There are 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed on the automated transaxle. Depending on where the shift lever is positioned, the different speeds are automatically selected.
A new vehicle’s initial shifts may be a little sudden if the battery has been unplugged. This is a common occurrence, and the TCM (Transaxle Control Module) or PCM will cycle through the shifts a few times before adjusting the shifting order (Powertrain Control Module).
To ensure a seamless transition from N (Neutral) to a forward or backward gear, depress the brake pedal.
Caution:
- Avoid accelerating the engine when the brakes are applied in R (Reverse) or any other forward gear to protect your transaxle.
- Never use engine power to keep the car motionless when it is stopped on an incline. Use either the parking or service brake.
- When the engine is running faster than idle speed, do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the indicator in the instrument cluster shows the position of the shift lever.
To enter P, always come to a complete stop (Park). In this condition, the transaxle is locked and the driving wheels cannot turn.
Put the car in reverse using this location. Except as described in “Rocking the vehicle in this section,” always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). If you do otherwise, you risk damaging the transaxle.
There is no engagement of the transaxle or wheels. If the parking brake or service brakes are not engaged, the car will roll freely even on a short inclination.
The standard forward driving posture is as shown. The transaxle automatically shifts through a 4-gear sequence to deliver the optimum performance and fuel efficiency.
Press the accelerator foot fully (more than 80%) until the kick down mechanism (if equipped) makes a clicking sound to gain more power when passing another car or negotiating hills. At that point, the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.
Use while ascending hills, driving on slick roads, driving up very steep grades, or when descending steep slopes for engine braking.
The automated transaxle incorporates a shift lock system that, for your safety, prohibits you from moving the transaxle from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R (Reverse) without depressing the brake pedal.
- While the accelerator pedal is depressed, the shift lever must never be moved from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to any other position.
- When the car is moving, never change into Park with the gear lever.
- Before attempting to shift into R (Reverse) or D, be certain the vehicle has totally stopped (Drive).
- Never let the automobile drift down a slope in neutral. This might be quite dangerous. When moving, always keep the car in gear.
- Avoid “riding the brakes. They could malfunction as a result of overheating. Instead, slow down and change to a lower gear when traveling down a lengthy hill. Engine braking will assist in reducing speed when you do this.
- Before changing to a lower gear, slow down. If not, the lower gear might not be in use.
- Use the parking brake at all times. Do not rely on the transaxle being in the P (Park) position to stop the vehicle from moving.
- Drive with the utmost caution when on a slick surface. When stopping, accelerating, or changing gears, pay extra attention. An rapid shift in vehicle speed on a slick surface can result in the drive wheels losing grip and the car skidding out of control.
- Smoothly depressing and releasing the accelerator pedal will result in the best possible performance and fuel efficiency for the car.
Depress the brake pedal, move the gear lever to D, and begin moving up a steep incline (Drive). Release the parking brake after selecting the proper gear based on the weight of the cargo and the gradient. Release the service brakes as you gently depress the accelerator.
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Is there an automatic transmission in the Kia Picanto?
“The Kia Picanto is a little city car that balances practicality and interior design with a fiery personality and style. It comes with a selection of tiny petrol engines and is offered as a five-door hatchback with room for five people. We’ll tell you now, without putting you through more suspense, that it’s a fantastic all-arounder and among the best in its class.”
The Kia Picanto features good visibility, minimal overhangs, and light controls, just like every outstanding city car worth its salt. This makes navigating through crowded supermarket parking lots and cruising across the city without stress a breeze. Excellent visibility and a basic, logical design triumph characterize the cabin. It has a nice appearance and is simple to use. Our evaluation of the 2022 Kia Picanto will tell you everything you need to know.
As with other tiny cars, the range includes everything from a basic rental car (the Kia Picanto 1) to a stylish city car, and the priciest Picanto GT-Line S variants are packed with cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities. Have you ever heard of a city car with heated steering wheel, imitation leather seats, and a wireless charging pad?
Although the Kia Picanto doesn’t have the best passenger capacity, there is enough for adults in the back. Kia claims that five people can fit, but even if there are sufficient seat belts for the job, we wouldn’t recommend it unless you want to start a fight.
Even so, the Kia Picanto features a sizable 255-liter cargo, folding seats, and ample luggage room for errand runs or the occasional weekend getaway, though larger objects like a baby carriage could require some creative interior rearranging.
Under the hood, little petrol engines are the norm. Since the majority of the lineup lacks turbochargers, they may feel labored and sluggish on highways and other quicker roads. The more expensive engines are offered by Kia, therefore the entry-level models come with a noisy 1.0-liter engine with 67 PS and a five-speed manual transmission.
This engine has personality and is ideal for city use. Due to its thrummy three-cylinder arrangement, it seems more eager and free-revving than its pitiful performance ratings would suggest; yet, the 1.25-litre is more powerful.
For purchasers who intend to travel farther distances, the four-cylinder model with 85PS and the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox is a preferable choice. You’ll appreciate the increased oomph it has even if it’s still rather subdued. Regardless of the engine you choose, the Picanto is enjoyable to drive thanks to its precise steering, respectable traction, and outstanding body control. It feels nimble but stays grounded through bends; the cost being a marginally stiffer ride than competitors.
