The Venue subcompact SUV with the 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine will soon have a new gearbox option, according to a recent announcement from Hyundai Motor India. The intelligent manual transmission, sometimes known as the iMT, is the new gearbox choice. The iMT is a unique gearbox available in the subcompact SUV market. There is an intelligent manual transmission available for the Toyota Fortuner diesel. The Sonet, which will be introduced in India this year, will also have the iMT available from Kia. The clever manual transmission, however, what is it, and how does it operate? Here is a summary.
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The way an iMT engine functions.
(The iMT technology does away with the clutch pedal and uses sensors to electronically control the clutch plate and pressure plate.)
Let’s examine the underlying technology now. Simply explained, an intelligent manual transmission has a clutch, but it is controlled electronically by a wide range of sensors rather than by a clutch pedal that must be depressed each time a gear needs to be changed. An “intention sensor” on the gear lever of an automobile with iMT is triggered whenever the gears are changed. When the gears are changed, the transmission control unit, or TCU, receives a signal from the intention sensor on the gear lever. When the gear is switched up or down, the hydraulic clutch actuator receives a signal from the TCU to engage or disengage the clutch plate. The actuator’s task in this case is to generate hydraulic pressure and transfer it to a concentric slave cylinder (CCS), which in turn engages or disengages the clutch plate.
Is iMT preferable to automatic?
AMT automobiles are very popular because they provide automatic-like operation at a lower cost. Hyundai has introduced the iMT gearbox, which is a new option that may end up being more alluring. Which is better, then? In order to respond to that, we have put together a side-by-side comparison that takes into account convenience, service, power delivery, mileage, and overall cost effectiveness.
Convenience
The whole purpose of having an automatic transmission in a car is to give drivers a comfortable driving experience and the freedom from having to constantly shift gears. Convenience is automatics’ main selling feature, thus it’s critical that we compare the iMT and AMT side by side for the same.
It’s vital to remember that neither transmission is a real automatic; rather, both are semi-automatic transmissions. AMT vehicles will engage the clutch and select the appropriate gear for you. Contrarily, an iMT automobile just applies the clutch and requires you to select the required gear.
Even if comfort is a personal preference, an AMT can change gears for you completely, whilst an iMT lets you select the gears according to your power requirements without using a lot of clutch. Having said that, remember that an AMT car’s rapid gear shift may detract from the overall driving experience. An iMT, on the other hand, can result in a smoother driving experience when you change the ratios. The easiest method to determine which transmission is most practical for you is to test drive both systems.
Servicing, Maintenance and Replacement
Given that iMT is a relatively new technology in India, you should anticipate more extensive maintenance requirements. This won’t become apparent until it has stood the test of time in India. One thing is certain, though: iMT is a less advanced technology than an AMT unit because gear shifting is handled on board the iMT almost in a conventional manner. The iMT will cost significantly less to maintain because it has fewer complications.
The AMT, on the other hand, has a greater number of components, making its operation much more difficult than that of the iMT. In order to ensure effective functioning over the course of the car’s life, an AMT vehicle will require more care and upkeep than an iMT vehicle.
Power Delivery
Automatic vehicles have traditionally had less power than their manual equivalents. Power distribution concerns have been resolved by more expensive automatic transmissions, although AMT gearboxes have not. You as the driver will be reliant on the manufacturer’s software and gear ratios to give you a smooth power delivery. Although this can be ideal for city driving, more adventurous driving will leave you wanting more.
This is where the magic starts for an iMT. Similar to a manual car, the driver’s actions determine how effectively power is delivered. Without a clutch, you might forget to shift gears, which would compromise your car’s ability to produce power efficiently. An iMT vehicle will therefore be a delight to drive on highways while requiring a little more concentration from the driver to maintain the proper gear in cities.
