Delhi

Aakash Johri

•6w

What is the difference between different types of automatic transmissions (AT, AMT, CVT, TC, etc.), in terms of smoothness, driving comfort, mileage, etc?

Autocar India

•6w

This question is often asked, and here is an easy explanation of its advantages and what to watch out for.

AMT (Automated Manual Transmission): This is the most basic type of automatic. It is essentially a manual gearbox with an automated clutch. It is the most affordable automatic and usually delivers good fuel efficiency, often close to that of a manual. However, shifts are noticeable and can feel jerky at low speeds. You will find this gearbox in affordable cars like the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Tata Punch, and Hyundai Exter.

Torque Converter Automatic (TC / AT): This is now commonly used in many mass-market cars like the Kylaq, Sierra, and Mahindra 7XO. It is the most consistently smooth and comfortable automatic. Gear shifts are seamless, especially in slow city traffic, making it very easy to drive. Modern torque converters have improved fuel efficiency, though they still trail the others in this regard.

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): This is the smoothest gearbox when it comes to city driving. CVTs don’t have fixed gears, which makes them very smooth in stop-start traffic. They are usually excellent for fuel efficiency, especially in the city. The downside is the “rubber band” effect under hard acceleration, where engine revs rise without a matching increase in speed. Overall, they are best for relaxed city driving.

DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission): This is best suited to drivers who enjoy performance and fast shifting action. DCTs offer quick gear shifts and feel sporty on open roads. They are also quite efficient. However, in heavy traffic, they can feel hesitant or jerky if not well calibrated, and long-term maintenance costs can be higher than those of other automatics.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Wagon R

from ₹5.57 Lakh

Tata

Punch

from ₹6.22 Lakh

Hyundai

Exter

from ₹6.28 Lakh

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.62 Lakh

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Aj Singh

•3d

I need a typical hatchback for city use in Delhi. I have narrowed it down to the Ignis and Punch. Long-term reliability, low service cost and fuel economy are a must. Please suggest whether I should buy the Ignis or the Punch CNG.

Autocar India

•10h

Both the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Tata Punch are very good cars for city use, and you really can't go wrong with either one. Both are nice and compact and ride well even over bad roads. We would lean towards the Tata Punch as it has recently been updated and looks and feels more in line with the times.Inside, you will also have a slightly more modern-looking cabin, with a slicker touchscreen and a neat-sounding Harman audio system. Since you are looking at fuel economy, the Punch CNG would be more cost-effective than the Ignis, which does not come with a factory-fit system.Where the Ignis has an edge is in terms of the service experience, as Maruti Suzuki has a better track record than Tata Motors.

Tata Punch

Kholi Mao

•2d

As a first-time buyer with usage of around 400 km per month, mostly on bumpy hill roads, and a budget of around ₹10 lakh (could extend some), what could be the best car? (Open to any brand.)

Autocar India

•12h

A robust suspension and punchy power are elements we'd recommend you give weightage to. Our shortlist of models suited to your needs includes the following:1) Skoda Kylaq: Tough build, punchy engine, fun handling. Rear seat space isn’t ideal for three passengers.2) Mahindra XUV 3XO: Tough build, suspension comfort, strong engines, roomy interior. Boot isn't the largest.3) Tata Punch Turbo: Small dimensions make it suited to hills, and ample power from the turbo engine. Smallest for rear seat passengers4) Citroen C3 Turbo: Great engine, good ride comfort. Feels a bit basic, dealer network isn't the largest.

NIKHIL AGGARWAL

I currently own a 2021 Hyundai Venue (iMT) Petrol. I usually travel to my hometown in Punjab once a month, while the rest of my driving is within the city. I’m now looking to upgrade to an SUV that offers strong aesthetics and solid build quality. The first option that comes to mind is the Tata Harrier. I had been eagerly waiting for its petrol variant, and now that it has finally been introduced this year, I’m considering buying the Fearless+ variant in white. However, I’m a bit concerned about Tata’s reputation for manufacturing defects and resale value. Given this, would it still be a good decision to go ahead with the Harrier, or should I instead consider a better alternative like the Mahindra XUV700?

Autocar India

•1d

If you've got your heart set on the the Tata Harrier Petrol Fearless+, we'd suggest you go for it. We understand your concerns - Tata doesn't have a stellar reputation for reliability and fuss-free ownership, which is perhaps one of the biggest deterrents for (potential) buyers. However, since this generation of the Harrier has been around in the market for a few years now, its common glitches and initial niggles are likely to be sorted out. The 1.5 Turbo-Petrol GDI on the other hand is all new, hence we'd highly recommend opting for the maximum warranty coverage.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is also a good option - its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is a strong performer. Also, besides being spacious and well-equipped, the XUV also gives you the flexibility of three-row seating. And compared to Tata, Mahindra has a slightly better reputation as far as reliability goes. Overall, the XUV 7XO is a more-rounded package, but if you like the Harrier petrol, go for it. The Harrier petrol is a much improved offering.

Tata Harrier

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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