Kia Optima: Sports Mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the “D” position into the manual gate. To return to “D” range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In sports mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly. In contrast to a manual transaxle, the sports mode allows gearshifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Up (+) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-) : Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

• Upshifts do not take place automatically in sports mode. The driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, taking care to keep the engine speed below the red zone.
• In sports mode, only the four forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the “R” or “P” position as required.
• In sports mode, downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• In sports mode, when the engine rpm approaches the red zone shift points are varied to upshift automatically.
• To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not execute certain gearshifts when the shift lever is operated.
• When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the +(up) position. This causes the transaxle to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the -(down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.