Mileage
You should anticipate an AMT car to get somewhat better mileage than a manual transmission car since an AMT transmission is tuned by the manufacturer for the ideal gear ratios for the car. This is the best option if you want to get consistent gas mileage from your automobile both on and off the highway.
In contrast, the fuel economy and mileage of an iMT vehicle rely on the driver’s driving habits. Smart driving practices combined with automatic transmissions without the cumbersome clutch will increase fuel economy in the same way that manual transmissions do.
Overall Cost Benefit
The overall cost advantages that both iMT and AMT have to offer are a vital factor to consider when weighing the pros and downsides of each. It is crucial to take into account both the purchasing and operating costs while determining the same.
AMT vehicles are among the least expensive automatic vehicles available in India in terms of purchase prices. In India, every automaker offers at least one vehicle with an AMT transmission. However, as iMT technology is still relatively new in India, there aren’t many options when it comes to iMT vehicles. Only Hyundai and Kia presently provide iMT vehicles including the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and the latest Hyundai i20.
Due to the intricate processes involved, the running expenses of both transmission schemes are comparable. Both transmission types’ operating expenses are entirely dependent on how the car is operated.
A Toyota iMT: What is it?
Intelligent 6-Speed Manual Transmission 6 front gears. One amazing experience while driving. The Corolla Hatchback’s optional 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) has longer gears up top to help maximize fuel efficiency and close-ratio gears down low for lively acceleration.
How does the iMT clutch function?
For those who are unsure of the precise definition of the intelligent Manual Transmission, it can be summed up as a clutchless manual transmission. You did hear correctly. It continues to offer a 2-pedal system with the brake and accelerator in addition to a standard manual gearbox, proving that it is a clutchless manual transmission. This could be unclear at this point, but this is where the “Intelligence” enters the picture. Between the traditional manual transmission and the AMT gearbox lies the iMT. Through clever software and actuators that simulate pressing the clutch paddles while you manually shift gears, the iMT gearbox fluidly changes ratios without the need to engage the clutch paddles. In conclusion, Hyundai’s most recent iMT truly offers the best of both worlds!
Is iMT preferable to manual?
The very best of both worlds
You get the best of both worlds to begin with: a manual gearbox’s control and some of the ease of an automatic transmission. Since there is no clutch pedal at all, you are entirely relieved of clutch operation. Your left leg is always at relaxed, which is quite beneficial, especially in the city’s bumper-to-bumper traffic. You still have complete control over manually changing gears as you like. As a result, a manual transmission provides all the driving engagement that an automatic transmission would not.
Then, for the majority of customers, fuel efficiency is a top priority. Thankfully, the ARAI-claimed numbers of this trim and the manual Turbo version don’t differ significantly. Please be aware that the Hyundai Venue iMT is only available with the 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 118 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. This six-speed manual iMT without a clutch achieves 17.8 kmpl even though its manual variant is rated at 18.2 kmpl. If you ask, that isn’t really a significant disparity. And we would accept Hyundai’s claim that this one doesn’t sacrifice performance or fuel economy. After all, below, it still has a standard manual gearbox.
2. No tyrants
It’s odd that the gearbox is smooth and that there is no head movement as the gears are changed. You are aware that there is a small delay when shifting gears, regardless of the transmission. Typically, this shift causes a back and forth movement in AMTs or manual transmissions. However, it is well-contained and even automatically matches the revs in this version. It simply functions flawlessly with this 1.0 liter turbo mill. After all, it has outstanding drivability and is a gem of an engine. After 2,000 rpm, when the turbo spools up, there is a nice firm push that allows you to move along well.
It is remarkably linear in its power delivery even when you crush the gas pedal, and its throttle response never feels sudden. You may easily shift through every gear because this engine effortlessly revs all the way to its redline at 6,500 rpm. However, it has an excellent low- and mid-range, so you could theoretically drive at moderate speeds in a higher gear without constantly shifting. However, whenever a necessity arises, the clever gearbox advises that you do that.
