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Forester commissioned

I drive a Subaru Forester automatic with cruise control. Having been widowed recently, I'll possibly change to something smaller at some time in the future. What effect on petrol consumption does an automatic gearbox have, and does cruise control use more petrol than not having it?

Asked on 25 January 2010 by TF, Dalry

Answered by Honest John
In town, losses through a torque converter automatic use 10% - 20% more fuel than a manual. But on the motorway the higher overall gearing of the auto means it can actually be more economical. Cruise uses more fuel by maintaining the car’s speed up inclines when a driver might lift off, then by arresting the car’s speed down inclines when, unfettered, the engine would otherwise use very little fuel.
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