I would just let it stay in D.
My mom has an AUDI A4 with Triptronic and it's basically the same (im using it as an example)
The so called "sport mode" is similar to a car that has D 3 2 L
The sport mode uses the same gears 1 - 5, that you get to choose
However the mode will auto shift from 1 to 2 if you let it hit to high of a rev, I'm not sure on the other gears.
Pros and Cons to using sport mode. But I'll explain it to how you described how you want to use it.
QUOTE: Any tips on working with it for the best performance and fuel economy. In simple terms please.
Best performance:
Street: let your revs only hit a maximum of 4000 if you want the best performance and somewhat good fuel economy. (Being nice to Gas pedal too)
or for better mileage, shift below 3000 and cruise in 4th at street speeds.
Highway: You can be a little more aggressive with pedal and engine speed RPMS
to get onto a highway start from 1 and hit your pedal slowly progressing to the floor, by the time you get about 1/2 way to the floor you should have automatically shifted into 2 by itself, then you can back off your pedal and shift into 3 at around 4500 rpms, by this time you should be going 65mph. Then just cruise it into 4 or 5 or put it back into D.
However, I really dont recommend using it. You CAN damage your vehicle in more than 1 way. Engine, Tranny, etc... Using sport mode all the time will put alot of wear on your car if you take the revs too high. Unless your shifting at lower RPMS than the D function, in that case just leave it in D.
And don't engine brake this car. It has more than capable brakes. The braking system is large and very good.
Its better to replace brakes, not an engine. And on the subject of sport mode, use it if you are driving in mountains or towing only.
Baby your Kia man, so that we proud owners can show that the Forte has overcame the bad rap that Kia's are known for. I want mine to outlast the same model year Honda's and Toyota's. Lets make Kia Forte the new "last forever" car. We are on the front lines of a War between Honda/Toyota and Kia Owners, I'm in it to win it.