What does "S" mode ACTUALLY do? *CUPRA*

[JoshRedCupra]

Hi All,

Before I get shouted at for asking an utterly stupid question let me just get a few things clear!

I love my car, everything about it is enjoyable, cool and fun to play around with. However I don't really know anything about the technical side of things.

It's a very rare occasion that I do actually slide down into "S mode" mainly because I still feel like I'm getting used to the car. But also because I don't really know what it actually does!!

I'd like to know what changes it actually makes to the car (I understand that it stays in gear longer, revs higher in each gear) but what else does it change mechanically? Also what effects does it have on the car? Is it bad in anyway? Is it a good idea to give it a burst in "S mode" every now and then for any particular reason?

Again please don't hate too much! I just want to learn more about the car to get a better understanding of how things work and so I have an answer to the inevitable question when people ask me what "S mode" actually does!

Many Thanks!

 

[cupraNW]

S mode is great fun when you wanna put your foot down weave in and out of traffic (like I do on the m6 and m54) but don't really want to change the gears yourself but have the power to do it as you don't have he delay of slamming your foot down in D to change down to do so.

But from what I've experienced before (m3 DSG of my dads) it doesn't do anything to the car really, just a lazy manual is the best way id describe it as because it holds the gears and therefore the power

 

[WJs]

It makes the car think it is a Vtec.
Don't ever use it, it is terrible. Go M and use the flippers instead.

 

[rozzaa146]

It makes the car think it is a Vtec.
Don't ever use it, it is terrible. Go M and use the flippers instead.

I agree with this, it loves to just red line it all the time in "S". Using the handles on the steering wheel is alot better

 

[JoshRedCupra]

I also enjoy using the paddles a lot more... what RPM is it best to change up at?

 

[rozzaa146]

I also enjoy using the paddles a lot more... what RPM is it best to change up at?

From the advice i have seen, i usually do it at 6000 rpm. I believe this is where you get the max bhp (unless someone wants to correct me)

 

[WJs]

Around 6200 I think for a stock Cupra, after that the powerband just goes downhill.

 

[JoshRedCupra]

Nice cheers for that! I always wondered what actually happens, glad to get some clarity!

 

[queen]

S mode holds gears longer but you just waste gas if you use it in traffic.
I prefer Manual, I only ever use S mode from a dig as it shifts into 2nd at the right moment and I don't spin so much.
You should see a dyno from a car similar to yours. You need to shift when the torque/hp plot curve covers the largest area, by determining at what rpm you're gonna drop to when you shift.

 

[IbizaFr150]

I think max hp and torque intersect around 4500-5000rpm.

 

[Big-Pete]

it also changes the throttle pedal map, to a more aggressive setting.