AMT or CVT: Which automatic transmission technology is better

Although continuously variable transmission (CVT) units are still available in the market, the alternative is the automatic transmission with dual-clutch.

The Indian car market has been growing over the years due to technological advancements and the increasing number of people who are interested in cars with automatic transmissions. This has led to an increase in the number of cars equipped with an automatic gearbox. Manufacturers are now offering various types of automatic transmissions to cater to the needs of the new generation of car buyers.

Although continuously variable transmission (CVT) units are still available in the market, the alternative is the automatic transmission with dual-clutch. As a result, buyers are left with too many options when it comes to choosing a car.

Best automatic gearbox - AMT

An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle that can be used to automatically shift gears in order to reduce the driver's need to engage the clutch. This type of gearbox works through a series of actuators that are designed to control the clutch and the gearbox according to the programmed levels. Since it's similar to a manual gearbox, it is the most cost-effective and efficient type of gearbox currently available.

Modern versions of automatic transmissions come with a manual mode, which allows the driver to manually control the vehicle's gearbox. Some of the popular models that are available with this type of gearbox include the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Maruti Suzuki Swift.

Best automatic gearbox - DCT

This type of gearbox utilizes two clutches, which are connected to a network of electronics and hydraulics. It eliminates the need for the clutch pedal and allows the vehicle to drive on the road without experiencing excessive clutch pedal movement.

This type of gearbox allows the vehicle to automatically shift gears while still allowing the power to be transferred from the engine.

The dual-clutch transmission offers the fastest gear shifts compared to other types of automatic transmissions. It's ideal for people who are looking for a vehicle that can deliver impressive performance. Some of the popular models that are equipped with this type of gearbox include the Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Virtus, and the Kia Sonet.

The continuously variable transmission is an automated gearbox that utilizes a steel belt between two drive pulleys. The diameter of each drive pulley is adjusted by the CVT to transfer torque to the wheels. It's considered to be the smoothest type of automatic transmission due to how it continuously changes its gear ratios.

Best automatic transmission - CVT

The steel belt between two drive pulleys is used in the manufacture of the continuously variable transmission. The drive pulley's diameter is adjusted by the CVT to distribute the torque to the wheels while maintaining a constant gear ratio. This type of automatic gearbox is considered to be the smoothest because it doesn't need any steps to adjust the gear ratios.

If you're looking for a smooth and efficient drive, the continuously variable transmission is a good choice. However, it's not as fuel-efficient as it should be due to how the vehicle's revolutions per kilometre tend to remain high. In the modern era, carmakers have started to shift away from using continuously variable transmissions. Some of the most popular models that are still equipped with this kind of automatic transmission are the Honda City and the Honda Amaze.