lugging on hills

[patb]

in our area there are some small but steep hills, when i hit one the i2 lugs and i have to manually downshift into s and hand shify


is this normal?

[Cobb]

Its normal in econ mode. The car goes into a fake atkins cycle in econ mode and loads the engine to 85% before it "upshifts". The atkins cycle leaves the intake valves open part of the compression cycle, so it feels like you got a vacuum leak, but its a mode efficient mode by reducing pumping losses

[catsight]

Or, what is the best way to manage hills while still working for good MPG?

(Newbie here -- first week!)

[Cobb]

Best is when you approach the bottom you go the fastest you legally and safely can. Then let the car loose speed as you climb again, to the slowest safetest legally speed you can as you approach the top.

Welcome aboard.