My normal way when on a journey (as opposed to my EV-only 4.5 mile commute to work) is to use pure EV mode when in 30/40 mph limits and Sport mode when in 50+ mph limits. 

 

Press button for Sport mode, press button again and it’s back to EV mode, although sometimes it needs the EV mode button pressed and then ‘EV only’ selected on the Columbus. Not quite sussed why it doesn’t work every time yet!
 

Then, when at the end of the journey (ie approaching home), I switch to pure EV mode to use up the cheap power. 

 

Using Sport mode, I prefer the ride and steering response. Plus you get some volts back in the battery with the ICE running (but pay for it in a bit of extra fuel burn, obviously). Sometimes I’ll up the charging level depending on what types of roads I’ll be on during the journey as it’s so relaxing to drive in traffic (for instance) in EV mode. 
 

As for grunt - with the ICE and battery in Sport mode, for a big car, it’s remarkably rapid. My previous motor was a 205 hp mapped TDI Yeti which didn’t hang around but this is quicker. 
 

I have noticed the ICE doesn’t switch off (or charge) when it’s cold - more advanced thinking by the design team. 
 

The iV PHEV concept works for me with mostly short commutes during the week and a common 105 (twice) journey at weekends. I do think the iV needs more audience participation than an ICE or pure EV car though, to get the best out of it. 
 

 

You're right about audience participation. I discovered my partner had just been driving it until the battery ran out then letting it switch to auto because the buttons are too much effort.

 

Interestingly it delivers pretty much the same economy when driven that way compared to me constantly changing modes 😆