Automatic gearboxes explained
Automatic transmissions come in several various flavors and, these days, different car brands have all manner of different names for them. Let’s try and cut through the confusion so you know the major differences and the pros and cons of each.
I’m a bit of a 3-pedal-dodger, preferring an automatic gearbox for my day to day transport (partially due to a dodgy left knee); over the years I’ve driven over half a million miles in automatic vechicles so I’m perhaps more qualified than some to give you my open and honest verdict on the various transmission types.
Dual-clutch automatic
Better known as : DCT, PowerShift (Ford), S tronic (Audi), PDK (Porsche), DSG (VW/Skoda/Seat)
Pros Fuel efficient, quick gear changes
Cons Can be expensive to repair, not always the most reliable, repairs can be costly
In my humble opinion, these offer the most engaging drive of the automatic transmissions we are discussing here and are the best option for performance vehicles.
Torque converter
Better known as : Steptronic, Tiptronic, Geartronic
Pros Reliable, smooth and quiet
Cons Can be quite sluggish; not very fuel-efficient
This is old, trusted technology that delivers a very smooth ride but can, at times, lack some of the dynamism and controllability of a dual-clutch system.
A torque converter can still often be found in luxury saloons and SUV’s are they’re quite well suited to the task of delivering a smooth and quiet ride.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Better known as : CVT, e-CVT, Xtronic
Pros Very reliable, fuel-efficient, simple technology
Cons Noisy, lack of manual control, sluggish
These are commonly found in some of the most reliable Japanese car brands such as Toyota, Lexus and Honda. Although far from exciting in use they represent an ultra-reliable, dependable, and economical solution to those who prefer to drive a 2-pedal. Newer CVT’s are a vast improvement over earlier examples, the new Toyota/Lexus example being a prime example - it’s come a long way since the mk.1 Prius!
Automated manual
Better known as : EAT, EGC, ETG
Pros Fuel-efficient, cheap
Against Jerky, clunky, and dim-witted driving experience
For me these are the worst automatic transmissions currently on the market and I beg of you to have a long test drive before biting the bullet on one of these. I know many people who drive them without complaint but I’m personally not a great fan and don;t think I could live with one on a long-term basis despite being a very experienced driver of automatic vehicles.
So what’s my pick of the bunch?
I personally like the Dual Clutch boxes but others would strongly disagree with my verdict so I suggest you try for yourself, read up on common flaws of the particular model you are going to test and then give it a really good drive and put the thing through it’s paces. Opinions are like…erm…hearts….we’ve all got them but yours is the most important to you.