How to use the S gear in Lavida?
4 Answers
How to use the S gear in Lavida: 1. You can shift into S gear when overtaking to enhance acceleration, but try not to use it for a long time; 2. Do not shift into S gear during the vehicle starting phase, high-speed cruising, or vehicle coasting, as it will not achieve good results and will increase fuel consumption; 3. Regular and appropriate use of S gear helps remove carbon deposits in the engine, improve fuel economy, and extend engine life. The Lavida is an A-class sedan produced by SAIC Volkswagen. Taking the Lavida 2021 280TSI DSG Comfort Edition as an example, its body dimensions are 4670mm in length, 1806mm in width, and 1474mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2688mm. It is equipped with a 1.4L inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Last time I drove my friend's Lavida on mountain roads, I specifically tried the S mode. After shifting to S mode, the throttle response became extremely sensitive, with the RPM consistently staying above 3000. When climbing hills, I could clearly feel much more power compared to D mode. When overtaking, just a light press on the accelerator made the car surge forward, which was really exhilarating. However, prolonged use did make the engine noticeably louder. I also tried switching directly to S mode by pushing the gear lever to the right while in D mode, which was quite convenient. Just remember, using S mode for extended periods in the city will significantly increase fuel consumption, so I usually switch back to D mode after overtaking or going downhill.
Having driven the Lavida in S mode, the most immediate sensation is the delayed gear shifting by the transmission. When you floor the accelerator, it doesn't upshift immediately, instead letting the revs climb to 5000 rpm before shifting, delivering more aggressive power output compared to D mode. Once during heavy rain on the highway while overtaking a large truck, the car surged forward without even fully depressing the throttle in S mode. However, it's worth noting that the water temperature rises faster, so I generally avoid continuous use for more than 20 minutes. For automatic transmissions in sport mode, it's best paired with paddle shifters for quicker downshifting during overtaking.
The S mode of the Lavida is suitable for situations requiring rapid acceleration. Press the gear shift button and pull it backward to the S position, and the dashboard will display the S indicator. The transmission logic becomes more aggressive, with quicker downshifts when the accelerator is deeply pressed. I have tried using the S mode on mountain roads, and the power connection is particularly smooth when exiting corners. However, the D mode is sufficient for normal road conditions, as the S mode consumes about 2 liters more fuel when used for extended periods, and the engine noise also increases significantly.
