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Features and controls
3-93
3
Driving precautions
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The table below shows the maximum recommended driving
speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these speeds for
prolonged periods of time.Maximum possible driving speedDo not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can result in
premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)
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The CVT is capable of changing the engine speed to vehicle
speed ratio automatically and steplessly to suit driving condi-
tions in all phases of vehicle operation. It therefore realizes
smooth, shock-free operation and excellent fuel efficiency.DRIVING UPHILLThe transmission may not shift to a higher ratio if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transmission may not shift if you
release the throttle while climbing a steep hill. This is normal
because the computer controls the shifting. After reaching the
top of the hill, your normal shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically shift to a lower ratio. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
Shift
points
Maximum possible driving speed2.0 liter
2.4 liter
1st gear 31 mph (50 km/h) 31 mph (50 km/h)2nd gear 56 mph (90 km/h) 59 mph (95 km/h)3rd gear 81 mph (130 km/h) 84 mph (135 km/h)4th gear 115 mph (185 km/h) 115 mph (185 km/h)
CAUTION
!Automatic downshifts may not take place if the con-
tinuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid is still
cool immediately after you start driving. To cause a
downshift, depress the brake pedal or shift down
manually.
Always drive safely in accordance with road condi-
tions.
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3-114 Features and controls
3
NOTEWhen continuously driving on closed circuit tracks or at
other locations where the engine is operated at high
speeds and under a heavy load, the Twin Clutch SST fluid
temperature will have a tendency to rise.
In this case, if the temperature rises too high, the warn-
ing display will appear on the information screen in the
multi-information display to alert the driver.
If the warning display appears, be sure to refer to
“Warning display” on page 3-110 and follow the appropri-
ate measures.
The Twin Clutch SST control mode can be selected both
when “D” range operation is selected and when manual
shifting is selected.
If you select “Sport” mode while the engine is cold, the
transmission may shift up at different speeds compared to
that when the engine is warm.
This is simply the operation of the control system to warm
the engine quickly. It does not indicate a malfunction.
For slippery road surfaces, such as roads with accumu-
lated snow, “Normal” mode is recommended for smooth
shifting at low engine speeds.
Twin Clutch SST control mode switch
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When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position, operate
the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch (A) to change the
control mode.
When the engine is started, the control mode is automatically
set to the “Normal” mode. Use the following procedures to
change the control mode.
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Features and controls
3-117
3
NOTEOnly the forward gears 1 to 6 can be selected.
To reverse or park, place the gearshift lever in the “R”
(REVERSE) or “P” (PARK) position.
During manual shifting, downshifting will be performed
automatically when the vehicle slows down and the trans-
mission will downshift to 1st gear before the vehicle
stops.
If the gearshift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters
are operated repeatedly, the transmission will also shift
repeatedly.
In order to ensure driving performance, upshifting may
not occur depending on the vehicle speed even if the gear-
shift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters are oper-
ated. In addition, in order to prevent excessive engine
speed, the buzzer sounds and downshifting may not occur
depending on the vehicle speed even if the gearshift lever
or sportronic steering wheel shifters are operated.
When driving in an aggressive manner involving high
engine rpm, sudden acceleration and/or deceleration, the
Twin Clutch SST could take longer to shift due to higher
fluid temperatures.
Shifting using the gearshift lever
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Selecting manual shifting
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven, move the gear-
shift lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position in the main shift
gate toward the driver’s seat to select manual shifting.
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