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Features and controls
3-105
3 Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)
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The CVT will automatically and continuously change its gear
ratio depending on road and driving conditions. This helps
achieve smooth driving and excellent fuel efficiency.
Also you can manually shift up and shift down the transmis-
sion. Refer to “Sports mode” on page 3-111.DRIVING UPHILLThe transmission prevents unnecessary upshifts even when the
accelerator pedal is released and ensures smooth driving.DRIVING DOWNHILLAccording to the conditions, the transmission will automati-
cally shift to a lower gear ratio to achieve stronger engine brak-
ing. This may help reduce your need to use the service brake.Selector lever operation
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As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with a
continuously variable transmission have a shift-lock device
that holds the selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position. To
move the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position to
another position, follow the steps below.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal down.2. Move the selector lever to the desired position.
NOTEThe selector lever cannot be moved from “P” (PARK) to
another position if the ignition switch is set to the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, or if the key has been
removed, or if the brake pedal is not pressed and held
down.
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3-110 Features and controls
3
Selector lever positions (Main gate)
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“P” PARKThis position locks the transmission to prevent the vehicle
from moving. The engine can be started from the “P” (PARK)
position.“R” REVERSEMove the lever to this position only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.“N” NEUTRALAt this position, the transmission is disengaged. It is the same
as the neutral position on a manual transaxle and should be
used when the vehicle is not moving for an extended length of
time during driving, such as in a traffic jam.
“D” DRIVEThis position is used for most city and highway driving. The
transmission will automatically and continuously change its
gear ratio depending on road and driving conditions.
CAUTION
!Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion.
If the lever is shifted into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion,
the transmission may be damaged.
WA R N I N G
!Never move the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while driving since you could acci-
dentally slip it into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position, damaging the transmission.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped on
a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position, not in “N” (NEUTRAL) position.To prevent rolling, always keep your foot on the
brake pedal when the vehicle is in “N” (NEUTRAL)
position, or when shifting into or out of “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!To prevent transmission damage, never shift into the
“D” (DRIVE) position from the “R” (REVERSE)
position while the vehicle is in motion.
WA R N I N G
!
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Features and controls
3-111
3
Sports mode
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Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is
selected by pushing the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE)
position into the manual gate (1). To return to “D” (DRIVE)
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate (2).
In sports mode, rapid shifting is possible simply by operating
the selector lever or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Unlike the manual transaxle, sports mode allows shifting with
the accelerator pedal depressed.NOTEFor vehicles equipped with the sportronic steering wheel
paddle shifter, sports mode can be operated even when the
selector lever is in the main gate (2). Also, you can return
to the “D” operation in any of following ways. When
returning to “D” operation, the selector lever position dis-
play will change to “D” (DRIVE) position.
• Pull the + (SHIFT UP) side sportronic steering wheel
paddle shifter forward (toward the driver) for over 2 sec-
onds.
• Stop the vehicle
• Push the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position
into the manual gate (A) and push the selector lever
back into the main gate (B).+ (SHIFT UP)
Transmission shifts up once by each operation.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Transmission shifts down once by each operation.
CAUTION
!Upward shifts do not take place automatically in
sports mode. The driver must make upward shifts in
accordance with prevailing road conditions, making
sure the engine rpm remains below the red zone on
the tachometer.Repeated continuous operation of the selector lever
or the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter will
continuously switch shift position.SHIFT
DOWNSHIFT
UP
SHIFT
UP SHIFT
DOWN
BK0150600US.book 111 ページ 2012年3月30日 金曜日 午前10時43分