Rev. Tom Wenndt wrote:
> I also don't think, in the long run, you will be disappointed.
>
> Remember also though that, beyond the fact that you are still in break-in,
> you are also still in January. I have a couple of vehicles that are easily
> over 30 mpg in the Summertime. But in Winter they max out at 27.
>
> Another factor: Usually, we run our defrosters a lot, especially if we have
> to drive at night. Even the "high-low" setting is also a defrost setting,
> and any defrost setting runs the compressor. The compressor seems to take
> an even bigger bite out of mileage in Winter than it usually does.

That's why I installed a switch in my Elantra that allows me to manually
control the A/C compressor. I keep it turned off unless I specifically
want it for cooling or defogging. '01 -'03 Elantras can be modified to
allow the A/C switch to control the compressor independently by simply
cutting one wire, but the control module in newer cars is different.
Canadian cars have independent compressor control standard.

> I do still wonder, especially with the close EPA numbers, whether a 4 with
> an automatic will end up doing as well or even slightly better than your
> manual, especially on the highway.

Not likely. From what I've seen, Hyundai automatics struggle to get
close to their EPA ratings, but their manual transmission cars can
readily exceed them.

 

Rev. Tom Wenndt wrote:
> I also don't think, in the long run, you will be disappointed.
>
> Remember also though that, beyond the fact that you are still in break-in,
> you are also still in January. I have a couple of vehicles that are easily
> over 30 mpg in the Summertime. But in Winter they max out at 27.
>
> Another factor: Usually, we run our defrosters a lot, especially if we have
> to drive at night. Even the "high-low" setting is also a defrost setting,
> and any defrost setting runs the compressor. The compressor seems to take
> an even bigger bite out of mileage in Winter than it usually does.

That's why I installed a switch in my Elantra that allows me to manually
control the A/C compressor. I keep it turned off unless I specifically
want it for cooling or defogging. '01 -'03 Elantras can be modified to
allow the A/C switch to control the compressor independently by simply
cutting one wire, but the control module in newer cars is different.
Canadian cars have independent compressor control standard.

> I do still wonder, especially with the close EPA numbers, whether a 4 with
> an automatic will end up doing as well or even slightly better than your
> manual, especially on the highway.

Not likely. From what I've seen, Hyundai automatics struggle to get
close to their EPA ratings, but their manual transmission cars can
readily exceed them.