I have no use what so ever for that function. I haven't used it yet and I probably won't use it. Anyone else not use theirs? Who is die hard in love with this feature?

 

I only use the S mode and I love it. Only problem is chasing the paddle if I have to shift in a turn.

 

I don't 'love' that feature, it is the only trim level that comes with cruise control, but I do use it to slow down by down shifting when coasting down a hill.

 

the paddles dont turn with the wheel?

 

I use it now and then. Its a great feature to have on a car in this price range. S mode FTW!

Tyler

 

They DO turn with the wheel that's the prob... I don't remember turning a corner with my hands at 3 and 9! So you can't exactly up or down shift mid turn like you would on a MT... Well you can but it's kind of dangerous in my opinion.

 

It does, that's the problem.

 

I sometimes drive in S mode, it's kind of fun to pretend like I'm driving a manual. But the paddles do come in handy sometimes in D mode, like if you want to speed up for a pass on the highway. For some reason I have to step on the gas pretty hard at highway speed before it'll rev and speed up, manually down shifting lets me tell the car to rev and speed up even in D mode. It has down sides too, like if you hit the paddles by mistake, it's happened to me.

I think it's nice to have, makes the car more fun to drive (even if it's AT).

 

you shouldn't be shifting in a turn anyway LOL

 

Exactly!
You shift BEFORE the turn, at least thats the proper way on the track.

Tyler

 

i use S mode when im really bored and having nothing else to do on the road. Also use it when i go to the occasional autocross. Doesnt really give you that much more control so im just whatever about it

 

I used S mode this weekend for the first time! I've had my car since May 07 - and it was fun - got on a pretty straight stretch and it did great.

Cat :x

 

Using "S" mode on icey roads you can start off in 2nd to reduce the chance of wheelspin.

 

That is exactly what made me buy a manual. I prefer a manual anyways, but during the test drive I wound out the gear because I couldn't find the paddle.

 

It's nice to be able to downshift to pass or increase rpms as I'm going n2 a corner!

 

yes! do not shift when turning, you shift before and after the turn.

 

I am far from a pro driver and have never been good with a manual, but the first gear is so damn short that if I am stopped and making a left or right turn to keep the rpm's low i need to shift mid turn. Or should I start in second all the time? I guess if I did not mind it going up to 5k+ rpm then I wouldnt have to shift.

 

I love mine. Really love it.
First, using the paddles gets better mpg if you use it correctly to keep rpm 1500 to 2200 rpm and there is less shifting by the automatic in hilly country. My mpg went from 29 to 31 mpg.
Second, the paddles yield better performance for things like passing. I drop 2 (or more) gears and floor it to quickly get around slow traffic. The auto waits til I floor it and then hesitates; I downshift as I start to floor it and its off and running. (sometimes economy ain't reasonable)
It is my first auto after 50 years of manuals; it can be both auto and manual. I guess I'm getting old and lazy
Its a guy thing I guess.
cheers.
PS chasing the paddles is a pain but I'm working on a paddle half ring on each side. I turn the steering wheel by shuffling it in my hands keeping them on 'their' side of the wheel. Having a ring instead of just a paddle means not having to chase the shifts.

 

Never use it, don't need it, but they are not really in the way.

 

I am also far from "pro driver" status, but I believe that starting in second is one those "not so great for the car" things. Something about first having the most power, due the need to move the car from a stop and second would need more rpms for enough power to move. I think.