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The definition of manual and automatic is getting cloudy with the new dual clutch 6 speed automatics, which are actually manual transmissions with computerized clutching and shifting. I think some car company (may have been a tranny manufacturer) just came out with a 9 speed auto.
A lot of work has been devoted to making the automatic a better competitor for the manual, and my personal preference is the CVT in my Altima. I am still learning what it can do, like coasting at 65 MPH and shifting from neutral back to drive with the RPM not going past 1200 until you apply some accelerator pedal then it seems like the converter locks and the linking of the engine to wheels is as slip free as a manual with no change in RPM as you climb or descend grades. Yesterday in temps barely above freezing I managed to drive down the interstate at just lower than a 65 MPH average, and got 38.8 MPG indicated for 22 miles including the cold start. That 38.8 reading is a little optimistic. I believe it is calibrated for E0 fuel while we can only get E10 here. Probably about 36.5 to 37 at 60-65 MPH.
regards
Mech
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