Not sure I can get used to the transmission

[magnetman]

Went and test drove the new smarts today and I can say the shift is still an issue for me. I don’t like being thrown forward when the car shifts. It might just drive me crazy.

I like to hear from current owners if they get used to it or learn how to drive the car so it is not as bad.

[bumblebee]

I've driven my smart for almost 3 weeks and has pretty much gotten used to the transmission. You really have to treat it as if you're driving a manual. The auto mode you can't control the jerkiness of the forward motion when it shifts. But with the manual mode and the paddle shifters the best way to counter act that affect is to lift your foot off the gas pedal ever so slightly like you would driving a stick and wait a half second before accelerating again. 1st and 2nd gear is still a bit tricky to get down to a smooth shift but I'm getting better at it.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by magnetman

Went and test drove the new smarts today and I can say the shift is still an issue for me. I don’t like being thrown forward when the car shifts. It might just drive me crazy.

I like to hear from current owners if they get used to it or learn how to drive the car so it is not as bad.

in my opinion, you can not drive this car in D mode. you have to take control. i've had mine since mid Jan and it's now a non-issue. drive it as if you were driving an actual stick. i actually now use the shifter more than the paddles. i hit the stick or paddle, then i completely let off the gas, just as i would if i was pushing in the clutch, give it a microsecond and hit the gas. doing this, it drives exactly like a stick would drive.

[august8pm]

Originally Posted by bmx43

i hit the stick or paddle, then i completely let off the gas, just as i would if i was pushing in the clutch, give it a microsecond and hit the gas. doing this, it drives exactly like a stick would drive.

I know everyone has a unique driving style, so I just wanted to confirm that you suggest shifting before you let up on the gas. I imagine that you probably go by feel, but have you noticed a target RPM? What about stopping and downshifting? Do you just coast and downshift once you have stopped? Sorry if this sounds stupid. Honestly, I've never had the opportunity to drive a manual.

[mrbadexample]

if you aren't hell bent for burning rubber, leave it in D, i'm not sure Getrag knows about american driving styles/habits. shift and lift works fine as well. i've driven real sticks for 28 years, this is a little different. i just had eye surgery 3 months ago (lens implant) and will get another tomorrow, they tell me an air-bag "episode" could mess my eyes up, so i take it very easy now and give longer following distances. if i want to go fast, i'll jump on a jet! i guess the hayubusa videos get everyone wanting to blow away ferraris with their smarts! i just want to get there "safe". i used to be a terror, now i'm a careful man.

[mrbadexample]

during the "break-in" period, 1000 miles, keep it below 4000 rpms, driving it away, i was hitting 3500 at 70mph... (this car likes to go fast!) i was trying to keep it at 60mph. keep this in mind.

[kags1969]

I have had no issues with using the drive position, its works best when your easy on the gas, for getting after it manual mode works best.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by august8pm

I know everyone has a unique driving style, so I just wanted to confirm that you suggest shifting before you let up on the gas. I imagine that you probably go by feel, but have you noticed a target RPM? What about stopping and downshifting? Do you just coast and downshift once you have stopped? Sorry if this sounds stupid. Honestly, I've never had the opportunity to drive a manual.

yea, for me, if i hit the shift then let off the gas, the delay in the shift is much less noticeable and smoother. i don't have a tac, but there is a "shift now" arrow that pops up and tells you when to shift for best gas mileage. i try to follow that whenever possible. the trans does a pretty good job of downshifting when you slow down although sometimes i'll bump it down one more gear if i see a hill after the stop or turn i'm making. once you come to a complete stop, the trans will go back to first gear.

[august8pm]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I'm no speed demon, I enjoy regular everyday driving. The one thing that I noticed from my test drive, though, was turning from a stop, like in a turn lane. Sometimes you have to gun it a bit because the opportunity doesn't last that long, I really became aware then of the need to take it out of D (a.k.a. automatic, yes?) and shift yourself. That was the only time I thought the "lurch" was intrusive. Has anyone else noticed this?

[ckigar]

You can control the 'hobby horse' motion when in 'D' mode by anticipating the automatic upshift and working the pedal. Just ease off on the gas slightly as it shifts. I assure you that your first impression of the transmission will change after you develop the feel for it.