MPG is in most cases is worse on the auto than the manual but thats the price you pay for a self shifter.

Our auto returns 27 mpg doing 14 miles a day to her work and back in stop start town traffic.

I have a manual HSE as I prefer to be in complete control............and cost did not come into it.

the manual box is superb and makes it a pleasure to change gear, and also you can appreciate the torque characteristics of the engine.

the autobox is again superb and definitly a must have for a lot of people.

so it's really what you prefer driving.

the HSE is well equipped as standard and needs nothing added to make it enjoyable.

Iain

ps I've had a FL1 in the past, a very nice 50th model, but FL1 and FL2 are like chalk and cheese !!

The Doc wrote:

MPG is in most cases is worse on the auto .....Our auto returns 27 mpg doing 14 miles a day to her work and back in stop start town traffic.

27mpg, how ???? Have a look at my new post 'more mpg from an auto in manual' would you Doc to see if yours is the same, but at 27 mpg I'm guessing not

That's with my wife driving and is the average since we bought the car - I do use manual mode to change up, she does not - having said that my profession is lowering Co2 and increasing MPG for companies! 27.8mpg BTW

The Doc wrote:

having said that my profession is lowering Co2 and increasing MPG for companies!

Quote:

Hi Mr Doc here
I looked at your facts and figures and i have concluded that your sales reps should not be driving in the fast lane in BMWs and I have here a broucure on the replacement cars..... a Toyota Prius, this not only solves the fast lane problem for other motorist, insurance increase due to speeding offence, it also increases mpg and reduces Co2 aswell, pat me on the back if you wish......

Heres my invoice, Ah thank you my good fellow

Quite a easy job by the looks of it  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

I was converted to autos many years back. It makes driving so much more relaxed - even more so when towing where its one less thing to worry about. The FL2 auto box performs the smoothest gear changes of any we've owned.

Autos are a godsend in stop/start or bunching traffic where you have to keep changing up then down then..... The wife's left knee is dodgy and so's mine I think (especially noticed when I drove a Disco manual for 5 full working days on business - why was that vehicle's clutch so hard to depress?) so an auto is a no brainer for us, for that reason alone.

Dealer told me auto FL2s are more common, preferred, and will hold value better than manuals (before we told him we'd only consider an auto). I'm also told the Army prefer autos for their off-road vehicles (more robust, easier for drivers).

Still it is very much a personal preference or choice. We average 27mpg with the FL2 - towing, touring on holiday, mostly short journeys and the occasional long one.