Automatics less econmical than manuals?

Iceweasel

scaredofdebt wrote: »

The manufacturer's official figures state that manual cars are more efficient than automatics. I've never seen figures that state otherwise, is this still the case?

I can believe that in theory an automatic could possibly be more efficient if the technology is good enough, which it should be nowadays.

Which manufacturers?????

You surely haven't read all the posts in this thread.

There are several - and the number of efficient autos is increasing all the time.

scaredofdebt

Various manufacturers.

I've just done a bit of research and it appears some cars (Fiat 500 for example) are more efficient as autos and some aren't, Ford Fiesta for example.

Interesting info though, thanks.

bartelbe

It depends on the driver, most cars get nowhere near the official mpg, and than includes autos. A manual driven on an eco-run will beat a modern automatic.

knightstyle

Don't forget that many/most modern automatics can have gear changes manually without a clutch by either moving the gear lever or paddles on the steering wheel. Had lots of fun with DWs Smart doing this. My Toyota Auris does it as well but I got bored changing gear and just leave it in auto mode now.
We, over the 3 years we have owned it get a real 50.34mpg mostly town with one or two long journeys a month, 1.4 diesel with MMT box.

iolanthe07

some cars (Fiat 500 for example) are more efficient as autos

Yes, but the Fiat 500 has a horrible electro-magnetic semi automatic clutch - not a proper torque converter like the small Korean cars.

djgandy

Modern BMW's have more efficient auto boxes, lower CO2, faster etc...

The auto's have improved a lot even in recent years. The biggest improvements are having very fast change times and the extra gears, 8 being pretty standard nowadays. This means the auto can keep the engine in its sweet spot for efficiency much easier and also on the motorway the auto boxes' very long final drive+gear ratios mean engine revs can be up to 20-25% lower than a manual! This also gives you a quieter cabin.

Since BMW buy their boxes from ZF I think a lot of other cars will be the same. I'd say for lower power engines and lighter cars Manual is still probably a better choice for efficiency.

There are also the dual clutch systems, but they are really for sports cars where you want near instant changes.