2017 TOYOTA VERSO Owners Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VERSO_EE_OM64517E
■ Selecting a shift position
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
the “D” position for normal driving.
*2: By selecting gear step using paddle shift switches, you can control
engine braking forces.
■ Selecting a driving mode
Press the switch.
For powerful acceleration and
driving in mountainous
regions.
Press the switch once more to
return the normal mode.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1 or temporary gear step selection
driving*2
M7-speed sport sequential shiftmatic mode driving
( P. 2 11 )

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2-1. Driving procedures
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Driving in the “D” position
■ Shift lever
If the shift lever is shifted into the “D” position, the appropriate gear
ratio is automatically selected, as determined by the driving condi-
tions.
■ Paddle shift switches
While the shift lever is in the “D” position, engine braking force can
be temporarily switched to.
Upshifting
Downshifting
Unless the paddle shift switches
are operated, the gear step dis-
played on the meter cluster is
fixed.
However, even when in the “D” position, the gear steps will be
automatically changed if the engine speed is too high, or too low.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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Driving in the “M” position
By shifting the shift lever into the “M” position, 7 stages of gear step
can be switched between.
Upshifting
Downshifting
Unless the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated, the
gear step displayed on the meter
cluster is fixed.
However, even when in the “M” position, the gear steps will be
automatically changed if the engine speed is too high, or too low.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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■ Paddle shift switch
● When the paddle shift switch is operated in the “D” position, a gear step
will be automatically selected according to the vehicle speed and driving
conditions.
● Automatic deactivation of gear step selection in the “D” position.
Gear step selection in the “D” position will be deactivated in the following
situations:
• The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time
• When the vehicle comes to a stop
• If the accelerator pedal is depressed for longer than a certain period of
time in one gear step
■ Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving per formance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
(The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
■ When driving with cruise control activated (if equipped)
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control will
not be canceled.
• While driving in “D” or 7-speed s port sequential shiftmatic mode, down-
shifting to “6”, “5” or “4”. ( P. 210, 211)
• When switching the driving mode to “SPORT” mode while driving in “D”
position. ( P. 209)

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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■ Automatic deactivation of “SPORT” mode
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
If the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position after driving in
“SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
If the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned off after driving in
“SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
 P. 603
■ If the “M” indicator is not displayed after shifting the shift lever to the
“M” position
If the display does not change to “M” on an occasion other than that
described above, it may indicate a malfunction in the transmission system.
Have your vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■ Automatic gear step selection
When the vehicle comes to a stop, the transmission will automatically down-
shift to allow you to start off in 1st step.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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Manual transmission
: If equipped
■Shifting the shift lever
Fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift
lever, and then release it
slowly.
■ Shifting the shift lever to “R”
Shift the shift lever to the “R”
position while lifting up the ring
section.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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Gear Shift Indicator
Gear Shift Indicator is a guide to help the driver achieve improved
fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits of engine
performance.
Upshifting
Downshifting
■ Gear Shift Indicator display
Gear Shift Indicator may not be displayed when your foot is placed on the
clutch pedal.

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■ Maximum allowable speeds
Observe the following maximum allowable speeds in each gear when maxi-
mum acceleration is necessary.
Gasoline engine
km/h (mph)
Diesel engine
km/h (mph)
WARNING
■ Gear Shift Indicator display
For safety, the driver should not look only at the display. Refer to the display
when it is safe to do so while considering actual traffic and road conditions.
Failure to do so may lead to an accident.
Shift positionMaximum speed
148 (30)
289 (55)
3122 (76)
4165 (103)
Shift positionMaximum speed
140 (25)
281 (50)
3127 (79)
4180 (112)