Hyundai iMT: How it works & Advantages Explained

iMT, full form in the car, stands for “Intelligent Manual Transmission”. It is an advanced gearbox technology that uses a clutchless manual transmission system. In this system, the driver does not need to perform the task of pressing the clutch, as it is done automatically by the intelligent technology used in iMT.

iMT gearbox technology is a blend of AMT gearbox and traditional manual transmission, as it includes gear level manually like any regular car but there is no clutch pedal. Instead of pressing the clutch from the leg, the actuators control the clutch system, and you just need to shift gears.

Launched in 2020, Hyundai iMT set new industry standards for motor vehicle manufacturers. Its iMT transmission used in the vehicle puts rest to the need to change clutches manually, thus making the car driving experience more straightforward.

The Hyundai iMT featured a transmission gear shift lever with an intention sensor, hydraulic actuator, and transmission control system. The company has included this iMT technology in their Hyundai Venue iMT and other iMT cars.

Hyundai discontinued the use of iMT technology in 2023 and brought back the manual transmission system in their cars. You can still find some of the Hyundai iMT car models in the second-hand/used cars market. There, for much-loved cars like Venue, you may pay a lower price than the original Hyundai Venue iMT price and experience driving an iMT technology car.

How does Hyundai iMt Work?

Now that you know about IMT technology and Hyundai iMT, let us understand how the company used this technology to work in their cars.

The iMT model includes these components: a transmission gear shift lever (TGS), hydraulic actuator, intelligent intention sensor, and an electronic transmission control unit (TCU). All these components work together with the manual gearbox connected to the engine.

While driving the car, the intention gear on the gear level sense whenever you are about to shift gears. These sensors then send a signal to the TCU; when the gear is changed next, the TCU sends the signal to the hydraulic actuator present in the car to let know whether to engage or disengage the clutch plate, pivoting on whether the gear is shifted up or down.

The actuator present here works to build hydraulic pressure and sends the same using a Concentric Slave Cylinder (CCS), which in return engages and disengages the clutch plate.

Driving Convenience: The iMT gearbox provides excellent convenience to drivers with its clutchless operation. Now, customers do not have to worry about changing gears manually, especially if they are driving heavy bumper roads.

It, in return, provides comfort to your legs, giving you an overall relaxed driving experience. Thus, you can concentrate on the road and drive properly without losing control in the slightest.

Jerk-Free Driving: The intelligent gearbox system is relatively smooth in the Hyundai iMT, making fewer head movements while driving.

It is because, in iMT, the shifting of gears matches with the revs automatically. It provides the car with a linear power delivery and a better driving experience.

Creep Functionality: The Hyundai iMT provides great creep function; it provides you with the ability to move forward to press full throttle/accelerator. All you need to do is modulate the brake and, if necessary, provide slight gas to it.

The creep function is beneficial for heavy stop-and-go traffic city drivers and in situations where you need to drive up at the slope. Not only does this enhance the driving experience, but it reduces the risk of changing from nil to full speed instantly.

Fuel Efficiency: By optimising the gear shifts and ensuring that the engine runs at its optimal state, the iMT technology helps in running the vehicle with fuel efficiency.

It is because there is a minimum chance of human error while changing the gears in the Hyundai iMT, making it better in fuel efficiency than traditional manual cars.

Affordable Price Point: If you compare fully manual cars and Hyundai iMT, you will find that the iMT car is quite affordable than the former. It is because of the elimination of traditional torque converters which are present in manual cars.

Technologies like iMT are introduced for the convenience of customers; these features enhance the driving experience by eliminating unnecessary actions like pressing the clutch. This feature delights people who look for modern features and convenience.

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Till now, you must have understood what is iMT gearbox technology and how Hyundai iMT used it to provide new car options and better driving experience to the customers. Moreover, with other iMT cars in India, customers were provided with more options.

Why did Hyundai discontinue iMT cars?

After three years of its launch in 2020, the Hyundai iMT cars were discontinued by the car manufacturers. The reason was that only a few customers were buying this variant, as they preferred fully automatic or manual cars instead.

What is AMT in cars?

AMT stands for Automated Manual Transmission; this feature in cars removes the need for manual changing of clutch and gear, making the driving experience effortless.

Is iMT better than automatic?

iMT provides better control to drivers by letting them decide whether to shift gears upward or downward.

Automatic cars provide ease of driving by automatically changing gear. Some people like iMT, others like automatic systems, and individual preferences decide which car is better for someone.

Indian car buyers are increasingly warming up to the potential and usefulness of electric cars and car makers are addressing this growing demand by developing and innovating new EV models. With that in mind, here is a list of electric cars under 20 lakhs:

Tata Punch EV

The Tata Punch EV is based on Tata's new Gen 2 architecture called Acti.EV. This is a comprehensively re-engineered version of the original ICE platform for the application of EVs. In this light, the Tata Punch EV is designed such that it excels in the transition to electric power. Its amazing urban runabout is hard to beat. Considering its compact size, agile features, and reliable performance, this is an excellent EV car for under 20 lakh for city driving.

Tata Nexon EV Backed by a powerful 95kW motor, the Tata Nexon EV promises a smooth and quiet driving experience that is enjoyable for every driver. Its robust build quality and futuristic design have a wide appeal. The straight-line stability of the Nexon EV is praiseworthy as the car does not drive nervously even as it crosses 100 km/hr. It also comes with abundant torque and good handling characteristics along with an impressive list of tech features making it one of the best electric cars under 20 lakhs.

Tata Tiago EV The Tata Tiago EV offers a superior driving experience which is much better than other manual and automatic cars in the range. It has an unrivalled battery performance and is highly practical for city usage. It is refined and responsive which makes the car a particular delight on highways. It also comes with a host of high-end features which makes it an all-rounder EV car under 20 lakh.

Tata Tigor EV If you are looking for a car with good specs and superior comfort then you can opt for the Tata Tigor EV. It delivers a decent range for the city as well as planned highway usage. However, because the dimensions of the car are compact, it is a particular delight in city drives as it can navigate easily through vexing traffic. The Tigor EV also comes with a silent and smooth performance making it a remarkable EV car under 20 lakh.

Mahindra XUV 400 EV The Mahindra XUV 400 EV is the perfect blend of style with eco-friendliness. This peppy, spacious, and robust car is a bang for the buck. It delivers on its promise of excellent range and even at high speeds, its long wheelbase and weight give it a reassuring sure-footedness. What makes the Mahindra XUV 400 EV the best EV under 20 lakhs is that it is the most affordable SUV with a commitment to comfort through its best-in-class cabin space.

Citroen eC3 The Citroen eC3 is a smart-looking electric hatchback with a decent amount of space and practicality on offer. It is a reliable car for city runabout and its electric power steering unit is designed to be highly user-friendly. Drivers will enjoy the lightweight experience of the car at city speeds with reliable straight-line stability. The Citroen eC3 feels reliable even at high speed and offers a comfortable driving experience for the driver as well as for other occupants.

Now that we have taken a look at electric cars under 20 lakhs that are currently available in the market, let us take a look at some upcoming EV cars under 20 lakhs.