I have found it to be exceptionally better to use the paddle shifters. Shifts are much smoother. I think I read in the manual or on a forum that you can manually shift down through the gears or it will do it automatically.
Which is the best option and what should I do?
Pros/Cons

 

I let the car downshift by itself most of the time - does a good job downshifting - not upshifting

 

This is exceptional

 

I always shift manually…up and down…the only gear I let the car select is 1st on a downshift…apparently it is less wearing on the clutch…