Hyundai India recently announced that it will introduce a new transmission technology – iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) – to the Venue compact SUV. It will be offered with the 1.0L turbo-petrol, direct-injection engine that’s good for 120bhp.
The Hyundai Venue will be India’s first car to feature the clutchless manual gearbox, followed by the Kia Sonet. Speaking on the launch of the Tucson facelift, the carmaker has confirmed that it’s planning to introduce the new iMT technology to its other models.
While the carmaker hasn’t yet confirmed which will be the next Hyundai car to get the new transmission system, it’s likely to be the new-generation Creta and Verna facelift. The new-generation Hyundai i20 and the newly-launched Aura subcompact sedan might also receive the iMT. Similar to the Venue, it might be offered on the turbo-petrol variants of the Creta and Verna. Hyundai’s other engines will also be offered with the new iMT system in near future.
Talking about the iMT, the new transmission technology consists of an ‘intention sensor’ with the gear lever that notifies a TCU (transmission control unit) when the driver is about to shift gears. The TCU transmits signals to a hydraulic actuator to employ or lay off the clutch plate while gear shifting. It’s a two-pedal, clutchless system that’s claimed to enhance convenience “without compromising on fuel efficiency and performance”.
The new Hyundai iMT cars are likely to be priced around Rs 20,000 premium over their counterpart manual variant. The carmaker has already confirmed that the Hyundai Venue iMT variant will be launched in the month of July. Read – All-New Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Details Out
During this year’s festive season, the South Korean carmaker will bring in the new-generation i20 hatchback with comprehensive design and feature upgrades. The model lineup will come with three engines (1.0L turbo-petrol, 1.2L NA petrol and 1.5L diesel) and four transmission options (5-speed MT, DCT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed torque convertor).
