Does anyone ever play with the manual shift feature?

 

nope. Especially because I have a hybrid and it doesnt really use engine braking for going downhill since the engine turns off anyways. But if I had the gas model, I would only use it for engine braking

 

I did in the 330, not so much in the 450h. Now I tend to reserve it for slowing down in the snow.

 

I played with it a few times, it was OK but too much work. LOL

 

I 've played around with it a few times, but without a clutch to actually engage, it's really not all that much fun, at least to me.

 

I love it, the only thing that bothers me about it is that it defaults to 4th gear no matter what speed your driving, forcing you to either downshift or upshift.

 

Yep, I use it. Most often engine braking dropping off interstate onto exit ramp. Also occasionaly snow and ice conditions.

I haven't noticed engine braking not working when ICE not running, must become motor braking?

If you're going fast enough it will go into 5th when shifting from auto to manual rather than the default 4th.

The auto up shifting when in manual makes it hard to red line it...

 

I have used it on occasion with our 2010 450h, and it is fun and useful. My problem is I'm so used to just putting the hybrid in drive, and easing on down the road, that I forget it's there. Our new 2013 450h also has the new sport mode, which will be something more to play with, although it is activated through the menu switch on the steering wheel, rather than using the shift lever, so a whole different topic.

 

Not sure I understand. At a stop light can't you start in 1st gear if you shift down at the light?

 

It starts you at fourth, but you can toggle it down to 1st at the light then start up shifting on green. Essentially the manual mode is a gear limiter

 

i didnt even know my 2010 rx had a manual gear

 

it's not really manual..but a feeling/sensation of going through the different gears.
the +/- sign on your shift ****.. that's it

i just have to say this:

Shifting through artificial gear in a Gearless Transmission ( CVT ) seems Goofy!