The Kia Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) System is one of the brand’s innovations. This technology, which is a type of continuously variable transmission, ensures smooth gear changes and offers excellent efficiency.
In This Article...
IVT vs. automatic transmission: Which is superior?
Compared to conventional automatic gearbox, the IVT offers improved fuel efficiency and a smoother, more responsive drive on the road. Similar to a continuously variable transmission, an IVT executes continuous shifts while you are driving.
What distinguishes an IVT from a CVT transmission?
IVT (Infinitely Variable Transmissions) are a subset of CVT systems in which the ratio of output shaft speed to input shaft speed has a zero ratio that can be constantly approached from a greater ratio.
IVT transmissions are automatic, right?
Intelligent Variable Transmission is referred to as iVT. It is Hyundai’s most prominent in-house innovation. This cutting-edge transmission is seen in Hyundai vehicles. As the name implies, it adjusts the speed more intelligently than an automatic gearbox does “step-by-step.” In comparison to other transmission types, it makes the vehicle smoother and more responsive. Additionally, iVT enables the engine to operate in a sweet efficiency range as compared to conventional automatic transmissions. As a result, it contributes to increased fuel efficiency and good performance.
Intelligently Variable Transmissions are a particular category of automatic transmissions. It functions in a similar manner to an automatic transmission. The engine’s restricted speed range is automatically converted to a variety of ratios and sent to the driven wheels utilizing a number of different gears. During acceleration, the gear ratio needs to be adjusted numerous times by the typical automatic transmission. It shifts gears by momentarily severing the engine’s connection to the driveline to do this. The engine then re-engages after finishing. This caused a little slowdown in the car’s forward velocity, which the occupants could feel.
Driving A Car With iVT:
But when operating a Hyundai iVT, the transmission will also shift through a variety of ratios. The modifications would be noticeable but not felt by the passengers. This occurs as a result of minimal to no momentum loss. That implies the passengers will be more comfortable, especially in downtown and during traffic where gear changes happen frequently. This cutting-edge gearbox responds faster than traditional ones. A Hyundai vehicle with an Intelligent Variable Transmission switches gear ratios more quickly than a vehicle with a traditional automatic transmission. As a result, there is reduced lag and/or delay when the engine power is transferred to the wheels. iVT maintains the engine in its ideal powerband. As a result, you are prepared to move when called upon.
Simply choose the Sports mode to further improve the sporty driving experience. It would give optimal responsiveness by simultaneously adjusting the settings for the engine, steering, and transmission. In order to enhance the driving experience, Hyundai is committed, and that is where Intelligent Variable Transmission comes in.
How does iVT work?
The chain-belt system drive is employed by Hyundai’s Smartstream iVT. While maintaining the advantages of the CVT, it is the first of its sort in the market. The primary benefit of the chain belt is that the pulley diameter may be changed by adjusting the belt tension. As a result, it reduces slippage occurrences and boosts the economy. Hyundai claims that vehicles equipped with Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission had improved fuel economy by 4.2 percent and reduced engine power loss by 5-8 percent.
Additionally, CVTs often maintain a constant engine RPM while raising the speed of the vehicle. This gives the impression that the engine is idling to the drivers. The Smartstream iVT addresses this problem by mimicking the manual transmission’s shifting pattern and better taking into account the driver’s intention and road circumstances. It becomes more responsive as a result. Instead of having a fixed gear speed (as in CVTs), the driver can also take advantage of the iVT’s created virtual gear speeds as needed. As a result, it is similar to the enjoyable Manual Transmission sensation. Currently, the Hyundai Avante, Venue, and Kia K3 all come equipped with Smartstream IVT.
Advantages of Intelligent Variable Transmission:
By enabling the engine to run at its most productive RPM for any range of engine speed, intelligent variable transmissions improve fuel economy. Vehicles with iVTs drive smoothly since there are no sudden gear shift jerks felt by the occupants. The main advantages are better fuel economy and a smoother ride for passengers.
- Driving an iVT is actually pretty smooth.
- superior fuel efficiency over a traditional automatic transmission when driving in cities and on the highway.
IVT transmission lasts how long?
The lifespan of a CVT transmission is the same as that of a conventional automatic transmission, and they are built to last the entire life of the car. The lifespan of a normal CVT is at least 100,000 kilometers. Some vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, frequently have a lifespan of far over 300,000 kilometers. Some brands, like other automotive parts, last longer than others when maintained properly.
How is a Kia IVT driven?
To ensure a seamless transition from N (Neutral) to a forward or backward gear, depress the brake pedal. Before putting a car in D (Drive) or R, always look around your vehicle for people, especially children (Reverse).
What kind of automatic transmission is used by Kia?
Automatic transmissions that can change gears smoothly are known as continuously variable transmissions. The advantages of a CVT over a traditional automatic transmission include quicker shifting and acceleration, lower weight, and claims of being far more dependable and long-lasting.
Which Kia Models Have CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions)?
Currently available Kia models include a CVT as a standard or optional transmission:
- 2020 Kia Rio Hatchback and Sedan
- Kia Forte compact sedan, 2020
- upcoming Kia Soul CUV
- Kia Seltos Compact SUV 2021
How does the Kia IVT operate?
A subclass of CVT called IVT, or Intelligent Variable Transmission, offers a smoother, quieter ride than the standard CVT. The wide-ratio pulley arrangement of the Kia IVT simulates gear shifts to provide improved driver sensation.
Mileage
The continual movement of the belt between the pulleys ensures that power is always sent to the wheels, making CVTs the most fuel-efficient gearboxes available. The ideal transmission to choose in terms of mileage output is a CVT automatic, especially if you operate your car primarily on urban roads. DCT automatic, on the other hand, is significantly better for fuel economy since it minimizes the time between gear changes.
Servicing, maintenance, and replacement
Since the majority of its design is simple to understand, the CVT automatic is considerably less prone to malfunctions and costly maintenance (two pulleys and one belt). The CVT has a low cost of maintenance. Even though they are expensive, CVT replacement parts are still more affordable than DCT automatic.
Driving experience
The DCT automatic outperforms the CVT automatic in this situation. Since the pulley in a CVT automatic transmission transmits power through a belt system, there is a definite lack of reaction in the power flow. The rubber-band effect and lack of power that driving enthusiasts would want are common with CVT automatic transmissions. While the gear selection in a dual-clutch transmission is automatic, the gears mesh similarly to those in a manual transmission, giving it far more energetic and high-octane performance. This is why sports cars frequently have DCT automatic transmissions.
Overall cost-benefit
DCTs often cost more than CVTs due to their complicated infrastructure and design, though this also depends on the vehicle. The most expensive versions of the automobiles come with both transmissions. In terms of durability and fuel efficiency, CVTs are comparatively more dependable than DCTs.
Here are the top DCT and CVT vehicles in India based on performance and price.
Do Kias have issues with the transmission?
Shifting issues are just a few of the transmission issues that many customers who buy or lease Kia vehicles from 2010 to 2019 have encountered. clutch issues. Jerking.
Which automatic gearbox is the best?
Unexpectedly, our favorite automatic transmission is the CVT, or continuously variable transmission. These have no geartrain, unlike any other automatic. Instead, the gear ratios are changed using a combination of pulleys and belts.
Fun fact: The CVT gearbox is known to have an endless amount of gear ratios because of the pulleys and belts.
The ideal transmission to use in a city may be a CVT. The TCU of a CVT keeps the engine in its sweet spot because it has an endless number of gear ratios, making this gearbox one of the most effective. These are smooth since there aren’t any physical gears to shift. If it is a stepped CVT, you won’t notice any difference in the shifts when driving gently.