3. The creep feature
You’ve started the car with your right leg on the brake, and you’d like to proceed. Simply engage first gear on the gear lever and begin removing the brake. Without your involvement, the car will automatically begin to move slowly. When in stop-and-go traffic, this is quite convenient and helpful. At low speeds, all you have to do is modulate the brake, and if necessary, give it a little gas. On upward slopes, this creep feature, when combined with the hill-hold function, performs even better without allowing the vehicle to revert. The hand brake, which is generally necessary with a manual gearbox, wasn’t necessary for us to use.
The vehicle then accelerates smoothly from a stop, even in second gear. This implies that it can reduce your inconvenience in bumper-to-bumper traffic by eliminating the need to constantly shift from first to second and engage the clutch. You can actually accelerate up and slow down in this gear because the power band is so wide. almost as practical as an automatic.
4. You can’t stop it.
The problem of stalling an automobile is one that new drivers constantly encounter. Always be in the proper gear, and adjust the clutch and throttle as necessary. The fact that it is simply impossible to stall this vehicle eliminates this worry totally. It will attempt to amble along even if you are in the incorrect gear or traveling at the incorrect speed. In the worst situation, it will beep and display a warning to shift down on the instrument cluster.
We experimented with several scenarios, such as stopping while in sixth gear without downshifting. In the event of a manual transmission, the automobile would have jerked and stopped if the clutch hadn’t been engaged. In this instance, no. Unless you are in the proper gear, it continuously advises you to shift down. When you increase the gears, it remains the same. As an illustration, I am currently accelerating in first gear and know when to shift up as the revs increase. Anyone who can drive will learn, I suppose. You shouldn’t be able to ignore the loud buzzing of the engine unless you’re deaf or new to driving. In either event, the instrument cluster indicates which gear you should be in or change up to.
5. Price level
Now, this one is far less expensive than the Venue’s authentic automatic version. More intriguingly, though, it’s not much more expensive than the SUV’s manual version. Only the 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine is provided for either the Hyundai Venue iMT or DCT. The DCT is easily a lakh rupees more expensive when compared to the costs of the turbo manual, whereas the iMT is only about Rs 15,00025,000 more expensive, depending on the matching variation.
Are iMT cars a smart investment?
Choosing an automobile is a difficult task! And it’s getting worse now, due to the automakers. How? a plethora of transmission options coupled with a variety of engine options! And now, to make matters worse, Hyundai and Kia have developed a ground-breaking piece of technology called the iMT. Should you go for the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) or the iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), the most recent version of the manual transmission? Most of you probably already know how an AMT functions. And if you’re still learning about iMT, watch this video:
iMT vs AMT | Which one is easier to use?
AMT is what you might choose if you are a beginner driver and want the most comfort possible. But the jerks and the lack of strength when you need it most will undoubtedly make you detest the AMT.
Contrarily, iMT is all about the clutch-free driving experience. You are freed from having to often depress the clutch and may enjoy gear shifting at your leisure. Want to pass a car in front of you? It is not possible in an AMT to downshift and quickly pass a car.
Now, stalling of the car is something that you will undoubtedly encounter if you are a new learner. In an AMT, the transmission will automatically downshift, allowing you to continue driving. Once the automobile starts to stall in an iMT, you will be greeted by a series of loud beeps. Additionally, it will stop the acceleration, shielding the engine from needless wear.
iMT is undoubtedly a superior choice if gear shifting is not a concern for you. The very finest of both worlds are yours to enjoy.
And now, it comes to the price, which will cost more, overall?
There isn’t a car available on the market that provides both options. We’ll have to contrast two different autos in this instance. The cost of the Tata Nexon XMA version is $84,500. The cost of the Kia Sonet with an iMT is approximately $9,49,000. Both amounts are ex-showroom prices. There are now many variations in the features section. However, compared to the closest iMT option, an AMT vehicle will cost you almost 100,000 less altogether.