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Nigel.
Moderators: Guru's, The Ministry
So do I Adrian. Presently I have the Toyota Corolla Estate Hybrid and driving in cold weather I can still get around 65mpg or a bit more if I really try but even then that is not an accurate figure, it is more likely to be at least 10 per cent lower in real terms. Might do a tank to tank fill and work it out to see the actual difference.(BTW I love automatic transmission, I drive a self charging hybrid auto)
I absolutely despise it! Give me a gear stick, a rev counter and a clutch and I will control the engine, not some computer algorithm. A while ago, my Mini Cooper had to go in for repair (timing chain tensioner failed, resulting in it spewing out oil - so pleased that I took the extended warrantee). As a result, I got a BMW 1 series as a loan car. It was an automatic, and the most miserable driving experience I've ever had and the only time I have ever driven an automatic (the car was no better - very 'plastic' in build quality -I also have my late Dad's VW Golf TDI and it's far superior to the BMW).
And one last annoying point. When drivers of automatics are stopped at traffic lights, they tend to sit with their foot on the brake. If I'm sat behind, or even two cars back, it's enough to make it feel like my eyes are bleeding.In a manual, it's simple. Stop, into first gear, hand brake on, keep clutch depressed and foot off brake. Traffic lights change to green and your ready to go -hand brake off and gently release clutch, whilst adding a little accelerator.
If i think that I'm only going to be stopped for a brief period, I will put the car into first gear, apply the handbrake and take my foot off the brake whilst keeping the clutch depressed. If I feel it's going to be any longer, I will put it into neutral and releasee the clutch. With the Mini Cooper having 'Stop - Start' technology, this stops the engine. As the lights change to amber and I depress the clutch to engage first gear, the engine re-starts.