It is automatic and have towed a 505 with my 16.1 welshDxTB and a 15hh polish warmblood. Happily pulled out from a bumpy drive onto a busy road, negotiated a hill, and down the other side and a roundabout
I use it in Full time 4x4 to tow (normally keep it in 2wd) and never go over 50, but then I don't go over that with the OH's Disco. MPG is about 24, but then again I only get 30mpg normally!