iMT Explained: How it Works and the Best Cars

iMT’s are a recent addition to the list of transmissions for new or used cars buyers to choose from. An iMT, or “Intelligent Manual Transmission”, in the context of Indian cars should not be confused with the Intelligent Manual Transmission offered by Toyota on the Fortuner in India and other cars globally. The latter is a traditional manual transmission (with a clutch pedal) and the added ability to automatically rev-match in between gear shifts. As for the former, and the kind of iMT we are discussing, it was designed by the Hyundai Group, first offered by Hyundai on the Venue in 2020 and offers a similar experience as a manual transmission, without the need of a clutch pedal.

Since then, Hyundai has offered the iMT on the i20, the i20 N Line and the Creta. However, currently Kia (Hyundai’s sister brand) is the only car maker to offer an iMT on its cars in India, namely the Sonet, Seltos and the Carens. How does an iMT work and is it beneficial for you?

What is an iMT?

An iMT is devoid of a clutch pedal but still retains the H pattern shift lever found in manual transmission cars. The driver remains fully in charge of the gear changes while the clutch actuation is automatically controlled by the onboard TCU or Transmission Control Unit. 

The inspiration for such a transmission was taken from an AMT to reduce the entry cost to a two pedal driving experience. India’s rising traffic problems have made it more of a necessity instead of a luxury, and an iMT can be great for budget conscious buyers.

How Does an iMT Work?

It is important to state that an Intelligent Manual Transmission functions like a regular manual gearbox. Therefore, the clutch pack, transmission shafts and gears are all the same. However, to negate the issue of constant clutch engagement and disengagement, which can be highly tiring to drive in bumper to bumper traffic, an iMT uses an actuator to engage and disengage the clutch, while the driver changes the gears like a regular manual transmission.

When the driver uses the shift lever to change gear, a sensor in the shift lever detects the movement and readies to disengage the clutch from the engine to smoothly change gears. While it is not necessary to lift off the throttle for making a shift, it does feel smoother. An iMT uses many sensors to operate:

1. Throttle Position Sensor - Used for measuring the throttle position
2. Vehicle Speed Sensor - Uses wheel speed to measure vehicle speed
3. Engine Speed Sensor - Used to measure the RPM of the engine
4. Clutch Position Sensor - Used for determining the position of the clutch
5. Gear Position Sensor - Used for determining the position of the gear lever

An iMT can use more sensors than the ones listed above to smoothly shift gears when needed.

Advantages of an iMT

An iMT is a value proposition for those who want a semi-automatic experience, mostly due to the rising traffic issues in Indian cities:

1. Simple Operation: Because of its similarity to a manual transmission, an iMT is easy to use and repair.
2. Highly Affordable: iMTs are highly affordable compared to other types of automatic transmissions. They cost approximately a premium of ₹ 15,000 over regular manual transmissions.
3. Reduced Gear Shifting Complexity: Many people prefer not to engage in the physical coordination required to operate a manual transmission. An iMT reduces this complexity in half by removing the clutch pedal.
4. More engaging than an AT: The partial engagement offered by an iMT is better than the negligible engagement offered by an automatic transmission.
    

Disadvantages of an iMT

While it is advantageous in its own right, an iMT isn’t preferred by everyone:

1. Not Engaging Like a Manual: Many manual transmission enthusiasts feel that an iMT does not do enough to replicate the experience of a manual transmission, and is thus not their preferred option.
2. Resale Value: As iMT cars are not common, their resale value takes a hit. If the driving experience is not of high priority to you and you also don’t want to operate a clutch pedal in traffic, then, a used iMT car can turn out to be a good deal.
    

Best Cars with an iMT in India

iMTs in India are only found on Hyundai and Kia cars. In fact, Kia is currently the only manufacturer that offers the following new cars with an iMT:

1. Kia Sonet: A 6 speed iMT is available with the 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.5 litre diesel engine.
2. Kia Seltos: A 6 speed iMT is available with the 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.5 litre diesel engine. 
3. Kia Carens: A 6 speed iMT is available with the 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.5 litre diesel engine.

Used Hyundai iMT cars such as the i20, i20 N Line, Venue and Creta are also available in the second hand market. However, Hyundai has stopped selling new iMT cars.

Is an iMT Right for You?

iMT’s have inherently been aimed at budget conscious buyers who seek the convenience of an automatic. You should opt for an iMT if you live in an area with dense traffic and don’t want to spend the premium for an automatic transmission. 

Conclusion

An iMT replicates the partial experience of an automatic transmission while adhering to the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a manual transmission. It is highly useful in Indian conditions where there is a lot of traffic congestion in urban areas. Furthermore, it is easy on the pocket compared to other types of transmissions.