Which Automatic Should You Buy? CVT, AT, DCT Or AMT? ?

Let’s be real - If you go and ask a random person about automatic transmissions, chances are that they might not be aware of the different types of options available in the market and you’d be met with a blank stare. Folks looking to buy a new car are also often misguided by the automaker’s marketing campaigns and shiny brochures, and come to a conclusion without actually knowing if a particular automatic transmission is meant for them or not. 

So, if you are in the market scouting for an automatic transmission car, and just like the average Joe, are not really familiar with the various options, then you have come to the right place. We explain the various types of automatic transmissions, taking you through their pros and cons in detail: 

Who Should Buy An Automatic Transmission? 

There is no denying that automatic transmissions add to the convenience factor and also make driving much easier. If you are a daily commuter and live in urban areas with heavy traffic, an automatic transmission might just be a blessing for you. Stop-and-go traffic can be tiring with a manual, especially after an exhausting work day or an outing. 

People who are inexperienced drivers could also benefit from driving an automatic car, making it easier for them to first learn about other aspects of driving. 

Automatic gearboxes also offer a smoother ride, as manual transmission can feel jerky at times. Moreover, if you are opting for an expensive car, the automatic transmission could well suit the car more, complementing the smooth drive. 

Who Should Not Buy An Automatic Transmission? 

Automatic transmissions are not for everyone because they lack the personality and soul that a manual gearbox can bring to the table. If you are someone who loves to drive and wants a more engaging experience, then a manual car should be on your radar. Manuals also make you feel more connected to the car, thereby giving you more control. 

If you opt for a manual, you could save anywhere from Rs 70,000 to Rs 2 lakh. So if stretching to the automatic gearbox puts a dent in your wallet, then a manual could just be the better option for you. 

Manual transmissions tend to offer higher fuel efficiency in most cases. Usually, a manual car would offer 1-2 kmpl more mileage than an automatic car. 

Moreover, manuals are also cheaper and easier to maintain, with fewer potential issues of gearbox failure. All this, in addition to the lower initial cost of purchase, keeps manuals relevant even today!

Some manual car enthusiasts even believe that “real men drive manuals”! Not something that we completely agree with, but that’s another day’s discussion! 

For now, let’s understand the different automatic transmissions in detail: 

Automated-manual Transmission (AMT)

The entry-level automatic transmission which is essentially a manual transmission automated to handle the clutch and gear shifts. Its operation and driving smoothness is similar to a manual gearbox, but it takes the clutch out of question, giving buyers a cost-effective alternative. It is used in many entry-level cars from popular automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata and Renault. 

Cars which come with an AMT: Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Maruti Fronx, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid, Maruti Swift and Tata Punch

Pros: 

• Cheaper than other automatic options 

• Good fuel economy 

• Simple mechanism 

Cons

• Gear shifts are slow 

• Not ideal if you drive fast

• Often feels jerky 

• Does not feel refined and smooth 

Torque Converter Automatic Transmission (AT)

The real deal for many, also simply called an automatic transmission, torque converters are the authentic automatic gearboxes fitted in cars that cost anywhere from as low as around Rs 10 lakh to some of the high-end sports cars. It is one of the most common and popular transmission options, managing engine power and torque in a very efficient manner. Automakers like Jeep, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai benefit from this gearbox option. 

Cars that come with an AT: Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Fronx and Mahindra Thar Roxx

Pros: 

• Smooth shifting 

• Often known to be reliable 

• Tried-and-tested technology 

• Delivers good performance

Cons

• Gear shifts are not as quick as DCTs

• Slightly less fuel efficient than other options

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Popularly known as CVT, the Continuously Variable Transmission provides an infinite number of gear ratios and is not like your usual automatic gearbox with a fixed set of gears. It offers the smoothest shifting, giving you a very comfortable experience. Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Kia are among the key car manufacturers that offer CVT with their cars. 

Popular CVT cars: Honda City, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Magnite

Pros: 

• Offers smooth gearshifts, no jerks at all 

• Excellent fuel efficiency, sometimes even more than manuals 

• Best-suited for a chauffeur-driven car 

Cons: 

• The infamous rubber band effect (tends to make the car slow and less engaging) 

• Not suited for enthusiastic drivers 

• CVTs can be noisy during hard acceleration

• Not the most reliable transmission, needs maintenance 

Dual-clutch Transmission (DCT) 

Instead of using a single clutch, a dual-clutch system is used here for the odd and even gears. What this does is it makes shifting quicker than other auto options. Imagine two hands working on a task instead of one, won’t the job be done quicker? The same logic applies here. The dual-clutch transmission is known for quick shifting, often used in performance cars. Volkswagen, Skoda, Tata, and Audi offer DCTs in their cars. 

Popular cars with DCTs: Tata Curvv, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Kushaq, and Audi A4. 

Pros: 

• Lightning-quick shifts 

• Highly efficient, minimal power loss

• Provides a sporty driving feel

Cons: 

• Gets jerky and confused at lower speeds 

• Not very reliable in some cases, expensive to repair 

• Complex gearbox, expensive than other options 

DCTs are often available with both dry clutch and wet clutch options. The infamous DQ200 on the popular Polo was known for its heating issues among other failures, and many Polo owners also used to upgrade it to the DQ250 which had a wet clutch system. So if you are in the market for a used Polo or Vento, you better ensure that the gearbox is in a good condition.

Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) 

Introduced first by Hyundai on the Venue, iMTs offer the combination of both worlds - manual and automatic. It removes the hassle of shifting using a clutch while giving control of a manual gearbox. However, it has its drawbacks too. We have seen iMT transmissions on Hyundai and Kia cars. 

Popular cars with iMTs: Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos

Pros

• Good fuel efficiency, similar to manuals

• Less expensive than most automatics

• Provides an engaging drive 

Cons: 

• Available with a limited cars

• Pricier than manuals 

• Not as performance-focused as manuals 

• Not as tried-and-tested as other options 

By now, you might have understood the different types of automatic transmissions and how they perform. While this article might provide you with the necessary information, we recommend you go and experience the different transmissions in real life and then come to a conclusion. 

It is also important to note that different automakers give these transmission options their own name. For example, Maruti calls their AMT transmission AGS, Volkswagen refers to DCT as DSG, and Hyundai calls their CVT gearbox IVT. Same-tech, different branding, so don’t let it confuse you!

While automatic transmissions are on the rise, an old-school manual can never be replaced. The driving experience and thrill that a manual can deliver, along with the lower cost of purchase, is unmatched. Your heart and your wallet will thank you, however, your legs might not…

Would you pick an automatic transmission over a manual? If yes, then which one? Let us know in the comments section.