Automatic transmissions will soon completely replace mechanical ones, but not everyone knows, and those who know are wondering what varieties automatic boxes exist and how do they differ? In fact, there are many of them and each has its own characteristics, but today we will look at the two most popular types of gearboxes - these are classic machine and robotic mechanics.

How to distinguish an automaton from a robot visually

If you have already purchased a car or are just going to and do not know which machine is there, then these two boxes can be very easily distinguished from each other visually. Just look at the backstage (gear lever) if you see there, at the very top, the position " P”- Parking, then this is an automatic machine, and if you don’t see such a backstage position, but there is only“ N" - Neutral and " R- Back, then it's definitely a robot!

The principle of automatic transmission

The machine includes two main modules: reducer and torque converter. The function of the first is to transfer force through a system of gears, which can be meshed with each other in various variations, due to which this force changes. The second provides smooth gear shifting and performs a function similar to the clutch on the mechanics.

This type of gearbox greatly simplifies control, freeing the driver from the need to constantly contact the clutch pedal, shift gears with a lever, and control smooth starting. Automation does it for him. As a result, there is more opportunity to control the situation when driving on the road.

At the same time, the reliability of the torque converter as a unit similar to the clutch in a manual transmission will be higher, and it is impossible to break it due to inability to use it, as inexperienced drivers do. Due to it, the load on the power unit and chassis is reduced.

The speeds change when optimal speed, due to which the resource of the engine is preserved. A larger number of gear ratio steps allows you to save fuel. passive system security will prevent the car from rolling while standing on a slope.

But besides these advantages, this type of gearbox has some disadvantages. When driving, there is less dynamics of acceleration in comparison with a mechanical transmission. Fuel is consumed less economically in inverse proportion to the number of gear stages. So, a box with four steps will be the most uneconomical.

Also, the power unit has a lower efficiency due to the torque converter, which takes part of the power to work. The unit itself is quite expensive, which significantly affects the entire cost of the product. Its repair and maintenance will not be cheap, while it is necessary to take into account the large volume of oil in the device and its considerable cost.

Features of the robotic box

This type of box is divided into two subspecies. In the first, it is practically a mechanical box in which automatic control. Switching is controlled electronically. Therefore, there is no habitual coupling either. Gears can be switched automatically and manually, as on the mechanics. In these boxes, the torque is interrupted, and dips occur during shifts.

The second type is more perfect than the previous one. It is installed on sports cars participating in races. Them technical features enclosed in two clutch systems responsible for different gears. Due to this, the switching speed is very fast.

AT this type PPC lot weaknesses, but at the same time there is a relatively low fuel consumption, which can be compared with mechanical transmissions. Such a box is cheaper not only in itself, but also in maintenance, and also consumes less Supplies. Its weight is inferior to automatic boxes. She has good dynamics and convenient shift buttons located on the steering wheel.

The disadvantages of such a transmission are its intermittent operation, which is audible when switching, and there is also a delay after the gear itself is engaged. When stopping, the gearshift lever must be moved to the neutral position. All slippage reduces its resource, so it is advisable to use a car with such a box on good roads.

What is the difference? Pros and cons

Advantages of an automatic transmission:

• Provides simplified control without the need to depress the clutch and shift gears;
• A more acceptable mode of operation of the engine, increasing its resource;
• Passive security system;
• Reduced fuel consumption at 6 or more shift stages.

Pros of a robotic box:

• Relatively low cost;
• Economical fuel consumption;
• Less weight of the box;
• Acceptable driving dynamics.

Disadvantages of the Automaton:

• Poor acceleration dynamics;
• Excessive fuel consumption;
• The high price of the device itself and maintenance;
• Decrease in efficiency due to the torque converter;
• Inertia when shifting gears.

Robot cons:

• Less smooth switching even in comparison with the machine;
• Delay after switching on the transmission;
• Slippage reduces the life of the box;
• Manual translation of the lever of a neutral position at a stop.

What to choose?

