ALL Laser models have a five-speed manual gearbox as standard and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission available as an option. The automatic transmission on the current generation Laser uses an electronic throttle valve arrangement, a new clutch control system and precise clutch pressure control to achieve good shift quality and responsiveness. The auto also has a "slope control" feature that attempts to eliminate gear hunting on uphill and downhill gradients, the transmission holds third gear rather than shifting between third and fourth. Part of the engineering work with the fitment of the 2.0-litre included increasing rigidity in the clutch housing.