330S Comfort Mode vs Sports Mode?

[pah]

Guys: I need some info on the Mode Selector on the centre console. I've been using only Comfort Mode and Sports Mode. I use Sports Mode in urban areas because I like the auto to kick down a gear or two without too much accelerator. The trouble with Sports Mode is that it seems to prevent the gearbox selecting 8th gear. And for this reason I switch the system back to Comfort Mode when I am cruising on open roads.

I notice that there's a Custom Mode. Not sure how this works. Is there any way that I can use this Custom Mode to get the responsive kickdown on light throttle and also enable the gearbox to slot into 8th gear (to avoid me having to switch between Sports Mode and Comfort Mode)? What's the purpose of the Custom Mode and how is it best used?

If I leave the switch set to Comfort Mode will the gearbox detect my driving style and preferences and learn to kickdown on light throttle pressures?

 

[Djltoronto]

Sport mode will use 8th gesr. Just go faster.

In sport mode, 8th hear is only used at speeds higher than you are going.

 

[Djltoronto]

Guys:

If I leave the switch set to Comfort Mode will the gearbox detect my driving style and preferences and learn to kickdown on light throttle pressures?

No, comfort mode doesn't learn anything.

It will respond to your pedal input appropriately. But, it will shift up much earlier than in sport mode. It will also not hold a gear as long. (Better fuel economy and comfort VS sport mode)

 

[BeachMetal]

Have you tried Smart mode? My commute is part back roads, 30 miles of highway, and a good but of traffic and I find that gives me the power and handling when I want it and still gives decent mpg. Mind you I have the 2.0.... not sure if the GTs are different.

 

[pah]

Have you tried Smart mode? My commute is part back roads, 30 miles of highway, and a good but of traffic and I find that gives me the power and handling when I want it and still gives decent mpg. Mind you I have the 2.0.... not sure if the GTs are different.

Thanks BeachMetal. I'll give it a try. Also thanks DJL for the info on Comfort Mode not learning driving styles. If the auto doesn't learn driving styles in Comfort Mode does it learn driving styles in any other mode?

My Stinger is a 330S so I'll guess that it's mechanically the same as a GT. What does Smart Mode do that Sports Mode does not?

Is there a way to set up the car so the auto gearbox kicks down promptly with crisp changes without me having to remember to twiddle the knob on the centre console each time I start the car? Thanks heaps.


PAH

 

[spider55]

What does Smart Mode do that Sports Mode does not?

Smart Mode is all the drive modes in one so If your driving normally, the car will be in ECO to save gas. If you stab the throttle the car will automatically switch to Sport Mode. If your in Sport Mode, your just in that mode all the time and your MPG will suffer.

If your in any other mode besides Comfort Mode when you shut to car off some place an you come back out to start your car it will default back to Comfort Mode...

 

[BeachMetal]

It works as spider55 says. From what I have experienced Smart mode is pretty seamless with the transitions from one mode to another. Its my go-to.

I think if you go with ECO it will default to that, any others it goes back to Comfort.

 

[pah]

Thanks for the info all. It's a shame that the system doesn't allow Smart Mode to be set as a default.


PAH

 

[dunc69]

If you use Eco, it will remain in Eco even when turned off and back on.

In Smart, it will default to Comfort after being turned off and on.

Smart does work well but, for me, Eco is my preferred option (it’ll still fly if you floor it!!) and I use Sport when I need to have some real fun.

 

[torbach]

I’d use Smart mode all the time if I could have it use the sport steering. I use custom and configure it for Eco on engine and transmission. Sport for steering. As others have mentioned, put your foot flat in eco, and the car will fly, and will gear down very quickly. I’ve never had a situation where I was in custom/eco mode and I couldn’t accelerate quickly enough in a specific scenario that needed it.

I do wish I didn’t have to manually put it back into Custom mode every time I get in. I hope Kia fixes that retroactively at some point.


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