Comparative characteristics of both types of gearboxes do not show a clear advantage of any one over the other. Otherwise, transmission manufacturers would produce the best option. The choice of the type of box depends on the personal ideas of the car driver about the comfort and convenience of driving a car, as well as the money that he is willing to spend on it.

It can only be noted that the machine is more suitable for lovers smooth ride, and the robot - preferring a more dynamic style, and a compromise between quality and cost.

Choosing a car is a long and troublesome business. After all, you need to decide on the class, manufacturer, specific model. Many car owners face another very important question - which gearbox to choose? On the this moment the choice is quite wide: the simplest machine has become an alternative to the usual mechanics. But two fundamentally different options have entered the market for a long time: robot and variator. And if almost every boy knows about the first two, then about the latter there is many questions. The choice must of course be based on personal preferences and the requirements of the driver, who will have to press the pedals and shift gears. Each car enthusiast has his own style, his own priorities and goals, his own driving style, which determines the final choice. For example, sharp lover start and racing on the roads (and off-road) will not give up the usual mechanical box. He presses the pedals "on the machine", without thinking about his actions. And not a single machine or CVT will allow him to achieve the desired result. But people who are tired of constantly shifting gears, getting into traffic jams, gladly give this "right" automatic box. So the choice between mechanics and automatic is quite obvious. But what about the other options? How to determine which is better: CVT or automatic transmission?

CVT or automatic: which is more reliable?

This issue worries many drivers, because in the event of a breakdown and the need for repairs, car owners will have to pay a considerable amount of money. Only experienced mechanics who are professionally engaged in the repair of automatic transmissions can fix the problem on their own. Such high complexity of work, of course, leads to significant cost, incomparable with the price of repairing a manual transmission. But such an item as reliability requires a special attitude. First you need to decide what the variator is, what is its exclusivity.

The difference between a variator and an automatic

Habitual automatic transmission noticeably makes life easier for the driver, eliminating the clutch pedal and the need to manually shift to new gear. This (far from the most pleasant process) is done by smart electronics, so the car owner only needs to switch between desired modes Yes, control the brake and gas pedal. Nevertheless, the gears are switched, the number of steps starts from four and can go up to eight. The transition between them is as smooth as possible, but it is still felt.

Variable speed drive same has unlimited number of "speeds", it is simply impossible to count them. Difference between the variator and the machine is primarily that the variator has no gears to be switched. Gear ratios change constantly because the design consists of two pulleys between which the belt rotates. Of course, such a description maximally simplifies the real structure of this complex apparatus. The strength of the belt is very high, because it consists of small metal plates and looks more like a chain. There can be no question of any gear shifting in this case. The variator independently selects the optimal position of the belt, which explains the rapid change in gear ratio.

If you do not know how to distinguish a variator from an automatic, then simply ride in the car. Gear shifting (even the smoothest) will be felt. This is especially noticeable at the time of picking up speed. But variable speed drive characterized by incredible soft ride without jerks. You can also notice a faster set of speeds due to the fact that the variator does not need to spend time switching gears.

It is very difficult to compare the reliability of these devices. It is worth noting the fact that the variator is controlled by a large number various sensors As a result, the chance of breakage is much lower. But even if at least one sensor fails, the rest can follow it. Besides automatic transmission repair will cost less than the repair of the variator. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is a small number of qualified specialists.

What is the difference between a robot and an automatic machine and a variator?

The robotic gearbox brings drivers back to the already well-known manual. It is very similar to its predecessor, but differs in that computer takes control. Of course, you will not find clutch pedals here either. Automatic and CVT suggest a greater number of sensors and options for controlling the car electronically. If you decide what is better than a robot or a variator, then you need to proceed from a specific situation. For example, drivers accustomed to harsh driving style and machine control, quickly run out of robot resources. The clutch assembly is already subjected to a large load, rapid acceleration and sharp braking. lead to breakdown. However, the repair of such a box will cost only a little more than a mechanical one.

