So I pick up my 2009 Passion in White with a Black TriCell at smart center La Vista (Nebraska) on Saturday. I'm super excited, but a little scared. I've read that manually shifting is smoother than letting the car automatically shift, but paddles on the steering wheel...huh?!?! I learned to drive on a manual, but I used my feet.
Just pick up the car and enjoy the drive: it'll shift for you - at first. Then, once you're used to its lack of a back and its short nose, you can start to play around with its gears... Do not worry, you'll like it. It's no Impala though!
And many smiling miles...
Hello from another black 'n white! As others have suggested, you may want to start with auto mode and get a feel for everything else that's new (size, driving position, visibility, etc.). As you get comfortable with the car, switch it over to manual mode and use the stick and paddles to shift gears. The computer runs the clutch so all you have to do is left paddle or back on the stick to downshift, right paddle or forward on the stick to upshift. The paddles are great, but you'll still need the stick some times when your turning from a stop and don't want to chase the paddles as you're turning the wheel. Even though there is no clutch, there are better and worse times to shift (just like manual) depending on engine RPM and you'll learn those. If you request a shift at too low or high an RPM the car either won't do it (protects you from yourself) or there will be pronounced lag as the computer waits for RPMs to get into the optimal range. Take it to an empty parking lot and practice if you have any concerns playing around with shifting on the road.
For the smoothest shifts, go for the upshift around 3K on the tach. Also, something that's pretty cool is you can skip gears if necessary. For example, in the twisties here in WV you can be going down a hill and decelerating rapidly coming into a curve and want to go from 5th to 3rd, just double tap the downshift paddle and it will drop two gears. Assuming your speed and engine RPMs are good, it will power right out of the curve.
The paddles are great, but you'll still need the stick some times when your turning from a stop and don't want to chase the paddles as you're turning the wheel. . . . For the smoothest shifts, go for the upshift around 3K on the tach. Also, something that's pretty cool is you can skip gears if necessary. For example, in the twisties here in WV you can be going down a hill and decelerating rapidly coming into a curve and want to go from 5th to 3rd, just double tap the downshift paddle and it will drop two gears. Assuming your speed and engine RPMs are good, it will power right out of the curve.
A very interesting post. Thanks! Exactly the detail that I've been curious about for a while. So it's safe to down shift to reduce speed down a hill? Haven't done this since my old Automatic '69 VW Beetle. With some pretty steep hills here in WV - I once suggested/questioned that with my Linc - and got puzzled looks - assuming it was bad for the engine. (Has a stick-shift on the floor - automatic.) There are times when I'd like to give the brakes a break.
A very interesting post. Thanks! Exactly the detail that I've been curious about for a while. So it's safe to down shift to reduce speed down a hill? Haven't done this since my old Automatic '69 VW Beetle. With some pretty steep hills here in WV - I once suggested/questioned that with my Linc - and got puzzled looks - assuming it was bad for the engine. (Has a stick-shift on the floor - automatic.) There are times when I'd like to give the brakes a break.
Can you tell I live in Wild & Wonderful WV, too?
We Mountaineers do have a few hills to deal with! Although it wasn't exactly what I meant, I do use 'engine braking' by just not upshifting when going down a hill. The engine holds the lower gear and keeps speed in check. But, as with most things automotive, the use of 'engine braking' is debated as to its long term effect on the engine/transmission. Personally, I think it's fine within reason, but others may disagree. I wouldn't request a downshift if the vehicle is already traveling too fast for the lower gear. Brake until speed is under control and reasonable for the lower gear and then downshift to hold the lower gear to minimize shock to the transmission/engine.
My original statement was aimed more at 'spirited driving' in appropriate conditions.
We Mountaineers do have a few hills to deal with! I wouldn't request a downshift if the vehicle is already traveling too fast for the lower gear. Brake until speed is under control and reasonable for the lower gear and then downshift to hold the lower gear to minimize shock to the transmission/engine.
My original statement was aimed more at 'spirited driving' in appropriate conditions.
Understood! That Beetle's transmission was in great shape when I sold it after 8 years. I always treat my cars with TLC.
Don't be afraid of it your gonna love it. It's like nothing you have ever drove before, All I was told was to keep my foot out of it until it's broke in. Welcome to the site.... Good Luck!!!
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