What Is Kia Imt Transmission

With each successive generation, modern cars become more intelligent. And it is more true than ever right now. In fact, automakers are innovating to meet the shifting consumer wants. Kia accomplished this with the Sonet. Kia Motors India made sure the Sonet had what it took to stand out in the congested subcompact SUV market. Given the standards it sets for all other subcompact SUVswhether in terms of performance, comfort, or featuresit made it a clever, even smart car. It has since become one of the best-selling subcompact SUVs in India, which is not surprising.

Along with the multitude of features on the Sonet and the Kia UVO networking technology, the SUV also places a strong emphasis on driving comfort and efficiency. IMT technology from Kia is used in this situation. Intelligent manual transmission is abbreviated as IMT. There is no longer a requirement for a clutch pedal. Take control of a car with a manual transmission. In order to shift gears, you typically press the clutch pedal with your left foot, release the accelerator with your right foot, and use your hand to operate the gearshift.

There is no clutch pedal in a vehicle equipped with IMT. So while driving, your left foot is at ease. If you do feel the need to change gears, simply place the gear knob in the desired position and do the usual up- or downshifts.

Of course, this does not imply that the clutch is fully eliminated. There is a clutch, but it is controlled electronically by a number of sensors rather than by a pedal that must be depressed each time a gear needs to be changed. That is certainly clever.

When the technology detects your hand on the gearshift, it instantly engages the clutch so that the gear can smoothly engage when you actually up or downshift. Additionally, you won’t experience any latency or delay as you’re driving.

Furthermore, even if you bring the car to a complete stop when in a higher gear and neglect to downshift, the vehicle won’t stall. Instead, a warning or alarm alert sounds, and a message on the display instructs you to downshift or put the gearbox in neutral. It is beneficial to have a failsafe system like that while you are getting acclimated to it.

The technology offers a wonderful balance of comfort and control. While the boredom of driving in heavy traffic will lessen, the enthusiast in you will still enjoy the thrill and sensation of shifting gears at will.

An IMT therefore provides the best of both worlds! In addition to being convenient and comfy, it is also extremely fuel-efficient. The Sonet IMT claims to get 18.2 kilometers per liter. And yes, this version has a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that is both contemporary and enjoyable to drive. And it’s becoming more and more well-known, as evidenced by the fact that up until November 2020, almost 25% of reservations for the Kia Sonet were for the IMT version!

Is iMT automatic or manual?

For those who are unsure of what an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) is. It is a clutchless manual transmission, to put it simply. You did hear correctly. Along with the brake and accelerator pedals, there is no clutch pedal. The distinctive manual gearbox that we are all familiar with is the shifter.

Let’s first learn about the iMT’s fundamental parts in order to comprehend how it functions. The transmission gear shift lever (TGS) is joined by an electronic transmission control unit, a hydraulic clutch actuator, and an intelligent intention sensor (TCU). Together, these parts allow a traditional manual gearbox connected to the engine to shift the gears.

The ‘intention sensor’ on the gear lever is now triggered when the ratios are changed in order to move a car with iMT. When the gears need to be changed, these intention sensors subsequently alert the TCU. The hydraulic clutch actuator will then receive a signal from the TCU to engage or release the clutch plate. Thus, while both an AMT and an iMT are standard manual gearboxes, the iMT puts the control in your hands while the AMT relies on software to determine when to shift.

Does the iMT match the thrill of a manual?

As was already established, the iMT only changes gear when the driver chooses to do so. Because gearshifts are manual and may be made whenever necessary, an iMT system genuinely captures the pleasure of driving, unlike the AMT, which uses software to determine when to change gears. Hyundai’s bonus of coupling this transmission with their turbocharged gasoline vehicle ups the fun factor for iMT transmissions even further.

Can you stall an iMT enabled vehicle?

No, an iMT-enabled vehicle cannot be stalled. This is due to the clever sensors’ ability to automatically disconnect the drive and depress the clutch for you when you bring an iMT car to a stop in first gear.

Can you start the car in higher gears?

