Hyundai Motor India is currently evaluating the Creta iMT launch, while the Verna iMT launch is also under consideration.
The carmaker recently announced that the Hyundai Venue iMT will be launched this month. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine in the compact SUV will be mated to the new transmission.
While the Kia Sonet is also expected to get the iMT transmission, the big news is that the new Creta and the Verna are likely to get it as well.
Afterall, creating a new transmission takes quite a lot of effort and if it is good, why not plonk it in other popular models?
If Hyundai launches the iMT in the Creta, it is likely to come with the turbo petrol powertrain.
The Verna shares its engines and transmissions with the Creta except for the 1.0-litre turbo engine which comes with the 7-speed DCT. There will be a more affordable variant of the turbo model once iMT is introduced.
What is this intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) you ask? To put it simply, it is a 6-speed manual transmission that engages and disengages the clutch with the help of electronics and sensors when a gear has to be selected. It is a 2-pedal tech with a manual lever.
Want a nerdy answer? Here you go. The iMT has a Transmission Gear Shift (TGS) Lever that works with Intention Sensor, Hydraulic Actuator and Transmission Control Unit (TCU).
The TCU receives signal from TGS Lever Intention Sensor that indicates driver’s desire to shift the gears and then sends the signal to Hydraulic Actuator.
This results in hydraulic pressure being sent to the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) through Clutch Tube by which the clutch and pressure plate are controlled.
Expect iMT models to demand a premium over the manual versions and how much of a premium will be known when the Venue gets launched.
Hyundai Creta iMT launch
- Hyundai is considering launching its iMT with the Creta and Verna
- Will be launched with the Venue this month
- Will command a premium over manual gearbox variants
