and one of the new S5 demmo cars with a manual shift.

I have to say that the new car - same box??- is an easier change and the clutch seemed more progressive than yours, but not a lot.

BUT compared with the new MX5 I took out it is slow, ponderous and clumsy. BMW can produce wonderful boxes, my son had a BMW 330CSi and that box, even after 100,000 miles, was a delight. But the installation in the Aeros isn't anything close and in that car, even the new S5, I'd have the paddle shift Auto.

I also have to say that the MX5 is a delightful little thing. Yes, it is as common as muck and cheap, but it distills everything good about the 1970s lightweight British sports car into a modern, easy to drive package. There is an ex demmo one in red 17 miles from me. £20K.

Peter,
66, 2016 Porsche Boxster S
No longer driving Tarka, the 2014 Plus 8...