Different types automatic transmission: Who should buy what

Automatic cars have started gaining popularity among buyers in India. Gone are the days when people preferred manual over automatics. In metro cities, automatic transmissions are a boon to drivers when they get stuck in traffic jams. When we talk about automatic transmissions, there is not just one. Automatic transmissions can be separated into several categories. Some are affordable system while some are expensive. Here we have a list of type automatic transmissions that are available in the market.

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

This transmission is suitable for those who want a fuel efficient automatic transmission at an affordable price.

As the name suggests, this is a modified version of a manual transmission. The Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) uses sensors, actuators, servo motors and programmers. These components work together to seamlessly engage and disengage the clutch. The AMT gearboxes cannot be called very smooth they have however improved a lot over the years. Entry level cars like Renault Kwid, Tata Tiago, Maruti Ignis and many more cars come with this gearbox.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

This transmission is suitable for people who are looking for a stress free low-speed ride.

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The CVT gearbox uses pulleys and belt. It operates together to offer infinite number of gear ratios. This goes up or comes down depending up on the speed and throttle response. There is absolutely no jerks but, it tends to get very noisy at times and also has a rubber band effect during heavy throttle inputs. Many may find this rubber band effect irritating. Cars like Honda Amaze, Honda Jazz, Kia Seltos, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger offer this transmission.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

This transmission is suitable for those who are looking for a more engaging or performance-oriented drives.

This is one of the most advanced automatic transmission on the cars. The dual-clutch transmission is known under many names depending up on the manufacturer. As the name suggests, there are two sets of clutch in the car. One of them engages the odd number of gears while the other takes care of the even number gears. As a result, the shifts are quick and seamless and offer better acceleration. In comparison to others, this automatic transmission is quite expensive both to own and repair. These days many manufacturers have introduced DCT gearbox in their models. Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, i20, Venue, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and even the upcoming Volkwagen Virtus uses one such transmission.

Torque converter (AT)

This transmission is suitable for those who are looking for smooth and reliable gear shifts

It is one of the oldest form of automatic gearbox available in the market. This system uses a planetary system for gears with an impeller and turbine. During shifting of gears, the transmission fluid in the impeller is pushed to corners, due to centrifugal force. This offers a very smooth drive but, it is not the most fuel efficient transmission around. Automatic transmissions are available on cars like Maruti Ertiga, S-Cross, Toyota Innova Crysta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and so on.

Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT)

This transmission is suitable for those who want the convenience of an automatic but also want more control over gears.

This transmission was introduced in India very recently. It was first introduced in Hyundai Venue and is now available in cars like Kia Seltos, Sonet and Hyundai i20. The gearshifts in this transmission are done manually like a regular manual transmission car but, there is no physical clutch lever present. The sensors engage the clutch automatically when the driver tends to shift the gear. This system is more convenient for city and highway driving conditions.

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