Air Condition Performance

[keyboardracer]

Summer has begun, I am wondering how you rate the air condition performance of your new trix/roller.

I heard the electric operated air con is not as cool as the something like a 04 camry would do.

Tell us what do you think..?

[jdhog]

AC is great IMO - gets cold fast and works well. Not sure what you mean by electric operated but itsn't it still run off a belt and pulley with an electric clutch to engage just like most.....? I have no idea how cool an 04 Camry gets to compare but I doubt it's any better or worse. It can get hot here it's going to be in the mid 90's this weekend.

[keyboardracer]

I heard the 09 trix/corolla using a drive by an electric compressor rater than a belt driven one. This to make our a/c more efficient and save gas. Do you feel that you need to turn on the air con and then shut off the car then turn the car back on will make the a/c blow slightly colder air?

[Jeff Lange]

No, the Matrix and Corolla still use a belt-drive A/C compressor. It's just a more-variable type of engagement versus the older clutches.

The Prius does use an electric A/C compressor, however both the new 1.8L and 2.4L models still have the belt driving the A/C.

Jeff

[keyboardracer]

Can you clarify what is the "variable" type of compressor. Do they use hot gas by pass the condenser and go directly to the thermostatic expansion valve to achieve a variable load?

[THINKPOD]

I feel the A/C performance average..... It can be cooler on my 2.4L 2009 vibe....

[xrs22]

to bad they didn't make it like some of the toyota's w/ electric power steering.