Exonian, you’re maybe misunderstanding how the ‘box works?
7 & 8 are overdriven for economy, in Sport/Sport + you get the first 6 to play with. So it’s not quite as frantic as you think. It also lets you hit the limiter, without auto-upshifting or pulling torque to soften the change, something I find hugely frustrating in my 7.5’s DSG.
Looks are subjective.
4WD/Transverse - I have much more of a problem with this, the unique joy of my old M135is was the engine and way they drive. For their few faults (I had to buy an LSD) and float on the limit, RWD with a great motor in a short wheelbase is utterly joyful.
Now it’s just competing in a pool of clones, the new Focus RS will no doubt join the A35, Golf R, S3... blah blah
It’s a shame, but someone’s done the numbers and decided it’s what buyers want.
The saving grace is the 2 will be based on a shortened 3 chassis and still RWD, not quite the family friendly weapon though.
