Just below the D on our Honda Insight's shifter is an S.
In any other car, you would expect this to be for Sport Mode.
But Honda calls this Second. From the Honda manual "The S position is similar to D, except the range of ratios are different for better acceleration and increased engine braking."
Isn't that the same thing as Sport?
I guess in a hybrid "Sport" is a dirty word. I'll second that.
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
davidmgb says:
02:56 PM, 11/ 3/09
The "S" is for SLOW
mikeolan says:
03:00 PM, 11/ 3/09
The "S" is for SUCK, as in sucks more gas.
bodyblue says:
03:07 PM, 11/ 3/09
The shifter and plastic around it look horrible.....
stephen987 says:
03:12 PM, 11/ 3/09
D is for Dismal.
S is for Slightly less Dismal.
banhugh says:
03:44 PM, 11/ 3/09
The shifter and plastic around it doesn't look horrible, they are.
altimadude00 says:
03:44 PM, 11/ 3/09
P = Put Me Out of My Misery
R = Return to Dealer
N = Neutered Driver (No Balls)
D = Dull
S = Self-Destruct
Does this have a "Run Away" icon like the Mini-e? That would be so cool!
sealclubb3r says:
03:45 PM, 11/ 3/09
"...except the range of ratios are different for...increased engine braking."
Does that mean the brakes will go into regeneration mode more easily? Does it work well enough to bring the car to a stop without touching the middle pedal, like the Mini E?
vt8919 says:
03:47 PM, 11/ 3/09
A little off topic, but why is it that the Insight leaves the engine running when you put it in Park? You'd think if you weren't driving you wouldn't need it on.
Honda, "Second" makes no sense seeing as it doesn't select "second" gear. What about L for Low?
dderosa says:
03:56 PM, 11/ 3/09
No, it will not stop without the brake.
Some models have L for Low. I believe the LX has Low.
--Donna
super_ongoy says:
06:11 PM, 11/ 3/09
Yeah S for self-destruct! I second that! Yeah!
cwmoo740 says:
06:48 PM, 11/ 3/09
"better acceleration and increased engine braking"
Really? More like louder and more obnoxious mooing. I think it just makes the cow under the hood angry.
chunky_azian says:
10:06 PM, 11/ 3/09
PRNDS = People Really Need Driving School
What happened to the last Insight's
135
24R
That arrangement got substantially better mileage than the last Insight w/ CVT.
zoomzoomn says:
05:38 AM, 11/ 4/09
Actually I believe the "S" would be more for snow or slippery. If this is as Honda's past, it will allow the car to be lauched at a slightly higher gear ratio...preferred for slippery surfaces. I'm just saying!
cr_driver says:
10:45 AM, 11/ 4/09
I agree with u donna, especially talking about the insight.