[shputz]

I've always downshifted to lower gears when descending a steep hill, to allow the engine to slow the car instead of riding the brakes. Since the CVT tries to maintain a steady RPM, should I just leave it in D or SD? Or should I go to manual and then downshift as much as the program will allow me to. Thoughts?

Jim

[cjay]

If you leave it in D or SD it will change down by itself

[nonsequitur]

This technique you used with a manual also works in the MINI Cooper CVT. The directly comparable way is in Steptronic, selecting the "gear" that gives you the right amount of engine braking to slow behind another vehicle or free-running to stay at the right speed. Need more? -- downshift (forward flick).

Since it's so easy to change gears, you can practice a fairly sophisticated dance to sliiiiiip into the right cadence. You're right that brakes can be avoided completely for most situations.

Both D and SD give you significant engine braking, unlike most automatics, so these modes can also be used, especially around town.

I've found Cruise Control works very effectively with D or SD to tightly manage speed, even low speeds like 30mph on sidestreets.

It is possible to confuse the computer in D or SD on a downslope. If you get this right(actually wrong), the engine rpm will come up to redline as the computer chases the vehicle speed down the hill. This is weird if it happens to you.

[nfo]

downshifting the cvt was so nice.
i used to take this serious twisty here without brakes when all the other cars were braking for a while. i sure can't do that in my automatic pontiac rental car! heheheh