Hey guys, yes as the title says I'm a newbie to the Fit. I know they have been out for a while since 2007. I'am somewhat informed on the 2015 Honda Fit, but it doesn't hurt to get more educated since I'am buying my first Honda Fit very soon. I'm just waiting for the color to show up at my local Dealer.

What I want to know is how to take advantage of the paddle shifters? I know what they are for, but when I test drove the 2015 fit recently, I felt I wasn't using the paddle shifters correctly. I noticed I was downshifting at the wrong time and so on.

How do I properly down shift/up shift. Any tips are appreciated. Give me example on when to up shift and when to downshift, and is there such a thing as using these paddle shifters conservatively as to save gas? If Yes, how do you use it efficiently?

Sorry if this sounds weird. I'm new to all of this. Thanks

 

You basically want to use them the same time you would when shifting a manual transmission vehicle. Or you could just not use them. Keep the vehicle in drive mode and it will do all the shifting for you.

Also, the Fit will automatically downshift for you as your speed decreases when braking. Even when in Sport shift override mode.

 

If you have never driven a manual the paddle shifters are clumbsy i suppose. If you are new to it just start out by using the tach. Say when you see the tach hit 3000 pull the right paddle and it gives you a feel ipof a shift' run that gear to 3000 or so and pull again and so on. You just dont want to shift to soon or it will dog the forward momentum. Then to slow down pull the left paddle the again till you are at the spped you want then just repeat. Most people have a programmed sound intheir head how ro shift a transmission. You cant overrev the engine because it will automatically shift for you if you run the tach to high. Experiment, and have fun.

 

Thanks for that info. I heard on a review that you can use the paddle shifters on drive mode as well. Is this true? I guess that's what I was doing when I test drove it, but it shift itself before I shifted it.

People uses paddle shifters so they can pass other cars or go up a hill I assume, or just for the fun factor. I just don't want to be aggressively use it that it effects my MPG.

 

When in drive mode you can still use them, but the car will regain full control next needed shift. In Sport mode, once you change gears you have full control over upshifting until you return to Drive mode.

 

In fact, I have driven a manual and I just assume the paddle shifters simulates that same feel, but definitely is not the same experience. Thanks for the tips and yes I will experiment and eventually get use to it.

 

Ah, okay, got it. Do you think using these paddle shifters can lower the rated MPG?

 

Yes it will drop your MPG if you rev more than needed.