How to use the Kia K3 manual-automatic transmission?
2 Answers
The method to use the Kia K3 manual-automatic transmission is: directly shift the gear lever to the manual mode, i.e., the M position. Moving the lever towards the plus or minus signs allows for increasing or decreasing speed. There is no need to press the brake or release the accelerator when switching to manual mode. The Kia K3 has the following dimensions: length 4660mm, width 1780mm, height 1450mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm and a fuel tank capacity of 53 liters. The Kia K3 is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a maximum power of 96 kW at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 211 Nm between 1400 to 3700 rpm.
I drive my Kia K3 to work every day, and its manual mode is especially handy in congested city traffic. After starting the car, the transmission is fully automatic in D mode, but if you want to shift manually, just nudge the gear lever to the adjacent M position or use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Left for downshifting and right for upshifting—the screen will alert you if the RPM is too high or too low, so avoid keeping it in the red zone for too long to protect the engine. Manual mode is super useful for crawling in traffic, climbing hills, or overtaking. For example, on a long incline, downshifting helps the engine maintain lower RPMs for better fuel efficiency. Remember to shift back to P mode when parking to prevent rolling, and regular maintenance with transmission fluid checks can extend its lifespan. Overall, it adds a greater sense of control to daily driving—safe and flexible. After using it for over half a year, I’ve gotten so used to it that I can’t do without it.