If you are stopped in higher ratios in a vehicle with iMT, the clutch does not engage. In such circumstances, on-board devices alert the driver to downshift to the proper gear. The driver must shift into first or second gear if the automobile is in park.

Are iMT gearboxes reliable?

The sole difference between an iMT vehicle’s setup and a standard manual setup in terms of longevity and dependability is the installation of an actuator that controls the clutch. Therefore, the clutch life may be 1015% less than a standard clutch, but that difference is tolerable given the increase in comfort.

Does the iMT gearbox get hill hold system?

The iMT gearbox is equipped with a hill hold feature that keeps the vehicle from rolling back when you start moving down a steep slope from a stop. Handbrakes are rarely necessary because sensors detect inclination degrees and apply the brakes.

Is the iMT worth buying?

New drivers will appreciate how simple it is to operate an iMT vehicle, while more seasoned drivers will benefit from the enhanced control over an automatic transmission.

Is automatic manual transmission superior?

Since you will change the gears instead of the system, iMT features less automatic components. However, because AMT is more complicated, future maintenance costs will undoubtedly increase. So, it appears like iMT will eventually close the price gap.

What are your thoughts on the two? Is it preferable to choose the best of both worlds or the tried-and-true AMT? Please share your thoughts on the iMT vs. AMT conflict in the comments area below. Keep an eye out for another conflict between iMT and DCT.

Is iMT or DCT superior?

That should be obvious. DCT is the obvious response. All you need to do is move the lever to the drive position; the transmission will handle the rest. However, even though there is no clutch in an iMT, you will occasionally need to shift gears. Both the DCT and the iMT operate without latency.

DCT is the greatest option if you’re searching for a fully autonomous experience, to put it briefly. You won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of a clutch thanks to iMT, but you will still have to change the ratios manually. Additionally, while the iMT does not have traction modes, the DCT does. Depending on the car, the feature could change.

The iMT outperforms the DCT and all other automatics in terms of fuel efficiency.

But, it all comes to price!

And this is an area where the DCT might not be very persuasive. If you choose DCT versus iMT, it will virtually cost you $100,000 more. iMT is the one you should use if you have no trouble changing gears. And if you’re searching for the best automatic experience available, DCT is the way to go. How do you feel? Please share your thoughts in the section below.

Is iMT superior to CVT?

Most likely the least expensive automatic vehicle with a CVT gearbox (Datsun Go CVT)

Hyundai introduced the IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) in an effort to solve every issue with existing cost-effective automatic Gearboxes.

Vehicles with CVT gearboxes may use more gasoline when driving quickly. Pressing the gas pedal in order to accelerate quickly is met with a considerable wait before the CVT transmission engages. The revs increase during that prolonged wait, and there is significant fuel loss. Since you don’t typically apply severe throttle inputs in bumper-to-bumper traffic, CVT is better suited for city driving. Additionally, CVTs exhibit the “rubber band effect,” which causes the engine to rev too high without moving the vehicle. This trait detracts from the driving experience and negatively impacts fuel economy.

An IMT, on the other hand, can accomplish all a manual car can do and more, with little effort. Since the driver controls the gear shifts, the vehicle’s fuel efficiency is on par with that of manual transmissions. The IMT doesn’t disappoint in the slightest when it comes to performance. The IMT is the ideal transmission for eager drivers who want the drivability of a manual and the convenience of an automatic since it shifts down as and when necessary without any lag at all. There is only one drawback to the innovative IMT technology, and it is so slight that few drivers would even notice it. It is practically hard to launch the car strongly because it lacks a clutch pedal. One percent of the eager driver with a heavy right foot will be a tiny bit let down if they are unable to launch the car aggressively and without the risk of wheelspinning.

The IMT is the more rational choice of the two because it entirely eliminates all the potential problems of the conventional CVT transmission at a somewhat lower cost.

Has the iMT got a clutch?

