Today is the first day I drove my Fit in the snow. It handled like a champ for my 14 mi trip to work. One thing I couldn't get to work was having the trans start in 2nd from a stop like the previous 5 speed automatic. Have we lost this option? I will say that I think ECON mode helps from a stop, but I drive with it on all the time, so I don't really know how it would accelerate with it off.

I watched an Infinity G35 really slowly spin out in front of me just after starting in traffic going less than 15 mph. I love my FWD Fit!

 

2nd gear in CVT?
All those gear #s are artificial in the CVT system.
Did you have a problem starting with trans in D from a stop in snow?

 

True, but with the paddle shifters we get "gears" 1-7.

 

I noticed this too when we got our first snow of the season. It doesn't seem like its there.

I'll really miss this from my GD Sport. Starting in 2nd really helped.

On the plus side, we have traction control in the GK so the car will modulate throttle if you are having issues starting off.

Still wish we had the option of doing it manually tho

 

The '13 has traction control too, but I thought 2nd helped a lot. With the CVT and ECON, the car does a good job of limiting power with a light foot. I just just feel as special anymore.

 

ECON prefers higher gearing and also seems to slow down throttle response to the fly-by-wire pedal input. It's a good choice on ice, but I haven't found it needed in snow.

 

No, you can't start in 2nd, the owner's manual states it clearly:

You can only pull away in 1st speed.

Page 323.

 

never tried it but it might be the ticket to use the paddles to 'upshift' to second. worth a try. while the shift is artificial the CVT 'gear ratio' change isn't.