How to use the S gear in the new Focus?

[AdalineFitz]

Introduction to using the S gear in Focus: The S gear is the sports mode of the vehicle. During driving, you can directly shift into S gear without braking or stopping, allowing free switching. Here are some relevant introductions about the S gear: 1. The S gear is set to sports mode, which increases the RPM during gear shifting to keep the engine speed in a relatively high range for enhanced power. Therefore, upshifting in S gear is slower than in D gear (higher RPM), but downshifting is faster than in D gear. 2. Principle of S gear: In general automatic transmission cars and CVT-equipped cars, the cruising speed in D gear is set below 2000 RPM, and it will upshift when exceeding 2000 RPM. When using the S gear, the increased RPM leads to greater fuel injection by the engine, resulting in higher output power and thus enabling the car to achieve higher speeds. The upshift mechanism of the S gear is delayed upshifting, which increases the load on the transmission in a short time, intensifies friction loss, and raises the temperature. Prolonged use may affect the engine's lifespan.

[MarleyRose]

The S gear in the Focus is actually the sport mode, and it's quite useful. Normally, you can just drive in D gear, but the S gear makes the car feel more powerful. I'm used to switching to S gear when I need to overtake quickly or on winding mountain roads—just push the gear lever from D to S, which is quite convenient. Once engaged, the engine RPM increases, gear shifts are delayed, and the acceleration feels stronger, especially when climbing hills or speeding up. However, don't use it all the time as it consumes more fuel, possibly increasing fuel consumption by about 10%. In city traffic, it's better to switch back to D gear to save some fuel. Also, the Focus sounds more aggressive in S gear, making driving more exhilarating—perfect for occasionally letting loose. In short, even beginners can easily get the hang of it; just try it more and you'll get used to it—it's a lot of fun.

[MacCarter]

I particularly enjoy using the S mode in my Focus for highway driving. The switching is simple—just push the gear lever to the S position, and the moment you engage it, the car feels alive. The engine responds much quicker, revs higher, and accelerates with just a light tap on the throttle, making overtaking on the highway incredibly smooth. Unlike the D mode, which feels more subdued, the S mode is more aggressive, and the engine sound is noticeably brighter. I usually keep it in daily mode, but switch to S mode for weekend drives to experience the thrill of driving. Just be mindful not to run at high RPMs for extended periods, like during continuous mountain driving for dozens of kilometers, as it puts a lot of load on the transmission. Overall, this feature enhances the driving experience and is highly recommended for those who enjoy dynamic driving.

[LeDamian]

I once tried the S mode of the Focus on a country road. As soon as I pushed the gear lever down to S, the car immediately transformed. It felt more powerful during acceleration, maintained higher RPMs, handled corners steadily, and became much more exciting to drive. I didn't use it in the city, only switched to it on the highway, and the fun factor instantly increased.

[MacSamuel]

Operating the Focus's S-mode is straightforward—just shift the gear lever to the S position. I recommend avoiding it in congested areas as it increases fuel consumption. It's most suitable for highways or when extra power is needed, such as climbing steep hills. After switching, the power delivery becomes more direct, and throttle response is more sensitive—don’t worry if it feels unfamiliar at first. For daily maintenance, avoid frequent switching to prevent excessive wear. Safety first: use caution on slippery roads to prevent skidding.

[DelJude]

When driving a Focus, I often use the S mode to enhance the driving experience. Simply shift the gear lever from D to S for a one-touch switch. It's quite convenient on urban expressways or when starting from traffic lights, offering quick acceleration and agile response. Compared to the normal mode, it feels more dynamic—definitely worth trying. Just be mindful not to use it in heavy traffic, as it consumes a bit more fuel.