Autocar India
•1d

What is the right way to start driving a CVT automatic car after driving a manual gearbox?

Verified
•12m
Use only your right foot and keep it smooth. Your left foot now lives on the dead pedal, because the biggest mistake ex-manual drivers make is stabbing the brake with the old clutch foot. In fact, to avoid this, it's a good idea to tuck your left foot towards the seat. Start with your foot on the brake, fire up the engine, select D, then ease off the brake and let the car creep. Feed in throttle gently and hold a steady pedal. A CVT likes smooth inputs and will keep the engine in the sweet spot.
At signals, stay in D with the brake held for short stops. For longer halts, pull the handbrake first, then shift to N or P so the drivetrain isn’t loaded. Come to a complete stop before selecting R or D. Never coast in N while moving.
On hills, don’t balance throttle and brake. Use hill-hold if you have it, or handbrake, then drive off normally. For long descents, use L or the manual steps to add engine braking instead of riding the brakes.
Expect a spike in revs under hard throttle and some drone. That’s normal, but if you mash it often, the engine feels noisy and wastes fuel. Smooth, progressive inputs make a CVT feel natural.

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More questions on similar cars

•1d

What maintenance should I do on my 2017 VW Ameo TDI DSG that has crossed 130,000km, and what are the things I need to be careful about?

Verified
•1h

Change the timing belt kit and water pump now if they are older than 5 years or 90-100k km. At 130k, this is the one job that saves the engine if the belt lets go. Replace the accessory belt and the tensioner.Get the DSG checked for clutch wear and mechatronics health, and ask the workshop to run clutch adaptation. If your garage offers a DSG oil and filter change for this unit, do it. Listen for shudders on take-off and rattly idle or switch-off thunks that point to a tired dual-mass flywheel. Even with care, this gearbox can still spring a big bill later, so keep a buffer.Fresh fluids and filters keep diesels happy. Use VW-spec engine oil every 10k km, fuel filter every 20k, air and cabin filters yearly, brake fluid every 2 years, and coolant replacement with the right VW coolant if it is over 4-5 years old. Check battery, alternator belt and tensioner.Inspect and likely renew front struts, lower arms and bushes, engine mounts, wheel bearings, tie-rods, and brake discs-pads. Clean the EGR and intake, check turbo hoses and intercooler for leaks, test injectors, and glow plugs.Drive gently from cold, let it idle 30 seconds after a hard run, avoid inching on the throttle in traffic, and use good fuel.

•4d

How is the life of my Kia Carens diesel automatic purchased in 2023?

Verified
•3d

Your 2023 Kia Carens Diesel Automatic should have a long and healthy life ahead of it, provided it is maintained properly and used in a manner that suits a modern diesel.The good news is that your car is still relatively new, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine has proven to be a refined and dependable unit. If your driving includes regular highway runs or trips where the engine gets fully warmed up, there is no reason why the car cannot comfortably serve you for well over a decade. Modern diesels are capable of very high mileages when maintained correctly.The main thing to watch out for is the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). If your usage is predominantly short city trips, the DPF can clog over time. However, if you regularly drive on highways or take longer journeys, the system should regenerate naturally and remain trouble-free.

VehicleKia Carens
•22h

I'm a first-time car buyer looking for an automatic petrol car mainly for city use and occasional long trips. I want modern features like a 360 camera, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, etc. My budget is Rs. 10-12 lakh, but I can stretch it to Rs. 14 lakh if the car is worth it. I had shortlisted the Hyundai i20 Asta variant, but I heard there will be a facelift soon, and Hyundai may launch the Bayon as well. Is it a good time to buy the current i20, or should I wait for the facelift or even the Bayon? Are there any good alternatives like the Venue or Sonet? I am avoiding Maruti Suzuki because I feel the features offered and safety ratings are poor compared to the competition at the same price. Please advise.

Verified
•42m

You can go ahead and buy the Hyundai i20 Asta IVT now. There's no further facelift planned, and the Bayon-based crossover will be positioned much higher and closer to the Hyundai Creta in price. For mostly city use, the i20's smooth, automatic and light controls make traffic a breeze, and it fits your budget better than most compact SUVs would. You still get six airbags, a big screen, a sunroof and all the everyday comforts, and it’s fine for the odd highway run. However, the i20 doesn’t get a 360 camera, and Android Auto/CarPlay aren't wireless unless you buy a special adapter accessory.If a 360 camera is a must and you want the SUV look, the Hyundai Venue SX(O) DCT or Kia Sonet GTX+ have it, but they’ll sit well past Rs 14 lakh on-road in most cities, and their dual-clutch automatics aren’t as smooth as the i20’s CVT in bumper-to-bumper traffic.Another alternative you could consider is the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Turbo Petrol V AT, which gets a punchy but efficient engine, a smooth automatic, and the features you want at around your Rs 14 lakh budget.

VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

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Popular discussions right now

•4d

I am looking for a diesel automatic car for long-distance driving. My daily running is around 230 km, so I need something with good highway stability, reliability, and a proven track record. Kindly suggest which car would be the best fit for my requirements.

Verified
•2d

With a daily running of around 230km, a diesel automatic makes perfect sense and will be the most cost-effective option in the long run.Our recommendation would be the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is refined, fuel-efficient and well proven, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. It is also stable at highway speeds, comfortable over long distances and has built up a strong reliability record over the years. Given the distances you cover, the diesel's efficiency advantage will quickly offset its higher purchase price.Another option worth considering is the Tata Sierra Diesel Automatic. It offers more space and road presence and should be an excellent long-distance cruiser. However, the Seltos' powertrain is more proven, and it remains the safer recommendation today.

VehicleKia Seltos
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•5d

I am very confused about buying my first car because of the petrol fiasco. I am leaning towards diesel. I'll have a monthly 600km trip. Plus city driving of 400km a month. The budget is around 13-14 lakh. Which automatic would be the best

Verified
•2d

Consider the Kia Sonet HTK Plus diesel automatic. It fits within your budget and gets a refined diesel engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque-converter automatic. It also feels stable on highway trips and has enough performance for quick overtakes when needed.The downside is that the ride can feel a bit firm in the city, and rear-seat space is not the best in the segment. If that is a concern, then also try the Hyundai Venue diesel automatic, which offers a slightly roomier rear seat and a more pliant ride.Overall, if your priorities are fuel efficiency, highway ability and the convenience of a proper automatic, the Sonet diesel AT is a strong fit.

VehicleKia Sonet
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•6d

I have been using a Hyundai Creta Diesel since 2017 and have driven it for almost 2 lakh km. I am now planning to upgrade my vehicle. Would the Mahindra XUV 7X0 base diesel variant be a good choice for my requirements?

Verified
•3d

Yes, the XUV 7XO base diesel is a solid upgrade from your 2017 Creta if you do long highway runs. The 2.2 diesel pulls stronger, sits at cruise with less effort, and the bigger, heavier Mahindra car feels more settled at speed and over broken roads. You also get a roomier cabin and boot, which helps on long trips with family and luggage.Be ready for a few compromises. It is a big SUV, so parking in tight city spots takes getting used to, and the diesel manual’s clutch can feel heavier than your Creta’s in traffic. Expect slightly lower kpl than your old 1.6 diesel.Overall, the XUV 7XO AX is a strong choice.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
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Posted on: 24 Jun 2026