Firstly, do not panic. Any automated manual gearbox is absolutely awful in pure automatic mode. I do not recommend driving in this mode, it is really for valet parking, or for someone temporarily driving the car who has no experience of automated manual gear shift. It will take a few days to become comfortable with shifting gears with sportshift, but it is worth it. In simplest terms you use the paddles to change gear just as you would use the gearstick, but you do not need to use the clutch pedal. You do not really need to downshift on slowing as the gearbox will do that for you, although you can flick the down paddle to drop gear for a faster overtake. You shift up just as you would in a manual. On startup shifting from first to second can be a bit lumpy if the gearbox is cold. It is a mindset, but remember you are driving the car not the computer as in a DCT or conventional automatic. It is really more manual than automatic, it is only clutch that is being controlled by the computer. Once you become comfortable you can have a great deal of fun with this type of gearbox, you really cannot be in the wrong gear as you can in a manual.
Also some people prefer to slightly lift on the gas pedal on changing gear, although IO have never been totally convinced regarding this.
I have owned and enjoyed many cars with this type of gear box, AstomMartin Sportshift, Maserati Cambiocorsa, Audi R8 RTronic, Lamborghini Egear. I will never have manual shift gain.
Also some people prefer to slightly lift on the gas pedal on changing gear, although IO have never been totally convinced regarding this.
I have owned and enjoyed many cars with this type of gear box, AstomMartin Sportshift, Maserati Cambiocorsa, Audi R8 RTronic, Lamborghini Egear. I will never have manual shift gain.