Variator: pros and cons

There are certain advantages and disadvantages of this type of gearbox. Some of them are subjective, but others deserve special attention when choosing a car.

pros:

1. Smooth ride without jerks and sensations of gear changes.
2. Fuel economy.
3. Low noise level.
4. Fast acceleration.

Minuses:

1. Very expensive repairs, a small number of professionals who understand this type of gearbox.
2. Many sensors that control the operation of the variator. If one fails, the whole system can fail, which will lead to serious damage.
3. The variator is rarely installed on cars with powerful engine.
4. You will need a special expensive liquid that is only suitable for certain brands auto.

You can also note the fact that the CVT does not allow the car to make a roar during acceleration. Electronics and electrics control the condition of the car, avoiding high speeds.

When buying a car, both new and used, every car enthusiast will certainly think about which one is better to choose. Indeed, the choice of gearbox is a very important point. After all, each of us wants to drive comfortably and maneuverably, and at the same time have minimal fuel consumption. Therefore, it is worth considering the issue of choosing a gearbox in detail and in advance, taking time for it. Studying this issue will significantly save your nerves and money in the future.

In this article we will talk about what a gearbox is, what its purpose is, what types of gearboxes are, the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and we will give an answer to the question of how to do right choice? Let's talk about it professionally but accessible to you, regardless of level technical training, could understand the essence of the issue and decide which transmission is right for you personally.

We all live in conditions of constant lack of time. That is why we did great job for collection and analysis necessary information on this issue, and have prepared this material for you.

Watch the video about MCP and AKP

WHAT IS A GEARBOX? ITS PURPOSE

Manual Transmission

The torque converter gearbox is by far the most common transmission in the world. The torque converter is not part of the gearbox, it acts as a clutch. At high revs at speed, it is blocked by the clutch, which allows. The torque converter perfectly dampens vibrations, increasing the life of the engine and transmission.

Torque in torque converter gearboxes is transmitted using transmission oil circulating in a vicious circle under high pressure. The valve body is responsible for shifting gears, which in modern models controlled by electronics. This allows the transmission to operate in different modes: economy, standard or sport.

The mechanical part of the torque converter automatic transmission is maintainable and quite reliable. Most vulnerable spot- valve body (shocks when switching indicate malfunctioning valves). Transformer oil is of great importance, although today there are already automatic boxes that do not require its replacement.

Driving characteristics are highly dependent on the control electronics (brains). Shifting smoothness, dynamics and fuel economy largely depend on the number of transmission gears (from a four-speed to an eight-speed automatic transmission).

Torque converter automatic transmissions are equipped with Insignia, Meriva, Mazda 3, 5, 6, Peugeot and Citroen C4, C5, 308, 3008.

1. Ease of control and comfort: it drives itself, it switches itself, there is no need to select the desired gear;
2. Automatic transmission is able to change gear to full power engine;
3. When starting off on a flat plane, there is no rollback;
4. Engine and chassis thanks to the torque converter, they are protected from breakdowns and overloads due to unprofessional gear shifting, which increases their resource;
5. A car with automatic transmission is equipped with a system passive safety, preventing independent movement of the car on uneven ground.

1. Increased fuel consumption compared to mechanics and lower efficiency due to losses in the transformer. Although in some driving modes, modern automatic transmissions achieve higher efficiency due to intelligent control;
2. higher price;
3. Higher repair and maintenance costs;
4. Worse dynamics, jerks at start (not on all models);
5. Delays in gear shifting;
6. Starts only with the help of a starter;
7. When starting on a slope, the vehicle rolls backwards.

There are simple robotic mechanics and advanced.

Simple robotic mechanics (MTA) is mechanics in structure and automatic in control. Those. manual transmission, in which the gears are switched by a robot (electronics). Therefore, there is no clutch pedal. When shifting gears, there is a break in the flow of torque, as a result, dips are noticeable during acceleration.

The box weighs less than the classic machine, and costs less. Typically installed on inexpensive models. It is possible to change gears manual mode. The simplest cheap robot with one clutch (Alfa Romeo, Toyota, Opel, Suzuki) spends 1-2 seconds switching.