From the user’s perspective, it’s difficult to say whether the Hyundai Venue SUV’s new Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) is an automatic or manual transmission. Since it features gears and a gear lever that resembles any other manual gear lever perfectly, iMT is technically a manual gearbox. Although the iMT just has a brake and an accelerator pedal, the driving experience is more similar to that of an automated vehicle. Because the driver must physically shift gears, it is also not totally automatic. You see, technology may sometimes be confusing. After the AMT (automatic manual transmission), which was first made popular by Maruti Suzuki, the iMT is the next major gearbox technology in Indian cars. It is currently offered in the Venue and will soon be available in the Kia Sonet as well.

Is iMT challenging to operate?

In India, Hyundai has the largest selection of engines and gearboxes; a previous Team-BHP article details them all. Hyundai offers a wide range of conventional torque-converters, smooth CVTs, cutting-edge DCTs, and the least jerky AMTs in India, only among ATs. Maruti-Suzuki, which struggles with technology, can only imagine having such a diverse selection of drivetrains. As if that weren’t enough, Hyundai has also introduced an unusual 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission to the lineup (IMT). Here are Aditya’s quick and succinct observations from his four hours behind the wheel of the IMT.

• The Venue offers more gearbox options with a single engine than any other vehicle that comes to mind. The Venue also offers the most engine + gearbox combinations in its category.
• The cost of the IMT variants ranges from Rs. 9,90,990 to Rs. 11,25,900. The IMTs cost just Rs. 15,99023,500 more than their manual counterparts, to put it another way. They offer decent value for the money because of this. You barely pay anything for the convenience of not having to repeatedly press the clutch pedal while driving in traffic. The DCT variants, on the other hand, cost between Rs. 1,14,000 and 1,62,000 more than their manual counterparts. Across manufacturers, the standard premium for the traditional torque-converter ATs is one lakh rupees.
• Why don’t I just spend an extra 20,000 rupees and acquire an AMT will be your first and most apparent question. Good question with an easy response. The IMT is two out of ten if an AMT’s jerkiness is level ten out of ten. The AMT’s jerkiness and “head nod” are deal-breakers for the majority of us. However, it should be mentioned that because Hyundai uses electronic actuators, its AMTs are smoother than those of Maruti and Tata.
• Who ought to purchase an IMT? anyone who is tight on cash and detests pressing the clutch in heavy traffic. Also a great choice for convenience-seekers, inexperienced drivers, and chauffeur-driven vehicle owners who dislike AMT because of its jerkiness (no chauffeur ruining your clutch or giving you jerks).
• Who should NEITHER purchase an IMT? anyone with the funds to purchase superior CVT, dual clutch, or torque converter gearboxes. Pure fans who value smooth operation in their ATs and those who like MTs with quick shifts. Sporty ATs for sporty drivers.
• An automated transmission is not the IMT. Not even an automatic manual transmission exists in it (AMT). The transmission is merely a manual one without a clutch pedal. Like in a typical MT automobile, shifting a gear lever by hand is required; however, there is no clutch pedal. Actuators control the clutch action instead of your left leg, and the driver only changes the gears.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed and press the starter button to start the engine. Additionally, make sure the gear lever is in the neutral position. The engine switches to auxiliary or ignition-on modes if either of these conditions is not satisfied.
• At idling, the engine is hardly audible, but if you touch the gear lever, it buzzes. The gear lever and pedals buzz a little bit while moving, but generally the refinement is excellent.
• The engine runs at 5,000 rpm while still.
• The vehicle can start in first, second, or reverse gear. In any other gear, it won’t take off. If you attempt to do so while in a higher gear, the MID will signal you to change down. There will also be a series of continual warning beeps. Whatever you do, the engine never stalls. For a healthy clutch life, we will advise starting out in first place in the IMT, just like in an MT (2nd gear starts entail some clutch slipping).
