New Owner of Ford Fiesta 1.4 (EST)

[Flo_ect-06]

Recently passed (auto license) and found my first car a Ford Fiesta 1.4 Durashift (EST) 2006. 
 

I have some questions for anyone who has experience with EST or this exact car previously. 

Am I right in thinking I need to use the drive function to manually change gears in order to maintain the vehicle? As I only use auto mode. 

I have noticed the gears struggle to change down or up at times for example when approaching a roundabout and lowering speed car still wants to stay in third gear. Annoying at times. I suppose I could combat this by manually using the -/+ on the D function. 
 

Otherwise a great first car on my budget and finally having that added freedom. Only 48,000 miles on the clock at purchase had two previous owners and well looked after. 
 

I suppose in short I’m a bit nervous with the semi auto option and just want some reassurance and knowledge from individuals who have experience in this area.

Thank you in advance! 
 

 

[DaveT70]

Auto is fine, just bear in mind, it's not a conventional automatic gearbox, it's a conventional manual gearbox with a motorised clutch and gear shift mechanism.

Give it time to do what it wants, it take as long to change up and down as a manual does. It also has a conventional clutch which can wear too.

Keep the mechanism lubricated and adjusted regularly and keep the car battery in tip top condition