5 Types Of Automatic Cars That You Should Know About.....

Automatic cars are known for their convenience and the comfort they offer. The two-pedal technology has attracted many buyers who live in cities and are tired of pressing the clutch. Automatics have evolved and have become more reliable than they were before. Five types of automatic gearboxes are offered in India and the world as well.

1. AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)

If you want a lower-maintenance cost and a reliable automatic gearbox then AMT is for you. That is the reason entry-level cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, the Santro, etc.. get an AMT gearbox. 

AMT gearbox is not a proper Automatic gearbox, however, you get a two-pedal technology wherein there is no clutch. The Automated Manual Transmission as the name suggests, there is an actuator that matches the RPM and engages and disengages the gear. You can absolutely feel the gear shifts. The gearbox of the manual and the AMT gearbox is almost the same the difference is that there is just an actuator in the AMT gearbox. So if you want a reliable yet affordable automatic gearbox then you can invest in the AMT gearbox

2. CVT (Continous Variable Transmission)

If you want a fuel-efficient and reliable transmission to choose from you can opt for a CVT transmission. The CVT transmission is very smooth, however, it is not meant for performance-oriented drivers as it has a rubber band-effect a "ghurr" sound that you experience even while driving scooters.

Honda cars India is the brand that first introduced the CVT gearbox. 

Like AMT the CVT is available in many cars in India like the Hyundai i20, the Seltos IVT, etc.

3. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

As the name suggests, the Dual Clutch Transmission has two clutches one for the odd gear i.e 1,3,5, and the second one for the even gears i.e 2,4,6, etc. Volkswagen was the first car company to introduce it into India by a patented name "DSG" (Direct Gear Shift). This gearbox is the most advanced in the market today. There is no jerk whatsoever. Unfortunately, this gearbox is not suitable for the Indian Road conditions. There are a lot of heating issues being reported in the cars equipped with a DCT type of gearbox. 

The most expensive cars in the world are equipped with this gearbox, it can be the Audi, BMW, Mercedes, etc. However, if you talk about budget cars, cars like Hyundai Venue, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Seltos and the Creta are ones that you can choose from.

But keep that in mind, this cars have heating issues so if you are a city driver you may have to deal with the heating issues.

4. Torque Converter

The torque converter is the oldest automatic gearbox in the market. So, if you want a reliable, fuel-efficient, and gearbox with smooth gearshifts then you can choose a Torque converter gearbox. 

If you want to invest in cars having a "TC" gearbox you can choose the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Hexa, Ford ecosport, etc.

5. Intelligence Manual Transmission (IMT)

The IMT gearbox can't be added to the list, however, the two-pedal technology has made me add it to the list. The reliability of the gearbox can't be guessed as it is just 1-2 years old in the market. Hyundai and the KIA were the first automotive companies to launch one in the market.

When you step into the cabin you will get a feel as if you are in the automatic car, but the "H" shift gear stick is still on offer, which means you will have to shift gears manually but then you will not have to press the clutch. This gearbox is meant for performance-oriented drivers, there is no jerk while shifting gears.

Editor - Ganesh Raut