SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX

Operation in semiautomatic mode (manual)

This mode can be activated at any time when driving by pushing the lever to the left. The mode is switched without shifting up a gear.

You can initiate gear changes using the selector lever.

To shift up a gear, push the selector lever forwards; the accelerator pedal does not have to be lifted.

To shift down a gear, push the selector lever backwards; the accelerator pedal does not have to be lifted.

The system will not tolerate a series of up or down changes that cause the engine to underrev or overrev.

By pushing the lever forwards twice you can move up two gears at a time (except if underrevving). By pushing the lever backwards twice you can move down two gears at a time (unless this causes overrevving).

When decelerating with the foot off the pedal, the gears will automatically drop to the low engine speed limit to avoid stalling. First gear automatically shifts below a certain speed limit. You can stop the vehicle at red lights or junctions etc. by depressing the brake pedal; there is no need to change to neutral (N).

The vehicle will move off again:

- either slowly, if you release the brake without accelerating (e.g. when in a traffic jam);

- or quickly, if you release the brake and accelerate.

Note: neutral may only be selected when the vehicle is being driven or is stationary when the brake pedal is depressed (if you forget, warning light 5 will come on).

Push the gear selector lever to the right to engage neutral.

If the engine speed is too high or too low, the system will choose the optimum gear.

Semiautomatic mode can be deactivated and reactivated at any time when the engine is running by pushing the lever to the left.

Operation in automatic mode

Automatic mode is selected by default every time the ignition is switched on.

The letter A appears on the display. The vehicle is controlled using the accelerator and the brake. Gears will change automatically at the correct moment and at a suitable engine speed because the automatic mode takes the road surface and the chosen driving style into consideration.

Gears may be shifted manually in this mode. Pushing the lever forwards or backwards shifts a gear upwards (except if there is a risk of underrevving) or downwards (except if there is a risk of overrevving).

Note: automatic mode takes account of:

- the position and speed of depression of the accelerator pedal to assess driving style and select the optimum gear;

- action on the brake pedal, to commence engine braking in preparation for a downshift.

You can stop the vehicle at red lights, with the gear engaged, by depressing the brake pedal; there is no need to change to neutral (N).

The vehicle will move off again:

- either slowly, if you release the brake without accelerating (e.g. when in a traffic jam);

- or quickly, if you release the brake and accelerate.

Accelerating and overtaking

- Slowly depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate gradually;

- to obtain maximum vehicle performance regardless of the mode selected (automatic or manual), quickly depress the accelerator pedal beyond the kickdown point.

The speed with which you depress the pedal will allow you to downshift according to the vehicle’s capabilities.

Parking the vehicle

It is possible to park in gear (for example, on a slope):

- with the ignition on, select a gear with your foot on the brake;

- check that a gear other than N is displayed on the instrument panel, then remove the ignition key;

- apply the handbrake.

To disengage the gear, switch on the ignition without starting the engine and shift the selector lever to neutral with the brake pedal depressed. Check that N is displayed on the instrument panel.

Bleep

- If you hold the vehicle on a slope for too long without applying the brakes or handbrake, you will strain the system (risk of overheating the clutch).

In this case, an intermittent beeping sound will remind you that you should put your foot on the brake pedal or apply the handbrake.

- Never leave the vehicle with the engine running when in gear. For safety reasons you will hear an intermittent beeping sound when you open the door if you have not shifted into neutral or you have not switched off the ignition or depressed the brake pedal.

Special circumstances

On a slippery surface or surface with little grip, change to manual mode (A/M) and select second gear before accelerating to avoid wheelspin.

Operating faults

i If this warning light comes on when the vehicle is in motion, it indicates a fault in the system. In most cases, you may still drive the vehicle, although it will not function perfectly. Contact an approved dealer as soon as possible.

Towing a vehicle with a sequential gearbox

If the gearbox is stuck in a gear:

- switch on the ignition;

- select neutral with the brake pedal depressed;

- check that the gearbox is in neutral (by pushing the vehicle, for example).

If you cannot find neutral you must tow the vehicle with the front wheels raised.

The vehicle should always be towed with the ignition switched off.