The next Hyundai Accent could get the clutchless manual: Report

It only has two pedals, but it's technically a manual.

When Hyundai launched the facelifted Tucson at the 2020 Auto Expo in India, the Korean car maker confirmed that it will be giving the high-tech “clutchless manual” to the Verna, which is marketed as the Hyundai Accent in the Philippines.

More accurately known as the iMT, or the intelligent manual transmission, it works by using an “intentional sensor” which informs a transmission control unit when a driver intends to shift.

The control unit then sends a signal to the hydraulic actuator to disengage the clutch plate in order for the transmission to move to another gear.

A picture of the clutchless manual system

The Hyundai iMT system

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Like traditional automatic vehicles, the iMT that’s coming on the next version, or an update of the current Accent will only have two pedals. And as Hyundai claims, this system will allow for more efficiency, better performance, and even better convenience for a driver.

Apart from the Verna/Accent, Hyundai is also planning to give the iMT to other cars within the Hyundai-Kia model lineup like the Kia Sonet. Currently, in the Indian market, the only Hyundai to come with this transmission is the Hyundai Venue.

The aforementioned crossover model is also the first in the Indian market to use a clutchless manual transmission.

A picture of the 2020 Hyundai Accent

We're guessing that the iMT version will be launched as a new variant

The current Hyundai Accent model that we have locally uses a more traditional six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.

It also has two engine options, a 1.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine that can make 100 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque, and a more powerful 1.6-liter inline-four diesel that can churn out up to 128 horsepower and 260 nm of torque.

A picture of the Hyundai Venue

Currently, one of the few cars using the clutchless iMT system is the India-spec Hyundai Venue

In comparison to the current versions of the Accent, the upcoming one with the iMT, at least for the Indian market, will cost an additional Rs 20,000.

Converted to current exchange rates, that’s Php 13,186 more than the manual versions. As of now, we do not know yet as to how it will affect the Accent’s power output and how exactly this new iMT will cost or whether Hyundai Philippines will even offer it locally, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

For more automotive news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Hyundai Accent 2021

Hyundai Accent 2021

<p>The Accent is one of South Korean automaker Hyundai’s contenders in the Philippine subcompact sedan segment. Now on its fifth generation globally since 1994, the model has been marketed under different names in various markets. Since its initial release, the Accent has been offered in both sedan and hatchback configurations, with a choice of gasoline and diesel powertrains.</p> <p>Unlike its previous iterations, the current Accent is no longer assembled and sold in Hyundai’s home market of South Korea, having been replaced by the Venue crossover in 2019.   </p>

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar is a graduate of AB English with previous experience working as a freelance writer for varied internet publications in-between his former stints in the Pharmaceutical Industry, and later as a First Aid Provider and Training Staff at the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Since childhood, Cesar has been keenly interested in cars. He has learned the ins and outs of these marvelous vehicles and is a competent amateur mechanic who is keen on sharing his knowledge.

Cesar is perceptive of car culture in general – not only in the Philippines but in global regard, as well. His knowledge ranges from the prevalent stories and trends among car enthusiasts around the world, to closely following the latest local and international developments in the automotive industry.