Driving Your Vehicle

Manual Mode

~2min read

Whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, select manual mode by moving the shift lever from the D (Drive) position to the manual gate. To return to the D (Drive) range, move the shift lever back to the main gate.

Manual mode controls driving dynamics by automatically adjusting steering effort, as well as engine and transmission control logic to enhance driver performance.

In manual mode, moving the shift lever rearward or forward allows you to shift gears quickly. Unlike a manual transmission, manual mode allows gear shifting while the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Up (+): Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-): Pull the lever back once to shift down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

  • In manual mode, the driver should shift up according to road conditions, trying to keep engine speed below the red zone.
  • In manual mode, only 8 forward gears can be selected. To change or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
  • In manual mode, downshifting is performed automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is selected automatically.
  • In manual mode, when engine speed approaches the red zone, the shift points change to upshift automatically.
  • To maintain the required level of performance and safety, the system may not perform certain gear shifts when the shift lever is pressed.
  • When driving on a slippery road, move the shift lever forward to the + (upper) position. This shifts the transmission into 2nd gear, which is better for smooth driving on slippery roads. Move the shift lever to the - (down) position to shift back to 1st gear.
  • When manual mode is activated: - Engine speed remains elevated for a certain period of time even after the accelerator pedal is released
    - Upshifting is delayed during acceleration
  • Fuel efficiency may decrease in manual mode.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Rio YB quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.