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What are the different kinds of transmission options in cars these days ?

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CarPhD

1 day ago

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With the evolving Indian automobile market, car buyers now have access to various transmission technologies. Each transmission type serves a distinct driving need—be it affordability, fuel efficiency, comfort, or performance.

 

1. Manual Transmission (MT)

How It Works:

The driver manually operates a gear stick and a clutch pedal to change gears. It involves full driver engagement for gear selection and clutch operation.

Advantages:

  • Lower purchase and maintenance cost
  • Generally better fuel efficiency
  • Full control over gear shifts, useful in difficult terrains

Ideal For:

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  • Enthusiasts who love the classic driving experience
  • Buyers in rural/hilly areas
  • Cost-conscious consumers

Popular Cars with MT (2025):

  • Maruti Suzuki Swift – 5-speed MT
  • Hyundai Creta – 6-speed MT
  • Tata Nexon – 6-speed MT
  • Kia Seltos – 6-speed MT
  • Honda City – 6-speed MT
  • Mahindra XUV700 – 6-speed MT
  • Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – 5-speed MT
  • Tata Punch – 5-speed MT
  • Kia Carens – 6-speed MT
  • Mahindra Thar – 6-speed MT

 

2. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

How It Works:

Mechanically identical to manual, but gear shifting and clutch operation are automated using actuators and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective automatic option
  • Simplifies driving in traffic
  • Offers fuel economy close to MT

Ideal For:

  • First-time car buyers
  • Urban commuters dealing with stop-go traffic
  • Those who want an automatic but on a tight budget

Popular Cars with AMT (2025):

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  • Maruti Suzuki Swift – 5-speed AMT
  • Tata Nexon – 6-speed AMT
  • Tata Punch – 5-speed AMT

 

3. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (also known as IVT in some models)

How It Works:

Uses a system of pulleys and a steel belt to provide an infinite range of gear ratios. Unlike conventional gearboxes, there are no fixed gear steps.

Advantages:

  • Extremely smooth and jerk-free drive
  • Good for fuel efficiency in city conditions
  • Lower maintenance compared to DCT

Ideal For:

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  • Urban commuters valuing comfort
  • Drivers who dislike noticeable gear shifts
  • Elderly or less experienced drivers

Popular Cars with CVT (2025):

  • Honda City – CVT
  • Hyundai Creta – IVT (Hyundai's version of CVT)
  • Kia Seltos – IVT

 

4. Torque Converter Automatic (AT)

How It Works:

Uses a torque converter (a fluid coupling) to transfer engine power to the transmission, enabling automatic gear shifts based on speed/load.

Advantages:

  • Proven reliability and durability
  • Smooth shifts, especially at low speeds
  • Handles heavy loads better than CVT/DCT

Ideal For:

  • Highway driving and long-distance travel
  • Families looking for comfort and convenience
  • Cars with larger engines or heavier frames

Popular Cars with Torque Converter AT (2025):

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  • Hyundai Creta – 6-speed AT
  • Kia Seltos – 6-speed AT
  • Mahindra Thar – 6-speed AT
  • Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – 6-speed AT
  • Mahindra XUV700 – 6-speed AT
  • Kia Carens – 6-speed AT

 

5. Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT/DSG)

How It Works:

Uses two clutches—one for odd gears and one for even gears—to enable rapid gear changes. Controlled electronically with minimal delay between shifts.

Advantages:

  • Extremely fast and smooth gear changes
  • Ideal for spirited driving and acceleration
  • Offers automatic convenience with sporty feel

Ideal For:

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  • Tech-savvy users and performance lovers
  • City driving with occasional highway bursts
  • Drivers who want a premium experience

Popular Cars with DCT (2025):

  • Hyundai Creta – 7-speed DCT
  • Kia Seltos – 7-speed DCT
  • Tata Nexon – 7-speed DCT
  • Kia Carens – 7-speed DCT

 

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6. Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)

How It Works:

Blends manual gear shifting with automatic clutch operation. No clutch pedal is provided; the system engages/disengages clutch electronically when the driver shifts gears.

Advantages:

  • Combines manual feel with ease of use
  • Reduces fatigue in traffic (no clutch pedal)
  • Cost-effective alternative to full automatics

Ideal For:

  • Drivers transitioning from manual to automatic
  • City users wanting more convenience
  • Younger buyers preferring modern tech

Popular Cars with iMT (2025):

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  • Hyundai Venue
  • Kia Sonet
  • Tata Nexon

 

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