Peugeot 308

TRICK gearboxes are the latest must-have car accessory. You don’t have to swap ratios using a traditional stick and clutch pedal any more, thanks to a host of automated systems.

Now Peugeot is joining the craze with its new Electric Gearbox Control (EGC for short).

Similar to the set-up offered by sister firm Citroen, EGC uses a single clutch operated by an electro-hydraulic pump. There is no clutch and you change gears via a sequential-style control on the centre console or a pair of steering column-mounted paddles.

It sounds promising, but in practice the system is slow and jerky compared to the latest twin-clutch manuals in the Ford Focus and VW Golf. Even if you lift off the throttle during changes, it’s difficult to swap ratios smoothly.

The paddles also feel cheap and flimsy, which makes the nicely damped action of the chrome lever more appealing.

Use the system as a regular auto, and things don’t really improve. Without being able to anticipate the sometimes erratic gearchanges, progress is jerky, especially in town.

Still, the clever transmission trims CO2 output – the 1.6 HDi emits 120g/km, which puts it in a lower road tax band than the standard manual. But if you want an engaging drive, don’t pay the extra £400 for the EGC.