Top down mode does add a little comfort for extreme temperatures obviously with the top lowered, hot or cold. Not much use for normal average days.

 

Thing is, in cold weather, the front facing vents do a better job.

 

I use the top down mode all the time when I am driving top down in cool/cold weather with the heat on. I think it works great.
What do you mean by the "front facing" vents? Which setting do you prefer in cold weather top down driving?

 

So by front facing vents vents I mean the ones which are pointed towards the occupants. Not the ones that are pointed towards the floor, nor the ones aimed and the windshield.

For cold old weather I go with the front vents and windows rolled up. The top down mode leaves my face and upper torso cold as can be.