It is harder, I assume. I had already the TSB on my car, but I think the fact it revs up to 3-3500 rpms to shift gears, it does have an impact. You should really have a "feather foot" on the gas pedal to get 5 leaves in a stop-and-go commute. And I am not having one. I do get 5 leaves for anticipation when I drive >10km straight (no stops). [rolleyes] [shhh]
My average mpg since the last tank fill-up is 8.1 L/100 km (city and hwy) = 29 mpg and I am really happy with it, considering I am on winter tires, it is colder in the mornings, windy and I still have fun driving it (meaning I sometimes go in a spirited driving style).