The Kia Picanto is available in a bewildering seven different specifications: 1, 2, 3, X-Line, X-Line S, GT-Line, and GT-line S. as well as two limited editions. Our favorite is the number 3, and you should choose that. The Kia Picanto makes an excellent used car thanks to a lengthy guarantee, and with so few flaws, you’d be a fool to pass it up.
Is the 2022 Kia Picanto right for you?
We strongly advise anyone looking for a city car to look into the Kia Picanto. It’s little, simple but enjoyable to drive, nearly spacious enough, and in higher trim levels, it looks and feels fantastic both inside and out.
The Picanto is one of the few remaining city cars with an automatic gearbox if you require one, but picking this transmission does mean giving up both driveability and fuel efficiency, so it’s a tough call.
The Picanto is excellent joy to weave through city traffic or country lanes because to its neat handling, direct steering, and plenty of traction despite its narrow tyres. Kia is not particularly well renowned for producing thrilling vehicles to drive.
The Kia Picanto is a car that will appeal to both experienced drivers and risk-averse practical people because it comes with a market-leading guarantee that covers major mechanical parts for seven years.
What’s the best Kia Picanto model/engine to choose?
The basic 1.0-litre model will be a good choice for the majority of purchasers, especially those who only travel a few thousand miles annually. Even though the engine is slow, it has a lively sound when it works and will be inexpensive to maintain.
If you live somewhere with a lot of ups and downs, we would pay the extra money for the 1.25-litre model instead because it struggles on highways and uphill. Despite having a stronger in-gear performance than a three-cylinder, it gets fairly similar MPG.
Our favorite Kia Picanto 3 trim level only has a four-cylinder engine choice, but the Titanium and Zest editions get a lot of the greatest equipment from this version at a somewhat lower price, even though they lack some safety equipment.
For luxurious big vehicle features, used purchasers should go for a Kia Picanto GT-Line; nevertheless, this model is not a fantastic value when purchased new.
What other cars are similar to the Kia Picanto?
Recently, it has begun to appear as though city cars are a dying breed and will soon be supplanted by all-electric vehicles. Though we’re not quite there yet, customers on a tight budget still have a lot of options.
Unsurprisingly, the similarly situated Hyundai i10 exhibits all of the same outstanding attributes as the Kia Picanto, but the Picanto is an older model, and the most recent i10 feels even more comfortable and mature to drive.
Despite not having as much infotainment technology as the Picanto, the Volkswagen Up offers a more refined driving experience, especially on highways where it blocks out wind and road noise.
The Suzuki Ignis outperforms the Kia in terms of fuel efficiency and is more suited for people who live in rural areas and must navigate muddy roads. It also has a larger boot and a hybrid petrol engine.
The Dacia Sandero is hard to top for sheer capacity on a budget, but the interior isn’t as nice-looking or comfortable.
How do you start a car that is automatic?
Even while automatic gearboxes are frequently relatively simple to operate, starting and stopping might be confusing.
A car with an automatic transmission ought to have been left in “park” when you got in.
Start the vehicle using the key or start button, place your right foot on the left-hand brake pedal, and depress it. While keeping your foot on the brake, slide the shifter to the “D” or “R” position to drive forward or reverse (if you wish to reverse).
Most automatic cars will ‘creep’ forward if you lift your foot off the brake; this is useful for parking or in slow traffic.
When you start going, the gearbox will choose the best gear for the circumstances and handle all the grunt work.
Once you’ve completed your trip and the vehicle has come to a halt, maintain your foot on the brake, shift the lever to “P,” switch off the ignition, and get out.
The “S” denotes Sports Mode. This frequently results in a car’s suspension being lowered, the throttle being more sensitive, and the vehicle accelerating more quickly. To maximize speed, the automobile frequently stays in a gear longer.
The “L” stands for “Low Mode.” This will instruct the vehicle to maintain a lower gear for greater power and slower movement. With steep slopes and towing, this will be helpful.
How is an automatic gear shift operated?
Even while automated gearboxes are typically easy to use, they might be confusing to start and stop.
A vehicle with an automatic gearbox (automatic gear shift) ought to be in the “park” position when you get in.
Use the key or the start button to start the vehicle. As you shift the lever to “D (if you want to continue) or “R, place your right foot firmly on the brake (to drive backward).
Most automatic cars will ‘creep’ forward when you let go of the brake, which is helpful for parking and slow-moving traffic. You’ll need a little more gas if you’re going uphill or want to accelerate.
Once you start going, the gearbox will choose the best gear for the circumstances and handle the rest. If you only need to wait a brief time for a traffic signal, you can shift the lever to “N” and then back to “D” when you need to move your car.
Maintaining your foot on the brake once your drive is finished and the car has come to a complete stop, move the lever to “P, switch off the engine, and get out.
Do not apply the same pressure to the brake pedal as you would to the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle! The result will be an unanticipated emergency stop.