Which Automatic Transmissions Are the Best For a Novice?

There are different types of automatic transmissions, but which is the best for a new driver? Let’s consider.

Most often novices seek a new automatic vehicle for city driving, so here we are drawing attention to the best transmissions for urban use.

Our list includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an automated manual transmission (AMT), a torque converter, and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

 1. Continuously Variable Transmission

Unlike other transmission types with a limited number of gear ratios, this flexible transmission can seamlessly change through a continuous range of gear ratios. The CVT has no gear train. To change gear ratios, it uses a combination of belts and pulleys.

This transmission is the best for the city, and one of the most efficient ones. The engine is kept in a sweet spot, there are no physical gears, and you’ll feel no change in the shifts on a gentle foot.

2. Automated and Intelligent Manual Transmissions

Automated manual transmission or AMT is essentially a conventional manual transmission but with automatic actuation for operating the clutch and/or shift between gears. Such transmissions are jerky but cheaper than others, easy to use in the city, never overload, and help the engine return nice mileage.

Hyundai and Kia use Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) in their cars. This is the latest type of transmission that is nice for daily city driving by drivers who still prefer to have the gearbox under control.

iMT comes without a clutch pedal, with a normal gear stick, and sensors built into the gear lever that senses the pressure from the driver’s hand and engages the clutch.

3. Torque Converter

This is the oldest, most robust, long-lasting, and least-demanding automatic transmission with a greater load-bearing capacity.

It uses a working fluid and centrifugal force for power transmission instead of a clutch. It works well in intense city traffic, but this kind of transmission is energy-consuming. To drive it, much of the energy is lost, which is not as good for a car’s mileage.

4. Dual-Clutch Transmission

It uses two clutches – one for even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbers gears – to transmit power from the engine to the gearbox.

DCT is fast on a racetrack but can be troublesome in stop-and-go city traffic when the transmission wears the clutch more.

Besides, it can overheat when driving on a slope. DCT needs specific tuning for urban use and a certain driving style.

Source: GoMechanic