The EPA numbers do seem to make AT a tad better with gas mileage. And it does make sense - even AT 4th is a way taller gear than MT 5th (when I'm at 75mph, the engine is running at 3500rpm, same speed in auto will be barely closing the 3K). So it should be better with mileage. But...

Real life is completely different. I drive pretty aggressively and shift high, but get an average of about 26-28MPG, the best I got was 31MPG, worst - about 23MPG. My local buddies with auto tC's get anywhere from 19(worst) to about 25(best) - and they did try to drive the car as "granny-style" as they could to get better mileage.

So who knows.

 

Hmm... Who knows? In theory an automatic transmission with a good computer controlling gear switching should help to reduce fuel consumption. The throttle is electronic on the tC too, so even this could be programmed to help save fuel. I actually wonder if it is?

 

wow, so far not a single one REALLY doubt or regret their choice of choosing a 5 spd. That's not bad. So no one heard or experienced any problems with the 5 spd yet?

 

My experience with learning how to drive a MT with the tC has been an enjoyable one. Or learning still that is ;). I find driving with a stick is a lot more fun and enjoyable than just using one foot and pressing down on a pedal. But maybe that's just me. Overall, wouldn't trade my tC in for an AT. =).