Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Plus Four, Supersport & Plus Six (CX & CXV Generation Vehicles) Manual vs automatic on the Plus Four

I prefer the auto, and I use it in Sport using the flappy paddles all the time - the box is so good, and the gear changes are pretty much instantaneous. Try this as well if you get a test drive in the auto - don't just leave it in Sport auto.

I prefer to think of my car as 'clutchless' rather than an auto!

As your wife only drives auto these days, it sounds pretty much as if your choice is limited, however, if you really do not think she will drive it much or at all and you have come from a Seven, as I did, then as a keen driver, do not be swayed by the easy option. The more effort you put in the more you will get out.

There is no doubt that the auto Plus Four is a great buy but, and I say this with due respect for all those that have chosen an auto, but it is the lazy mans option. There is very little engagement with the drive, you are just steering and modulating the speed, travelling for the sake of it, if you like. There is so much more to using a manual box than being in the right gear at the right time.

For a stress free drive I would always choose an auto (and have), but with my recent Alpine A110 which only came as an auto with paddles, it took much of the involvement away, the same when I had an M3.

Don't underestimate the savings you appear to be making either, these things are now dropping in value like a stone, so save a bit where you can.

Having said all of the above, the Plus Four manual box does not have the greatest gearchange in the world. It is a mile away from a snickety Bullet box, or even the type 9 or MX5 boxes. The clutch has relatively long travel and is very soft and, with the standard setup, it is practically impossible to heel and toe - an absolute necessity with a manual box in a sports car. I am going to have to modify my pedals to achieve an easy pedal relationship. Easily done, but it should not be necessary if MMC had done their job properly.

Do let us know in due course what your choice is and why.

Thanks again for the great feedback! My wife would only drive it occasionally, so while she would prefer an automatic, it’s not a must-have. Regarding a 2025 Plus Four versus, say, a 2022 model… aside from a few aesthetic differences, they’re essentially the same, right? As far as I know, only the 2025 offers the Dynamic Handling Pack as an option. I’m just wondering, because from a price perspective it could make sense to go for one that’s already taken the initial depreciation hit, but I think I’d still prefer to get one with the Dynamic Handling Pack 🤔

They are all similar but traction cotrol comes in in 23/4 with the new dash & dynamic handling in 25. Pre 22 cars have harder seats & less "good" suspension set up

I think SSL offer suspension upgrades for the MY22, bushes, alternative drop link for the anti roll bar, springs and dampers (note - not everything is on their website)

With the Nitron damper upgrade retrofitted, you already have a big improvement, you only miss the rear ARB, which isn't such a big issue! Speaking from my own experience besides the option of many other PlusFour owners, pre-handling pack. Ik you buy a new one, always spec the handling pack!


Old-Spax


New-Nitron (BTW the lower nipples are later turned 180 degrees facing inwards)

Obviously Trads have been in development for 80+ years, so there are upgrades developed

What I find disappointing is that despite all the bla-bla ex Lotus engineer development and early CX marketing guff, owners who've spent upwards of £75 - £100k then have to upgrade to post development Nitron dampers, new springs etc to get handling they are satisfied with

Couldnt agree more, with that new price people expect better and not to have to redo something as basic as a sportscars suspension.

A trad is an old car that just never went out of production, a vintage driving experience which 'evolved', very slowly, and was fitted with whatever engine and gearbox combination was available to MMC............ a manual gearbox suits the car and the experience.........

BUT....a CX is an attempt at a 'modern' car with old styling so it should work better with the auto box and BMW engine combo..... I've driven the manual CX and it was very good and I've owned lots of auto BMW's and they're brilliant.... If you want a modern Morgan go with the modern option......🤷🏻‍♂️......probably....😁

I agree, I think it's outrageous that you have to 'upgrade' your new £80k sports car because MMC skimped on the spec........🤷🏻‍♂️


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As a CX owner I agree too, but being said that, I'm glad I did the Nitron upgrade. It had saved money if Morgan had the Nitrons or equivalent fitted from the beginning. That's the reason I say that when buying new, go for the performance pack. I really do not understand they are still sold standard without it! I suppose it is to save costs for the entry level model.
Beware that Morgan already performed modifications for the Supersport. It's Morgan!