My Qashqai prompts a gear change at 2,000 RPM, regardless of whether I am driving uphill, downhill, accelerating aggressively, or applying light pressure on the accelerator; at 2,000 RPM, the indicator activates.
The engine does not reach the redline until above 6,000 RPM, and the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) activates until about 3,500 RPM, which does not affect the system either.
I alter my driving when the engine indicates it is optimal and in accordance with my current driving style.