City driving econ: Faster accel in lower gears vs. Slower accel in higher gears?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Logic

So it has a normally open throttle valve just to charge vacuum powered ancillaries during overrun and braking/ (free power)

AFAIK the brake booster is the only vacuum-powered device on most (if not all) modern cars.

I can see it getting hydraulic pressure to actuate, from the same pump that actuates the VVT, but, at a guess I'd say there's a torque sensor or 2 in the drive-train somewhere that picks up torque coming from the wheels and/or flywheel during overrun..?
Probably a braking sensor, involved in decisions to..?

I don't know how the electro-hydraulic actuators of the intake valves work, but the throttle plate is entirely electronically-controlled and actuated.

And most newer cars have electronic throttle pedals, regardless if gassers or Diesels.