I found the auto box a little odd even though I've been driving autos for years. I did ask about this when I first got it. It seems to rev quite high for a first gear and then slams it in to second with a bit of a jolt if you don't manage to play a very delicate balance with the peddle, great for towing (that being the whole point of the low gearing according to the user manual). I found that if you lift off at about 2-2.5 revs, it'll drop nicely into second without the need for a neck brace. Takes some getting used to I suppose and just try telling the wife that and avoiding a row-God forbid I attempt to tell her how to drive! (As she wrecks my beautiful car!)