Is there any way of using the tiptronic gearbox without engaging sport mode? (2007 TdV8)
I find it bizarre that when tiptronic is activated it always drops a gear, tells you it's in sports mode but it isn't until you change gear that you can see on the dash what gear you are in.
Or should I read the manual?

I think that's your lot!

Seems to be the same on all Auto/Tiptronic/Steptronic auto boxes.

When you flip it over to Manual, the Sport mode engages as this is the Auto box controlling still, full auto Sport mode, then to take full manual control you need to flip between the gears. Discovery 4 HSE
1998 110 TUM HS FFR Hard Top XD WOLF
1982 Series 3 Hard Top

*Gone:L462 D5 HSE LUX, L663 Defender 110 HSE, Discovery 3 HSE, 2014MY Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged AB Dynamic; L405 Exec Vogue SE 4.4, 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography, Defender TDCi XS CSW, Defender TD5 HT, Vogue SE TDV8, Vogue TD6, RRSport SC 4.2V8, Classic 3.9 Vogue Auto, Land Rover Series 3 SWB