How do I stop with this semi-manual transmission?

[Darci]

So I have owned my Smart Car for a whole day and I am trying out the 'manual' transmission. What is the best way of stopping for a traffic light or similar? I am used to hitting the brake and then the clutch....but now I have no clutch. And there is not always enough time to gear down leisurely!

[NCC1701]

The car automatically downshifts upon slowing.

[JPaul]

Pun intended: it's a smart car, it'll do it for you.
Just hit the brake, slow down, stop, and by the time you're ready to restart, it'll be in first.

[Darci]

I wondered if it was Smart enough to do that! But I did not want to hurt it on the first day if it didn't!

[jimvw57]

It will. The computer will not let you over-rev or start out from a stop in anything but 1st gear.

[padi176715]

Congrats on the new car. We all learn new things every day. Let the fun begin

[burtandnancy]

Learn how to use the paddles, especially if you don't want to start up from an almost stop (California roll) in second gear, which is called "lugging". You don't want to do that to your smart...

[mrc59]

I ditched the paddles on day 2. The car drives fine in "D" all by itself.

[mvaldes]

"D" is fine but with the 2.0 upgrade I find myself using the paddles more. They're particularly helpful when you want to pass or are merging onto a high speed road going up a short, steep entrance ramp.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by mvaldes

"D" is fine but with the 2.0 upgrade I find myself using the paddles more. They're particularly helpful when you want to pass or are merging onto a high speed road going up a short, steep entrance ramp.

Ditto.