Dual Clutch Transmission Operation

Features of the dual clutch transmission: 7 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.

The appropriate gear is automatically selected when the shift lever is in the D (Drive) position.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury:

• ALWAYS check the area around your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, make sure you shift to P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position. If these precautions are not followed, the vehicle may move suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Use engine braking (downshifting from high to low gear) on slippery roads when slowing down quickly. The vehicle may skid and cause an accident.

• Driving with a dual clutch transmission is similar to driving a manual transmission vehicle, although it is as easy as a conventional automatic transmission. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, gear shifts in a dual clutch transmission are noticeable (and audible).
  - Think of it as an automatic transmission with manual shifting capability.
  - When you shift into D, gear shifting is fully automatic, like a conventional automatic transmission.
• The dual clutch transmission uses a dry clutch, which differs from a torque converter automatic transmission and offers better acceleration. However, it responds slightly more sluggishly when starting from a stop than a conventional automatic transmission.
• The dry clutch transmits torque directly and provides a more direct driving feel, which differs from a torque converter automatic transmission. This is most noticeable when starting from a stop or at low speeds.
• If you drive at low speed and accelerate hard, the engine may depend on the current driving conditions and reach high speed.
• To start moving slowly uphill, the step depends on the relevant environmental conditions. Press the accelerator pedal carefully.
• When you are at low speed and release the accelerator pedal, you may feel like in a manual transmission vehicle, a strong engine braking effect.
• If you are going downhill, you can use Sport mode to shift to a lower gear. This way, speed control is possible without constantly pressing the brake pedal.
• When starting and stopping the engine, you may hear clicks as the system performs a self-check. This is normal noise on a dual clutch transmission.

WARNING

Due to a transmission malfunction, the vehicle may not move and the shift position indicator (D, R) may flash on the instrument cluster. In this case, have the vehicle inspected at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer or service partner.