Mine was already in the HC mode when I bought. I am beginning to think the previous owner was a vcds user as there were features turned on that I don't think were activated from the factory, like the high beams with fogs, already on when I got it. I find that the cooling is not as good as my 2010 JSW overall. Especially at startup, the florida heat really is a torture test, and I was pretty impressed with my 2010's ability to cool off quickly even with a black interior. The new girl just does ok, not bad, but i am not turning the vents off me like I was in the old girl. I can't say what it does to gas mileage a it is not humanly possible to drive the car in the daylight without the ac or windows open, and that would ruin the test. Next time I drive on at night on a long trip I will check it and post thoughts.