An improved type of transmission that came from sports is a preselective gearbox. This is a robotic mechanics with two clutches and with direct engagement. One clutch handles even gears, the other handles odd gears. Acceleration is smooth and fast, switching takes place in a split second. This type of transmission combines the dynamics and economy of the MT with the convenience of a classic automatic.

Each manufacturer has its own name for an advanced robot, the most common of which is Volkswagen's DSG. Some models with a preselective box: Volkswagen Golf DSG, Audi A4TDI S-Tronic, SeatIbiza 1.6 DSG, etc.

1. High efficiency: robots are more economical than mechanics or on the same level with it;
2. The robot is cheaper than the automatic transmission;
3. Has a small weight;
4. Some car models are equipped with paddle shifters that allow you to shift gears very quickly. And therefore, the car has excellent dynamics.

1. The moments of switching are very noticeable, the smoothness of work leaves much to be desired;
2. Gear shift delay;
3. Shocks and jerks when switching;
4. A small rollback at the beginning of the movement;
5. At each stop from a few seconds, the robot requires switching off to neutral;
6. Doesn't like slips.

In general, first generation robotic transmissions have more flaws than merit. As for the preselective boxes, they also have their drawbacks: a complex design, the high cost of the unit and its repair.

CVT automatic transmission

Rising fuel prices, concern for the environment and the need for greater comfort led to the emergence of a CVT automatic transmission. Variator (CVT) - a continuously variable transmission in which there are no gears as such. The variator consists of two pairs of tapered pulleys (leading and driven), between which the belt rotates along a variable radius. The change in gear ratios is constant, regardless of the acceleration or deceleration of the car. This ensures absolute smooth operation of the gearbox, complete comfort and the absence of any bumps and shocks. True, in some models there is an imitation of gears (tiptronic), which switches the operating modes of the variator.

CVTs are equipped with appropriate microelectronics (control system). The control computer analyzes all driving conditions, selects a more suitable gear ratio and coordinates the actions of the transmission and engine.

Examples of cars with a CVT: Renault Scenic 2.0, Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8, Audi A4 2.0 Multitronic.

1. The engine runs optimally all the time;
2. The maximum level of comfort and smoothness of movement;
3. Economy ( average consumption fuel: more than manual transmission, less than automatic);
4. Dynamic acceleration;
5. Simple construction;
6. Fast operation (no time wasted shifting gears. When accelerating, the peak torque is reached immediately, thereby ensuring maximum vehicle acceleration).

1. High price;
2. Expensive repairs and maintenance;
3. Strongly dislikes slippage;
4. Incompatibility with a powerful engine due to the fragility of the belts;
5. For reversing and starting off, additional mechanisms are needed;
6. The variator is afraid of overheating, therefore, operation requires a special, very expensive oil with the need to be replaced every 50-60,000 km. After 100,000, as a rule, a belt replacement is required;
7. In the first models of a car with a variator, there is a monotonous hum of the engine, which is difficult to endure psychologically;
8. Less dynamic compared to manual transmission.

WHICH GEARBOX TO CHOOSE?

Obviously, there is no perfect gearbox. If you are an active driver, like maneuvers and speed, a mechanic or a robot will suit you. If you want comfort in the city, but often get out of the city, not only on the highway, an SUV with a traditional hydromechanical automatic transmission will suit you. A simple robot will suit a calm driver who chooses efficiency and smooth roads. The variator is good for lovers of comfort and ultimate smoothness.

So, the choice of gearbox depends entirely on your personal priorities. Decide what is more important for you: dynamics, price, efficiency or comfort? And make your right choice.

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I first encountered this type of gearbox when I rented a Fiat in Italy in the middle of the 2000s. grande punto with a 90-horsepower turbodiesel and a single-disk robot.

The car rolled backwards so quickly so treacherously that it almost damaged the wall of the castle, which had stood there since the 14th century. From other memories - ugly acceleration, inadequate behavior in traffic jams. Editorial Vesta and Xray with AMT also did not perform well during trips around the city. Jerky and unpleasant to drive cars. And the clutch resource, according to a colleague who constantly drives, turned out to be very low.

