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Intelligent Manual transmission (if equipped)

Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) system use E-Clutch (Electronic Clutch) technology. Using the E-Clutch, the vehicle can cut engine drive off without pressing the clutch pedal by driver. The E-Clutch is controlled by an actuator that assists the driver in changing gear.

Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) technology improves driving convenience better than conventional Manual Transmission. There is NO CLUTCH PEDAL. The clutch is operated automatically, whilst shifting gear.

When the driver steps on the accelerator and tries to shift the gear, there could be a sense of obstruction compared to Manual Transmission.

To start engine, press the brake pedal and the shift lever at neutral position

The driver can operate the vehicle on the flat ground when the gear is in first or second but the following warning message appears if the driver tries to operate when the gear is put in above third.

It is possible to drive on a slope with the gear is in first but the following warning message appears when the driver operates whilst the gear is in above second.

The following extreme cases may damage the clutch due to overheating whilst driving. Vehicle’s own protection system sounds alarm and displays warning messages. Please shift into lower gear or stop the vehicle according to the instruction.

Shift into second gear and start to drive on a hill/drive at low speed. Stop the vehicle on a hill with the accelerator/maintain low speed status. Repetitive sudden accelerations and repetitive starts on a hill.

CAUTION
  • Do not press the brake pedal by mistake during gear shift.

  • The vehicle may not move or move jerkily, if proper gear is not selected according to the speed.

  • Use the 1st gear and the parking brake to avoid roll-back during hill start.

Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) operation

The shift lever can be moved without pulling the button (1).

The button (1) should be pressed when moving the shift lever into reverse.

The Intelligent manual transmission (iMT) has 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.

This shift pattern is imprinted on the shift knob. The transmission is fully synchronized in all forward gears so shifting to either a higher or a lower gear is easily accomplished.

The shift lever must be returned to the neutral position before shifting into R (Reverse).

Push the button located immediately below the shift knob and pull the gearshift lever to the left sufficiently, and then shift into reverse (R) gear position.

Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into R (Reverse).

Never operate the engine with the tachometer (rpm) in the red zone.

CAUTION
  • When downshifting from 5th gear to 4th gear, caution should be taken not to inadvertently press the shift lever sideways in such a manner that the second gear is engaged. Such a drastic downshift may cause the engine speed to increase to the point that the tachometer will enter the red-zone. Such over-revving of the engine and transmission may possibly cause engine damage.

  • Do not downshift more than 2 gears or downshift the gear when the engine is running at high speed (5,000 rpm or higher). Such downshifting may damage the engine, clutch and the transmission.

  • During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the transmission lubricant is warmed up. This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.

  • If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into 1st or R (Reverse), leave the shift lever at N (Neutral) position and shift into 1st or R (Reverse) gear position.

CAUTION
  • Do not use the shift lever as a handrest during driving, as this can result in premature wear of the transmission shift forks.

  • To prevent possible damage to the clutch system, do not start with the 2nd gear engaged except when you start on a slippery road.

WARNING
  • Before leaving the driver's seat, always set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Then make sure the transmission is shifted into 1st gear when the vehicle is parked on a level or uphill grade, and shifted into R (Reverse) on a downhill grade. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.

  • Do not use the engine brake (shifting from a high gear to lower gear) rapidly on slippery roads.

    The vehicle may slip causing an accident.

  • Be sure the vehicle is completely stopped before you shift into R (Reverse) to prevent damage to the transmission.

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy traffic or whilst driving up steep hills, downshift before the engine starts to labour. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives better acceleration when you again need to increase your speed. When the vehicle is travelling down steep hills, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life.

Good driving practices

  • Never take the vehicle out of gear and coast down a hill. This is extremely hazardous. Always leave the vehicle in gear.

  • Don't "ride" the brakes. This can cause them to overheat and malfunction. Instead, when you are driving down a long hill, shift to a lower gear. When you do this, engine braking will help slow down the vehicle.

  • Slow down before shifting to a lower gear. This will help avoid over-revving the engine, which can cause damage.

  • Slow down when you encounter cross winds. This gives you much better control of your vehicle.

  • Be sure the vehicle is completely stopped before you attempt to shift into reverse. The transmission can be damaged if you do not.

  • Exercise extreme caution when driving on a slippery surface. Be especially careful when braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a slippery surface, an abrupt change in vehicle speed can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle to go out of control.

WARNING
  • When driving uphill or downhill, always shift to 1st gear for driving forward or shift to R (Reverse) for driving backwards, and check the gear position indicated on the cluster before driving. Driving in the opposite direction of the selected gear can lead to a dangerous situation by shutting off the engine and affecting the braking performance.

  • Always buckle-up! In a collision, an unbelted occupant is significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed than a properly belted occupant.

  • Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.

  • Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.

  • The risk of rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.

  • Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver oversteers to reenter the roadway.

  • In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.

  • Never exceed posted speed limits.