A device for changing gear in a motor vehicle with automatic transmission by full depression of the accelerator.
〈英〉汽车的换挡装置
Example sentencesExamples
Of course, you can change gear manually, but then you'll only have use of the gear engaged - whereas newer gearbox designs allow access to lower ratios in the kick-down mode.
Yes, you can liven it up a little by flooring the pedal to go for auto kick-down, but, if you adopt such tactics, be warned that the car is rear-wheel drive and has the power to push you off a straight line on greasy surfaces.
But I could also do the same in the auto mode, and quicker, with the accelerator kick-down.
However in situations like overtaking, a kick-down function immediately releases the engine's full power.
Some other manufacturers use a system which leaves lower gears still available for kick-down use, a better solution for the average driver.
The motor in this car accelerates so smoothly for passing, using the sport mode of the six-speed automatic transmission allows quicker kick-downs, and you can also manually shift to a lower gear.
Even then, the frequent kick-downs required for fuel-efficient operation in city driving may put off a lot of drivers.
However, the response from the kick-down is almost instantaneous, dropping down two or three gears to give instant punch when needed.
Full power is available whenever needed by pressing the pedal to the kick-down position.
Responding to the kick-down of the auto box, the motor revs powerfully but quietly, as good as any petrol-drinker, and leaps eagerly forward on seemingly endless reserves of torque.
The auto box is great around town although the delay in reacting to kick-downs might make your passengers think you're a bit of a lead-foot.
Upchanging was quite seamless, and even with full throttle kick-downs there were no nasty thumps to upset grandma in the back.