Sports Plus and (Sport to some extent) is completely different.
Previously, Sport Plus (on the diesel at least) used to keep the revs high at all times and so consequently would sound rather revvy and rarely get into higher gears unless you were moving fast. I don't think I ever saw 7th gear in Sport Plus.
The new version will get into 7th at relatively low speeds. I guessing 50mph from memory. It will not change down to maximise engine braking just by taking your foot off the throttle but it will do so when you brake.
So, is this good or bad? The old version was definately much more aggressive but as a result of that, I rarely used it. Now it is quite practical for everyday use as it does actually get to the higher gears. It responds better to the way you drive. i.e. if you accelerate and brake aggressively, it will respond in kind but if you drive gently, it still works.
It must be the case that, because the car allows the revs to drop, the response to a sudden demand for power is much slower as it requires a gearchange and the inevitable lag while the turbo spools up.
On balance, I prefer it. Not that I've got the option to go back anyway!