• Once you get used to it, the IMT is great to use in the city. You won’t feel fatigued when driving because less effort is necessary and the left foot is at rest (especially in city traffic). Having said that, none of us have ever driven a clutch-free MT; therefore, there is a learning curve and required adjustment period. Your brain will need some time and a few kilometers to become accustomed to this 2-pedal MT. In just 10 minutes, I became accustomed to using the IMT, but even after 90 minutes of operation, there were still some circumstances in which I became perplexed. Give it two to three days for new owners to fully comprehend the special arrangement.
• In first or second gear, the car can move forward even without applying the brakes. In first and second, the Venue IMT moves slowly, at 7 and 14 km/h, respectively. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, this crawling is very helpful since it allows you to successfully drive with just one pedal (i.e. the brake).
• Although the gates are well defined and the gearbox is sure-slotting, the gear shifts are a little notchy.
• Although normal, upshifts don’t happen as quickly as a BHPian can manage. The upshift speed is comparable to what your non-petrolhead spouses, siblings, and friends deliver, we will add in the same sentence.
• Work is made easier because there is no clutch pedal to depress. Because the driver does not need to release the clutch, there is no stalling issue and no shock felt. In fact, the IMT is smoother than some unskilled or reckless MT drivers, we’ll claim.
• While shifting gears, there is no jerkiness like with an AMT gearbox. In contrast, it is more smoother. We must reiterate that the IMT is a “2” if the AMT is a “10” on the jerkiness scale.
• If the revs are too high or low, conventional automatics and AMTs automatically shift into a different gear. That is not the case in the IMT. Gear changes are only made by the driver. The clutch will engage to prevent stalling if the revs fall too low. When the revs are excessive, the IMT will keep the maximum rpm (like in an MT).
• While shifting gears, there is no need to let up on the gas. Though the change (to the next gear) is a little bit easier if you do lift off. This will be a good habit to form because, while changing gears in an MT, we already depress the accelerator.
• Any turbo lag is effectively hidden by the transmission. Driveability is excellent, and power delivery is linear.
• If the revs are too low, the MID will ask you to shift down and will alert you with repeated beeps. If you gear up too early (under 1,000 rpm), it will also let you know. This will stop the engine from laboring in any way.
• You won’t hear the engine whine or knock if you shift up too soon. But there simply isn’t any power coming in. On one occasion, the car pulled in third gear from below 1,000 rpm, but the pace was too slow. What happens if you naughtily shift from first to sixth at 10 km/h? If there is no power, the clutch won’t engage (for the sake of driveability & clutch life).
• You must downshift and keep the engine in its power zone if you need to close gaps in the traffic (or close to the power band).
• The MID alerts you (again, with continuous beeping) and asks that you downshift if you stop at a signal while in any gear higher than second.
• With the engine running at about 1,750 rpm in third gear, the vehicle can comfortably cruise at 40 km/h.
• Even the best of us will initially be confused by the lack of a clutch pedal. You put it in one gear and keep driving, occasionally forgetting that it’s a manual and that you have to change gears! The growing engine noise prompts you to select the higher gear. There is an adjustment period; some drivers will get used to it more quickly than others.
• The dead pedal is well placed, and the ergonomics are perfect. The car is very simple and smooth to operate in the city because of all these factors (particularly in stop-go traffic).
• The IMT is a terrific cruiser on the freeway. Performance in the midrange is good, and there is typically enough power and torque to get along well.
• In addition to the previous point, Hyundai made a smart decision by equipping the IMT with a potent gasoline engine. We believe they ought to quickly offer the IMT with the diesel as well. The IMT will work well with the tractable diesel. Considering that Diesel ATs are typically the most expensive configuration, a Diesel IMT may be a common alternative.
• You’ll invariably be in the proper gear the majority of the time because you can’t utilize higher gears at low rpms (without the system berating you mercilessly & the painfully sluggish progress, if at all). In this manner, turbo lag won’t be an issue because you will always be in the power band (or very near it).
• The rpm limiter quickly engages when the engine revs reach 6,600. This can occasionally throw you off guard in the middle of a passing maneuver, forcing you to swiftly upshift. If not, the engine will continue to run at its maximum revs. For your information, the Venue IMT can reach 50 km/h in first gear and 90 km/h in second.