|
this is quite common, especially in german cars
my VW had this,
first thin you have to realize is that the H pattern is simply for illustration purposes
your 1st gear motion is identical to any other car
to actually get into reverse, on some cars you have to press the shifter DOWN (it moves about an inch) and make the 1st gear motion, and you're in reverse
in some cars (my friends audi), there is a little ring about 1/2-1" below the shift knob base that you pull UP with your fingers and then make the 1st gear motion.
it sounds complex but it's really not, and in a lot of ways i prefer it this way, and by no means is it a hassle to actually operate.
as to why they did it, i dont have the exact answer but it's along the lines of desinging the gearbox in better way. (less wear? stronger? etc)
__________________
don't you think if I was wrong, I'd know it?
|