Operation Manual

Continuously variable transmission (CVT) (if so equipped)
Features and controls 5-67
5
This position is used for most city and high-
way driving. The transmission will automati-
cally and continuously change its gear ratio
depending on road and driving conditions.
This position is for driving up very steep hills
and for engine braking at low speeds when
driving down steep hills.
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Whether the vehicle is stationary or in
motion, sports mode is selected by pushing
the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE)
position into the manual gate (1). To return to
“D” (DRIVE) operation, push the selector
lever back into the main gate (2).
In sports mode, rapid shifting is possible sim-
ply by operating the selector lever or spor-
tronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Unlike the manual transaxle, sports mode
allows shifting with the accelerator pedal
depressed.
 To prevent the vehicle from rolling when
stopped on a slope, the engine should be
started in the “P” (PARK) position, not in
“N” (NEUTRAL) position.
 To prevent rolling, always keep your foot
on the brake pedal when the vehicle is in
“N” (NEUTRAL) position, or when shift-
ing into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL) posi-
tion.
“D” DRIVE
CAUTION
 To prevent transmission damage, never shift
into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion.
“L” LOW (except for vehicles with
manual gate)
WARNING
WARNING
 This position can be used for maximum
engine braking.
Be very careful not to shift into “L”
(LOW) suddenly. Sudden engine braking
may cause the tires to skid.
Select this position according to the road
conditions and vehicle speed.
Sports mode (if so equipped)
Vehicles with manual gate
NOTE
 For vehicles equipped with the sportronic
steering wheel paddle shifter, sports mode
can be operated even when the selector lever
is in the main gate (2).
To return to “D” (DRIVE) operation, pull the
sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter on
the +(UP) side for longer than 2 seconds, or
park the vehicle to change the selector lever
position indicator to “D” (DRIVE) and
return to “D” (DRIVE) operation.
+ (SHIFT UP)
Transmission shifts up once by each opera-
tion.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Transmission shifts down once by each
operation.
SHIFT UP
SHIFT
DOWN
SHIFT
DOWN
SHIFT
UP