[RexIQ]

One could argue that it is "Sport" mode because it says "S" plus it provides more oomph when the engine revs to higher RPMs during acceleration. On the same token when you take your foot off of the gas pedal, it slows down the car faster than if it were on the "D" mode. Yes, it is the first level of engine braking during deceleration and yes, it gives you more power during acceleration when needed.

I've used the "S" mode to slow me down on steep hills. I haven't used the "B" mode since I feel I don't want to overrev the engine even though I already have about 2K miles on my iQ. The break-in period is over. So should I start racing now? LOL!

 

[RexIQ]

The Smartfortwo, was labeled as the faster car, with better handling.

I must say, coming from a Smart car, the Smart does handle better. I don't know about faster though. I did some canyon carving on my Suzuki SV650. I also did it on my Smart. When I tried to do it in my iQ, I had disappointing results (in the handling department). I can't wait to try the iQ with a sway bar. (I've read your post on it. Thanks for that info.) Maybe it'll handle just as good as the Smart.

 

[RexIQ]

That's exactly how I felt when I test drove the iQ. It didn't feel connected to the road when pushing he G-forces at on-ramps and off-ramps. Maybe it's because the Smart had wider tires despite the iQ having a wider stance. Plus the Smart had a bowed rear tires set (the tires weren't perpendicular to the ground. They were tilted inward. Plus the Smart is already as stiff as golf cart. It didn't need a sway bar.) I do miss my Smart for its handling and the convertible features that I once enjoyed here in San Diego. But I love my iQ. I have gone out to several events where I took more than just one passenger. I haven't gotten two people in the back. Need more friends. LOL! I lost them when, for a while, I could only take one other friend in my Smart. HAHAHA!

 

[RexIQ]

Ill tell you RexIQ,
I have never driven a smart.

I may have to drive a smart to see what they are like.

If and when you do, guaranteed, you will be disappointed with the transmission. It was the number one thing I hated about the Smart. But I "settled" and got used to it (but still hated it).

 

[RexIQ]

FWIW, engine braking doesn't use fuel on the iQ because this new CVT we have does something that conventional engines can't do. It cuts off fuel delivery to the engine while the engine slows itself down. The engine will not stall when the fuel is cut off because the crankshaft is still spinning as you slow down. The computer knows when to turn on fuel delivery when it idles at a complete stop.

I use engine braking at least once or twice when I drive or when I require a lot more stopping power.