STARTING AND DRIVING
107 For the best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle
performance, you should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds:
gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 65 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if acceleration is needed
when you are cruising below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging
and, possibly, pinging. Regularly revving the engine to
maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine
wear and high fuel consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum
acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the
following maximum allowable speeds in each gear:
gear km/h (mph)
1 52 (32)
2 83 (52)
3 127 (79)
NOTICE:
Do not downshift if you are going faster than the
maximum allowable speed for the next lower gear.Good driving practice
If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put the transmission in
neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use the
fifth gear.
CAUTION:
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to
spin or skid.
NOTICE:
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
shifting into reverse.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a
desired speed over 40 km/h (25 mph) with your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a greater
speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise
control.
