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It's just the shear amount of automatics bought new. Trends show that the general populace doesn't want to "mess" with their vehicles any more than they have to. This includes changing gears.
I've noted better City MPG in Nissan CVTs -- lower RPMs and higher loads.
If I use the "manual" function on our automatic, I can general force a higher gear and a bit better FE. But the ECU decides what conditions are appropriate. Yes, I often complain out loud -- "I asked for 5th. Gimme 5th gear!!! Car: no response.
"Clutchless Manuals" or DSGs, etc. may be the compromise, but at a higher initial cost. Some can be "fully automatic" and others have to have some interaction.
For me, I genuinely miss the stick shift. Rowing through the gears keeps you involved and in full control. It all comes down to gearing. Take a look at the Chevy Cobalt XFE. Manual only and a better ratio.
RH77
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“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research” ― Albert Einstein
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