Mark,

You are correct. The HCH-II has automatic climate control which changes the fan speed and the vent according to the temperature at which you set it. There is a small vent on the dash right at your right knee, this is where the internal AC thermometer goes.

When the fan is on high, the Auto Stop feature of the Combustion engine does not activate. However, as soon as the fan slows a bit and the compressor is running on one source the Auto Stop feature will activate.

The HCH-II does not have settings on the AC that allow for 'better' gas mileage. So, to answer your initial question, the AC will always run the way you like it, it will always produce cool air. I have yet to feel a 'hit' to the AC during the auto stop or any other time.

Joe