How to engage the M gear in the Atenza?
2 Answers
Atenza engages the M gear by directly shifting from D gear to M gear. The M gear is the manual mode of the transmission. After shifting into M gear, the driver needs to manually control the upshift and downshift of the transmission. Taking the 2020 Atenza as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4870mm, width 1840mm, height 1445mm, wheelbase 2830mm, and minimum ground clearance 162mm. The 2020 Atenza is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 158ps and a maximum power of 116kw, matched with a 6-speed manual-automatic transmission.
I've been driving the Atenza for quite some time, and the M-mode operation feels very intuitive. During normal driving, gently push the gear lever from the D position to the left or right (specific models may vary but the action is similar), and an M indicator will appear on the screen, signaling manual mode activation. At this point, use the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to control gears: the left paddle downshifts, while the right one upshifts, with the current gear number displayed on the instrument cluster. I often use it on mountain roads or when overtaking, as manual control enhances engine responsiveness, making the car feel more agile. However, be cautious not to downshift excessively at low speeds to avoid jerking or transmission wear. The Atenza's transmission is quite durable, but it's best enjoyed occasionally—frequent gear changes at high speeds might actually reduce efficiency. For maintenance, regular checks of the transmission fluid are recommended to ensure smooth and safe manual mode operation. Overall, this feature adds driving pleasure, especially when cruising through scenic routes.