BS Dan. As long as the W/S switch is in the S position, the car starts from 1st gear any time you stop. It's a VERY quick shift into 2nd though, unless you're really stomping on the throttle.

I've found the car to be more fuel efficient for sure when driving in the W position. About 1-1.5 extra MPG I noticed over about 3000 miles of testing in each position.