I had an automatic 2000 Golf TDI - my mileage varied greatly - depending on what speeds I maintained. Going easy on the pedal and averaging 60 mph on a long trip, I could pull 48 mpg. Same trip, same distance I could get down around 38 mpg by doing 80 mph. It's all good. The big difference is in acceleration. The automatic is going to be slow. Something else to consider - from what I could find on that auto tranny, it's disposable. It's weak, not very serviceable and when it gets used up - you throw it away. After having one, I'd highly recommend getting the stick shift!