Looking at the vast number of automobiles in India today, one cannot help but not notice the number of semi-automatic and automatic vehicles here. Being an exclusive component of high-end cars a few years ago, these transmissions are now visible on vehicles of all budgets. Understand more about these transmissions in the following lines.
- Automated Manual Transmission- Automated Manual Transmission, or AMT, is the most affordable auto gearbox in the Indian market, and possibly in the world as well. This semi-automatic transmission is actually a manual gearbox which permits gear changes without pressing the clutch. It has two main parts- an ECU that engages and disengages the clutch during shifts, and a hydraulic actuator system. This kit can be added to any MT, thereby acting as a low-cost automatic solution for manufacturers. However, there is no P mode here, which means you will need to use the handbrake on slopes!
Cars using it- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, Mahindra TUV100, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire\
- AGS- Auto Gear Shift is a gearbox capable of changing gear ratios automatically. The Internal Combustion Engine gives torque and necessary speed for vehicle movement. Gears are changed not via clutch and by hydraulic locking and unlocking of gears. AGS is based upon CVT and DSG, allowing it to respond in quicker time than AMT.
Cars using it- Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
- Dual Clutch Transmission- DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is similar to the AMT in principle, but makes use of two clutches, as per the name. One of them is for the odd gear and the other is for the even gear, making it more efficient than the AMT. So, in case you have engaged an odd gear; the computer is able to figure out which even gear you will require next, and just switches clutches at the right time. You will see a D, N, R, and P selector here and no clutch. Gears can also be controlled via paddle shift. Compared to other AT’s, this offers the quickest shifts. Fuel efficiency is high here and transmission losses are also fewer in comparison to AMT. Not to forget, DCT adapts as per driving style as well.
Cars using it- Ford Figo Aspire, Ford Figo
- DSG- DSG or Direct Shift Gearbox is really a semi-automatic transmission gearbox. Two manual gearboxes are put together, but they work alternatively. Two clutches and two gear shafts are used here, along with an ECU to control the shifts. Clutches are concentric with each other, and so are the two gear shafts. It is one of the most responsive gearboxes in the world, and there is minimal lag. It is basically a variant of DCT.
Cars using it- VW Polo, VW Ameo, VW Vento, all Skoda and other cars belonging to VW Group
- CVT- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a single speed gearbox which can change gears in a seamless fashion, while using gear ratios effectively. As a result, the driver doesn’t get an inkling of the engine changing gears. CVT is quite expensive, and so it is generally used with a petrol vehicle and not a diesel, since diesel and CVT will make the sticker price too high. NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels in this transmission are quite low.
Cars using it- Hyundai Elite i20
