Kia continues to innovate its vehicle capability by adding advanced features that improve driving. Intelligent variable transmissions (IVT) are one of the manufacturer’s most exciting implementations. This new tech is a big step up from regular automatic transmissions because it makes the car drive smoother, uses less fuel, and responds better when you press the gas. Kia’s goal with the IVT is to make drives more fun and cars more fuel-efficient, keeping them ahead in the fast-changing world of cars. Keep reading to see how this transmission technology can improve your driving experience.
Are you shopping for a Kia vehicle with an Intelligent Variable Transmission? Click here to shop Crain Kia of Fort Smith’s inventory.
Intelligent Variable Transmission Explained
An intelligent variable transmission is an advanced version of continuous variable transmission (CVT) but is even more efficient. If you’re unfamiliar with CVTs, they are transmissions capable of shifting smoothly through an unlimited range of effective gear ratios, unlike traditional transmissions with a limited set of gear changes and can feel rough when they shift.
CVT vs IVT
A common issue with traditional CVTs is that they tend to be quite noisy and lack responsiveness, making the driving experience less fun. IVTs, however, offer a smoother ride by mimicking gear changes and using a wide-ratio pulley system. This system covers a larger range of operations, which means you enjoy better gas mileage on higher gears and enhanced performance on lower ratios.
Driver Feedback
IVTs stand out because they effectively blend features, making them highly adaptable. The use of Kia’s Shift Control Strategy is a key factor here, as it boosts the car’s response to the driver’s commands, acceleration, and overall performance. Additionally, this technology enhances gear shifting, making it feel similar to the smooth transitions of regular automatic transmissions.
Manual Mode
Looking for a way to make your driving experience more exciting? Try out the Manual Mode. This feature lets you change gears, offering a more dynamic driving experience. Simply slide the shift lever from “Drive” to “Manual,” and you’re all set. Your vehicle will then adapt the steering, engine, and transmission settings to match.
This setting lets you choose the timing for shifting the transmission to a higher gear. Additionally, you can change gears even while stepping on the accelerator, which you can’t do with manual transmissions.
IVT Tips
- Just like with CVTs, if you press the accelerator all the way down, the transmission will change to a lower gear. This is useful for overtaking another car or going up a hill.
- When starting to drive off from a stop, smoothly press down on the gas pedal. If you try to speed up quickly, you might notice a brief delay.
IVT transforms driving into a more enjoyable activity and offers a smarter approach to navigating the city. Kia is advancing by improving upon what’s already there, ensuring a more pleasant driving experience.
If you’re still curious about Intelligent Variable Transmissions and how they work, feel free to contact the sales team at Crain Kia of Fort Smith. We’re here to answer any questions you might have and assist you in finding the perfect vehicle for your needs.
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