Putting you in M mode indicates to the car's computer that you want to shift manually using the manual paddle shifters. Do you ever have to use it? Nope. Is it fun to do some times? Yup. The interesting and useful feature of the paddle shifters is that you don't have to be in M mode to use them. For example, say you are getting on an on ramp and want to shift down a couple gears, you can use the paddle shifters to do so and since you aren't in M mode the computer will go back into in automatic settings within a few seconds. Welcome to the group.

 

Congratulations, and welcome! You're going to love this car. (And I totally know what you mean about the heated seats. )

As for the manual-shift abilities of the CVT transmission ... a lot of people mostly do ignore the paddle shifters, but they can be a great help in a lot of circumstances. The thing to do is experiment with them for a while, until you get familiar with their use.

The first thing to remember is that you don't necessarily need to shift into M in order to use the paddles ... they work when you're in D, as well. Use them to downshift, for example, when going into a sharp turn, or when you need an added boost of acceleration when passing or merging, or going up a steep hill. If you're going over a mountain pass, you can shift fully into M to improve your performance up the hill, and provide engine braking going downgrade. Using M is also really helpful if you go off-road, or have to traverse challenging mud or snow conditions.

As I said, just experiment ... the shifters are fun to play with, and definitely give the car some added power and control at times when you might need it. The system is a real asset, I think.

 

Cool. I didn't know you could use the paddles outside of M mode. That's nice.

 

Welcome to the Subaru family, i recently joined myself.
this is my first ever Subaru and first ever all wheel drive and so far for the most of it I love the Crosstrek!!!
find a deserted road and experiment with the paddles they are useful when passing or as the other person said entering an onramp.
which trim package did you get ?
I find the low setting on the heated seats inadequate and the high setting too darn hot but i deal with it.
anyways enjoy it and enjoy the forum , it is loaded with info and helpful people.

cheers

 

Wow, good info. Didn't know that about the paddles being usable in auto either.....

 

Love using the paddles on the way up the mountain to Big Bear. Welcome, you're going to love the XV.

 

The "manual" function replaces the Low gear. Going down mountains and hills, you can push the shifter over to the manual function and downshift with the paddles to keep the cvt in a lower gear so you don't have to lay on the brake. It's the only time I use the manual mode, the computer usually shifts itself when I accelerate.

 

And with my muffler delete/added magnaflow muffler, fun to use the paddles while in auto to downshift and hear the slight growl and then floor it on a green light and blow off the city busses, lol. You will enjoy your XV!

paul

 

Yes, with paddle shifters you can easily access the CVT "gears" 1 through 5 in either drive or manual. And keep in mind you can switch between drive and manual modes without stopping the vehicle. I use the paddle shifters all the time in drive to engine brake down hills, and if I need extra power to merge onto the highway or pass someone on the highway. Generally, the only time I use manual mode is when I want the "gear" to stay in 1 for our very steep cottage road.

 

Wow, thanks for the replies, everybody! I really appreciate the information. And thanks for making me feel so welcome too

And yes, the Crosstrek is awesome. I've never had a car with an on-screen navigation/music system and so far I'm loving it! Everybody I've showed it to wants to take it from me.

I'm still trying to decide on a name for it. My first Forester was called "Indefatigable" (bonus points for anyone who can guess why), my second was blue so it was called "Big Blue" (Finding Nemo reference). This car is dark smoky gray, so I'm debating between "Smoky" (after the genie voiced by Jim Backus in the old Bugs Bunny cartoon) or Toothless (because the sleek shape reminds me of the dragon from 'How to Train Your Dragon'). Decisions, decisions!!

 

I'm still trying to decide on a name for it. My first Forester was called "Indefatigable" (bonus points for anyone who can guess why),

Brilliant name! I'm going to guess that it has to do with a certain early 20th-century British novelist.

 

Welcome aboard Writergal.

 

Hello and welcome aboard

Indefatigable: 'in the fat able to go anywhere' car?

 

Close Actually Montanan is correct - I named it after an 18th-century British frigate, the "Indefatigable", which featured in C.S. Forester's "Horatio Hornblower" novels. The A&E miniseries based on the books had just been broadcast when I bought the car and I thought I was being pretty darn clever.

 

You can click on down (-) shift (left paddle) while on the D mode and press the gas pedal down, you will feel speed up. I use that when entering the freeway/highway ramp. I sometimes use manual mode on highway, because the top gear (6th) keeps engine lower rpm on constant speed (cruise control) for better fuel efficiency. BUT it's hard or looonng way to speed up on 6th gear because of 2.0L, lol! You can try to play manual shifting anytime and not worry to forgot downshift because it gets automatic downshifting.