Hyundai iMT: How it works & Advantages Explained

When it comes to automotive technological innovation, the transmission is one area that has seen significant development over the years. A variety of automatic transmissions have emerged which differ in their functionality but work to make your driving experience more convenient. The latest innovation to be introduced is Hyundai’s iMT or intelligent Manual Transmission, which is also available on the new 2020 Hyundai i20, Hyundai Venue, and the Kia Sonet.

As a pinnacle of research and development, intelligent Manual Transmission is a key milestone in transmission development in India and one of the most sophisticated yet efficient transmission systems available. In this article, we will see what makes the Intelligent Manual Transmission a truly remarkable piece of engineering.

What is iMT?

For those wondering what the intelligent Manual Transmission actually is, it is a clutchless manual transmission. Yes, you heard it right. It indeed is a clutchless manual transmission as it continues to offer a two peddle system consisting of the brake and accelerator, along with a conventional manual gearbox. Now, this might seem confusing, but this is where the ‘Intelligence’ comes in. The iMT sits somewhere between the AMT gearbox and the classic manual transmission. With the iMT gearbox, gears are changed seamlessly without the need of pressing the clutch paddles, through intelligent software and actuators that virtually press the clutch paddle, while you manually shift the gear. To summarize, Hyundai’s latest iMT is indeed the best of both worlds!

The Intelligence behind the iMT

Now that you know what an iMT basically is, the next question is how exactly does the system work? Well, we’ve got you covered.

To understand the working of the iMT, let’s first understand its basic components. Firstly, there’s a ‘transmission gear shift lever’ or TGS, which is joined by an intelligent intention sensor, hydraulic actuator, and an (electronic) transmission control unit (TCU). All these components work together with a conventional manual gearbox mated to the engine.

Now, to drive a car with iMT, the ‘intention sensor’ on the gear lever senses when you are about to shift gears. These intention sensors then send a signal to the transmission control unit or TCU as to when the gears are changed. Then, the TCU sends a signal to the hydraulic clutch actuator to engage or disengage the clutch plate depending on whether the gear is shifted up or down. Here, the work of the actuator is to build up hydraulic pressure and transfer the same via a concentric slave cylinder (CCS) which in turn engages or disengages the clutch plate. Thus, while an automated manual transmission (AMT) and an iMT are both regular manual gearboxes, in an AMT, software governs when and how the shifts happen, while in an iMT the control is in your hands.

The Advantages of using an iMT

It is clear that with the iMT, the driver is relieved of clutch operation especially in bumper to bumper traffic in the city, thus making your drive comfortable and hassle free.

Another added advantage for people who love an engaging drive is the fact that even though the iMT gets rid of the clutch paddle, it still provides the driver with control of shifting gears at will. This directly translates to freedom from a loss of desired power that is often experienced in software gear shift in AMT cars. Moreover, Hyundai also claims that the iMT doesn’t “compromise on fuel efficiency and performance” since it uses a conventional manual gearbox underneath. Thus, Hyundai’s iMT gearbox is indeed the best of both worlds.

For those looking to buy the all-new Hyundai Venue iMT, driving the vehicle at first will surely feel different as you might not be accustomed to shifting the gear lever manually without a clutch pedal action. But over time this technology will prove to be a blessing that can actually offer control of a manual and convenience of an automatic transmission.

The Future of iMT in India

With the Hyundai Venue already available with an iMT transmission, the future of this clutchless automatic looks bright and promising. In fact, the recently launched Kia Sonet also comes with an iMT variant. As a technology, iMT has come a long way since it was first introduced aboard the Toyota Fortuner back in 2016. 

At the moment, Hyundai and Kia are the only car makers that are offering an iMT option in their portfolio. Here are the cars available in India that come with an iMT gearbox:

FAQs about iMT Transmission

Does the iMT match the thrill of a manual?

As already mentioned above, gear shift onboard the iMT happens only when the driver decides to do so. Thus, unlike the AMT where software determines gearshifts, an iMT system truly delivers the thrill of driving as gearshifts are manual and can be done as and when required. The added bonus of Hyundai pairing this transmission with their turbo petrol further adds to the fun factor for iMT transmissions.

Can you stall an iMT enabled vehicle?

No, you cannot stall an iMT enabled vehicle. This is because after bringing an iMT vehicle to a halt in first gear, the intelligent sensors automatically disengages the drive and depresses the clutch for you.

Can you start the car in higher gears?

In an iMT equipped car, the clutch does not engage if you are at a standstill in higher gears. In such cases, the driver is prompted by on-board systems to shift down to the appropriate gear. If the car is parked, the driver must engage first or second gear to get moving.

Are iMT gearboxes reliable?

With regard to reliability and long term durability, iMT vehicles are equipped with the same components as a regular manual set-up, with the only difference being the addition of an actuator that’s operating the clutch. The clutch life, therefore, might be 10 or 15 per cent less than a regular one, but that’s an acceptable difference considering the gain in comfort.

Does the iMT gearbox get hill hold system?

This depends on the manufacturer if hill hold assist is offered on an iMT car. Some cars like the Hyundai Venue and i20 N-Line are equipped with hill hold assist on the iMT variants. The hill hold system prevents the car from rolling back when you are driving from a standstill on a steep slope. There are sensors that detect the incline angles and apply the brakes, thus the handbrakes are rarely required.

Is the iMT worth buying?

iMT transmission are ideal for new drivers, who will appreciate the ease of driving an iMT car while more experienced drivers can take advantage of the improved control over an automatic transmission.