Types of Car Transmissions and which one is best for you

Just like everything else in the market, when it comes to cars, we are spoilt for choices. From options in drivetrains like front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, to choices in engine type like conventional fuel and electric, the possibilities are endless when shopping for a new vehicle. Another key decision a buyer needs to make when buying a car is what type of transmission to get. Now, most cars sold in India are manual, unlike the rest of the world where automatic transmissions are the rue of the roost. While automatic transmission has been around for quite a while in the country, it was earlier only limited to expensive luxury cars. However, things have changed drastically in the Indian market and now even entry-level cars offer different transmission options for their buyers. If you have been looking for a car and are confused which transmission to opt for, look no further. We have got you covered.

Manual Transmission

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The simplest and oldest type of transmission still in use is the trusty manual. This gearbox uses a friction clutch modulated by the driver's foot to connect the engine's rotational energy to the transmission's input shaft. From there, a fixed set of gears are engaged using a syncro and gear-selector fork connected to the shifter operated by the driver's left hand. If you want to be more connected to your car then manual transmission is the way to go. However, it requires much effort to be learnt and mastered. On the plus side, it is also the most fuel-efficient.

Automatic Transmission

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If you don't want to get into the complexity of driving a manual transmission an automatic is the one for you. These transmissions are also known as torque converter automatics as the mechanism uses an advanced fluid coupling to amplify the torque produced by the engine to transmit power to the wheels. A torque converter transmission is a marvel of engineering and also the oldest kind of automatic transmission to be found on cars. In a car with a torque converter transmission, you will find the clutch pedal missing. This transmission system uses two turbines. One is connected to the engine and one to the transmission. Hydraulic fluid between both the turbines transfers power from the turbine located on the engine side to the one located on the transmission and thus induces vehicular movement. Cars with torque converter transmissions are easier to drive and give ample torque to accelerate smoothly.

Continuous Variable Transmission

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The CVT is like automatic transmission but with no gears at all. Instead, it uses a special belt that runs between two pulleys, shaped liked cones, to continuously vary gear ratios, just as the name suggests. As the belt or chain moves up one cone, it moves down the other, effectively creating an infinite number of gear ratios to always keep the engine in its most efficient rev range. There may be a manual mode to provide shifting between certain preset positions on the cones to create the feel of a traditional planetary automatic gearbox. Just like automatic transmission, a CVT offers comfort of driving. However, it is only available in the top-end variants of select cars which can get expensive.

Semi-Automatic Transmission

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A semi-automatic transmission combines the convenience and car connection elements of a manual and an automatic transmission. Semi-automatic transmissions include Automated Manual Transmissions (AMT) and clutchless manuals like Hyundai's iMT.A semi-automatic transmission doesn't have a clutch pedal but it does have a gear stick. These transmissions use an actuator to engage the clutch at the best engine speed so that you can shift the gear perfectly. Due to their manual-like nature, their fuel efficiency is almost at par with manual transmissions and with their automatic element they reduce fatigue in stop and go traffic. While they might be a bit more pocket friendly than torque converters and CVTs, these automatic cars are not as cheap as manual transmissions due to the complexity of the clutch system.

Dual Clutch Transmission

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The DCT offers enhanced performance and quicker shifts between gears compared to the other types of transmissions. They are the most advanced form of transmissions and the main highlight is that it can shift gears at quicker speeds, providing excellent performance. The system uses two clutches making the transmission highly responsive. Mostly found in luxury cars, DCT or DSG, as they are popularly referred to, are equipped in cars such as Volkswagen Polo, Ford Figo, Skoda Rapid, etc. While the DCT offers maximum performance, they tend to consume more fuel compared to other types of transmissions.