How to Use the Manual Shift Mode on the Envision?
4 Answers
How to use the manual shift mode on the Envision: Simply shift the gear lever to the manual mode. There are + and - buttons on the gear lever, and shifting the lever can increase or decrease the speed. Below is some relevant information about the Envision: 1. Body Dimensions: Length 4694mm, width 1839mm, height 1686mm, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. 2. Powertrain: Equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a maximum power of 124 kW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. The drive system is front-wheel drive. 3. Suspension: The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut independent suspension, while the rear suspension employs a multi-link independent suspension.
The Envision's manual-automatic transmission is actually quite easy to get used to. Normally, you can just drive in D (Drive) automatic mode, where the car shifts gears automatically based on speed and throttle input, making it very hassle-free. Switching to manual mode is also straightforward—just push the gear lever to the left while driving to enter manual mode. At this point, you can manually shift gears using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel or by moving the gear lever up and down. Manual mode is particularly useful for climbing steep hills, descending long slopes, or overtaking. For example, locking in a lower gear when climbing prevents frequent shifting, while using a lower gear when descending helps utilize engine braking to reduce brake wear. It's recommended to use this mode often when driving on mountain roads or in rain/snow conditions, as the transmission responds more directly. Additionally, you don’t need to press the brake when switching modes—you can shift back to automatic mode anytime while driving. For beginners, it's a good idea to practice paddle shifting a few times in a safe area to get comfortable, as it gives a strong sense of control once mastered.
I've been driving the Envision for over three years and frequently use its manual-automatic transmission. The automatic mode is perfectly sufficient for daily commuting, but I switch to manual mode when driving on mountain roads during weekends. The switching method is very simple: just push the gear lever to the left while driving to enter manual mode, and the dashboard will display the current gear. The metal paddles behind the steering wheel are the most convenient for shifting—use the left paddle to downshift and the right paddle to upshift, just a light flick is enough. The key is to watch the RPM: in manual mode, the engine will automatically protect itself if you don't upshift beyond 3000 RPM, and not downshifting below 1500 RPM can easily cause lugging. From my experience, downshifting one gear in advance when overtaking provides stronger power, and using 3rd gear on long descents reduces brake usage. Also, there's no need to shift to N for temporary stops; just keep it in D and hold the brake. To switch back to automatic, simply push the gear lever to the right—it's very flexible. Mastering this feature truly enhances both driving pleasure and safety.
The Envision's manual-automatic transmission operation is very intuitive. For automatic mode, simply shift to D gear. Manual mode is engaged by moving the gear lever to the left, with gear changes controlled via steering wheel paddles. Manual mode suits specific scenarios: for example, using 2nd-3rd gear when climbing steep slopes to prevent rollback, or starting in higher gears on icy roads to avoid wheelspin. On highways, manually upshifting can help control RPM for better fuel efficiency. Three key points when switching: no need to brake while driving - the transmission automatically adapts gears to speed; downshift progressively when multiple gear reductions are needed; avoid high gears at low speeds to protect the engine. Beginners should practice paddle feel in open areas first, familiarizing themselves with gear-speed matching relationships.
