What is the gear shifting method for the old Santana?
2 Answers
The gear shifting method for the old Santana is: The gear lever has markings, and to engage reverse gear, you need to press the gear lever downward. Other gears can be operated according to the markings. The Santana is a compact car under SAIC Volkswagen, with body exterior dimensions of 4475mm and 4282mm in length, 1706mm in width, 1469mm and 1489mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2603mm. The Santana is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, with an L-type engine cylinder arrangement, and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its suspension system features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a compound torsion beam non-independent rear suspension.
I've been driving an old Santana for many years, and its gear shifting follows the classic H-pattern manual layout, which is quite easy to get used to. When starting off, first gear is at the top-left corner—just a gentle push upwards; accelerating to second gear is at the bottom-left, like tapping slightly to the lower left; third gear is in the middle-top position, then press the clutch and push over; fourth gear is in the middle-bottom; fifth gear is at the front-right, ideal for high-speed cruising; reverse is at the bottom-right corner—you need to lift the small ring or press the button to engage it, so be careful not to accidentally hit it. I usually remember it with the rhyme: 'Top-left 1, bottom-left 2, middle-top 3, middle-bottom 4, front-right 5, bottom-right reverse'—after driving it enough, it becomes second nature. Common mistakes beginners make are not pressing the clutch all the way down, leading to rough shifting, or rushing shifts while accelerating, causing gear grinding. Remember to come to a full stop before shifting into reverse—safety first. The Santana's gear throws are short, with direct feedback, making it quite fun to drive. Over time, you'll learn that lightly matching the throttle to the RPM makes everything smoother.
