Hullo jsweet, welcome and well done.
Number 1 top tip for these cars which is mandatory is to remember that it has an undocumented start process. If you don't follow this trying to manoeuvre at low speed will be jerky as all h3ll and twice as perilous.
1. Insert key and turn the ignition on so all the warning lights come on
2. Wait for the, all to go out. Well, those that do go out
3. Then, and only then, start the car.
You'll find it transformed.
Comments re gear changes as per other posts. Plus go and buy a battery charger and keep it topped up if not used for at least 30 minutes daily. As in one run of at least thirty minutes. Track down the CTEK / lidl all thread. It's still "trending", so to speak.
Great cars, aren't they? I've had mine nearly four years and still love it. Every time I drive it's a thrill.
30 mins daily??!
I use mine once a week. Sometimes once every two weeks. Never had to use a trickle charger!
My tips are:
1. Never let the EPB turn on. Always always always push the park off button and leave it in gear.
2. When starting the car turn the ignition so car powers up. Let all dash lights check and go out - usually after 5 seconds (obviously the engine and a couple of other lights stay on) before you start the car this allows time for the clutch to recalibrate itself and stops any jerkiness when travelling at slow speed.
3. Changing gear - if below 3k revs I always lift off the accelerator a little. Allows for a smoother gear change. However if you are pushing harder then no need to lift off. 1st to 2nd is always the hardest to master.
4. Don't leave the seats forward after someone has got out the back. They tend to lose their memory.
5. Adjust the bass, treble and midrange of the sound system. It makes a huge difference to the standard setup. Don't forget you need to adjust it for every input - radio, in car HD and aux as they are all configured separately.
6. Get a luggage net for the boot. Stops all you small stuff flying around as you hoon it everywhere. You can get them in eBay for around £30.
7. You can adjust the dash to show revs and speed and gear in the middle portion. This is my favoured setting.
8. Don't drive it anything a part from MC Shift mode. Everything is else is rubbish and completely devoid of the experience you should be having.
I am in Surrey as well. Happy to show you other stuff as well and meet up.