Page 205 of 333

204
Driving
When Driving Shifting
7-Speed Manual Shift Mode
■
Use the paddle shifters to change between first and seventh speeds without removing your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission switches to the 7-speed manual shift mode when you pull a paddle shifter while driving. This mode is useful when engine braking is needed. You can cancel this mode by pressing any of the three driving mode buttons, or pulling the
paddle shifter for a few seconds.
When the Driving Mode is in ECON or NORMAL
■
The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode temporarily, and the number is displayed in the shift indicator.The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant speed or accelerate, and the number in the shift indicator goes off.The 7-speed manual shift mode is especially useful when reducing the vehicle speed temporarily before making a turn.
When the Driving Mode is in SPORT
■
The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode. The
M indicator and the
speed number are displayed in the shift indicator. As the vehicle speed slows down, the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly. When the vehicle comes to a stop, it automatically shifts down into first. If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.
7-Speed Manual Shift Mode
To improve fuel economy, the transmission may shift up to a higher speed than the seventh under certain circumstances. In this case, the number in the shift indicator remains as "7." In the 7-speed manual shift mode, the transmission
shifts up or down by operating either paddle shifte r
under the following conditions:Shift Up: The engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the higher speed position.Shift Down: The engine speed reaches the highest threshold of the lower speed position. When the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission shifts up automatically.When the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the selected speed position, the transmission shifts down automatically. Operating the paddle shifters on slippery surfaces may cause the tires to lock up. In this case, the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled and goes back to the normal D driving mode.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 208 of 333

207
Driving
When Driving Shifting
Shifting
Manual transmission model
Shift Lever Operation
■
Fully depress the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears, then slowly release the pedal. Depress the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into
R, or
shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won’t “grind.”
When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.
Shifting
NOTICE
Do not shift to before the vehicle comes to a
complete stop. Shifting to
before stopping can damage the
transmission. Recommended Shift Points Driving in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and accelerate smoothly helps to optimize fuel economy and emissions control. The following shift points are recommended:
Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h) 3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 47 mph (76 km/h)
5th to 6th 52 mph (84 km/h)
If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer's red zone. When this happens, you may experience a slight jolt.
NOTICE Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer's red zone.Should this occur, it can severely damage your engine. There is a metallic part on the shift lever. If you leave the vehicle parked outside for a long time on a hot day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because of heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the outside temperature is low, the shift lever feels cold.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 210 of 333
209
Driving
When Driving Shifting
Reverse Lockout
■
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally shifting into
R from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed.
If you cannot shift to
R when the vehicle is stopped, do the following: 1. Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever all the way to the left, and shift to
R.
If you still cannot shift into
2.
R, apply the
parking brake, and turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY
I or LOCK 0.
Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
3.
R.
Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
4.
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 212 of 333

211
Driving
When Driving Cruise Control
Cruise Control Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Cruise Control
When the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY
or
LOCK , cruise control automatically goes off.
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed when driving uphill or downhill. When climbing a steep hill with the ECON mode, it may take relatively more time to accelerate to maintain the set speed. When not using cruise control, turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE button.
Manual transmission While the cruise control system is activated, the shift up or down indicator does not work.
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash. Use the cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.When to use
How to use
Ù Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above roughly 25 mph (40 km/h). Always keep sufcient distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
CRUISE MAIN is on in the instrument panel. Cruise control is ready to use.
Automatic transmission model
Ù Press the CRUISE button on the
steering wheel.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 220 of 333

219
Driving
Braking
Brake System
Parking Brake
■
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply: Pull the lever fully up without pressing the release button. To release:
Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
1.
the release button. Lower the lever down all the way, then
2.
release the button.
Parking Brake
NOTICE Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied. If you start driving without fully releasing the parking brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and "RELEASE PARKING BRAKE" appears on the multi-information display. Always apply the parking brake when parking.When the outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply the parking brake to prevent it from freezing, and do the following:
Automatic transmission model Put the shift lever in , then place a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Manual transmission model Put the shift lever in or , then place a block
or other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 221 of 333

220
Driving
Braking Brake System
Foot Brake
■
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Brake Assist System P.222
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P.221
Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water, or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the pedal several times. If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower gear for greater engine braking. Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 226 of 333

225
Driving
Parking Your Vehicle Auto Idle Stop (Automatic Transmission - CVT)
Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
■
The idle stop is done when the vehicle stops with the shift lever in D and the brake
pedal depressed. Auto Idle Stop Does Not Activate When:
■
The low temperature indicator is on.
•
The IMA battery charge is low.
•
The bars of the ASST/CHRG indicators do not move when accelerating or
•
decelerating. The transmission fluid temperature is low.
•
The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 9 mph
•
(15 km/h) after the engine starts.Stopped on a steep incline.
•
The shift lever is in a position other than
•
D or N.
Airflow from the climate control system increases.
•
If you have selected the fan speed manually:
The display shows more than five vertical bars.
Shift mode is in the L mode.
•
• is on (the indicator is on).
Auto Idle Stop May Not Activate When:
■
The climate control system is in use, and there is a significant difference between
•
the set temperature and the actual interior temperature. (Except when in ECON mode).When humidity in the interior is high.
•
The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.
•
Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
The brake pedal is depressed, and the vehicle slows down to a speed below 6 mph (10 km/h).
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 228 of 333

227
Driving
Parking Your Vehicle Auto Idle Stop (Manual Transmission)
Auto Idle Stop (Manual Transmission) To help maximize fuel economy, the engine automatically stops when the vehicle comes to a stop, depending on environmental and vehicle operating conditions. The AUTO STOP indicator blinks at this time. The engine then restarts once the vehicle is about to move again when you depress the clutch pedal fully, and the indicator goes off.If the driver’s door is opened while the indicator is blinking, a buzzer sounds to notify you that the auto idle stop function is in operation.
Auto Idle Stop (Manual Transmission)
If the Auto Idle Stop operating time lasts long enough to lower the 12 volt battery charge or the IMA battery charge, the engine may not restart automatically.Manually turn off the engine when you leave your vehicle. The duration of auto idle stop operation: Increases
• in the ECON mode compared to
normal or sport mode with climate control in use.Decreases
• if you operate the wipers and climate
control simultaneously.
Main MenuTable of Contents