In short, my opinion: a single-disk robot - for nothing. It’s better to dance a jig on the service pedals in wild Moscow traffic jams, when you sometimes trudge ten kilometers for an hour, than such machines.

Robot with two clutches

Usage examples: some Mercedes-Benz models, BMW, Mini, Ford, most Volkswagen Group vehicles, including Audi, Skoda, Seat.

The essence of the idea is that separate input shafts and, accordingly, individual clutch discs. If you are moving in first gear, then the second shaft is already rotating in second! Due to this, switching occurs very quickly - in milliseconds. Man is incapable of such agility. At the same time, no jerks during gear changes are practically not felt. They are used as "wet" clutch discs operating in oil - then this six speed box DSG 6, and "dry" - 7-speed DSG. "Dry" clutches are very limited and almost never reach 100,000 km, and with aggressive driving sometimes do not exceed 30,000 km.

Skoda with a robotic box DSG gear. A dream during the first 30-80 thousand kilometers.

Skoda with DSG robotic gearbox. A dream during the first 30-80 thousand kilometers.

Personal impressions are limited to trips on cars that are provided to our publisher for testing. Russian representative offices various brands. These cars are practically new, with low mileage, on which characteristic problems double-disk robots have not yet appeared. Everything looks great: fast, powerful, quiet - some pluses. If you choose a car for personal use, and the mileage is to be rolled up a lot, then it is better to prefer a traditional hydromechanical automatic machine or good old mechanics as a gearbox.

Variators

The buzz from such a box is that the usual step switching basically not here! Cone-shaped disks are fixed on the input and output shafts, which together form a kind of pulley with a variable diameter. The shafts are connected by a transmission - V-belt, chain, etc. By shifting the cones relative to each other, you can smoothly change gear ratio. The toy is not cheap. Requires a special transmission fluid, the level of which must be carefully monitored.

There are quite a few varieties - the main ones are listed below.

V-belt variator

Usage examples: Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and etc.

The V-belt variator is by far the most common type of continuously variable transmission. The torque is transmitted by a metal pushing belt. The ends of the trapezoidal elements put on the tape, in contact with the cones, cause them to rotate. At the same time, a conventional torque converter with blocking is used, as on hydromechanical machines. When starting off, the torque converter increases the engine torque up to four times the torque. The use of this node provides a smooth start of movement when moving in urban traffic jams.

V-chain variator

Usage examples: Audi A6, Subaru Forester.

The device is similar to a V-belt variator, but instead of a belt, a metal chain is used as a transmission, consisting of plates connected by wedge-shaped axles. It is the ends of these axles that transmit torque. Another difference is that in Audi boxes a clutch package and a dual-mass flywheel are used instead of a torque converter.

Both types of continuously variable transmissions have recently been made with virtual steps. Allegedly, drivers like it more, because the engine does not howl on one note.

According to consumer properties, the variator - best type gearboxes. It provides fast acceleration, and as for the monotonous sound... I remember that Hottabych removed the sound of the engines of a flying aircraft, but what did that lead to? The participants in the events barely escaped ... On a flat highway, at a car speed of just over a hundred, the engine speed does not reach 2000. There is engine braking. Personally, I am afraid for the resource of the belt and in the winter I even warm up not the engine, but the variator. And so - the perfect box (ugh, no gears)!

And, yes, I forgot: CVTs on a slope do not roll back!

Good old hydromechanical gearbox

Use cases: almost the entire range of Korean and American brands, as well as relatively powerful cars other manufacturers.

It is a stepped planetary gearbox connected to the engine through a torque converter. The selection and shifting of the planetary gears used to be carried out hydromechanically, but now the ubiquitous electronics, together with the engine management system, determines which gear to work in power unit Currently. The number of steps is constantly increasing, reaching nine on the most expensive cars.

More recently, domestic motorists did not have the pangs of choice - not only transmissions, but even car models. Now the market is rich and oversaturated not only with classes and models of cars - the variety of types of gearboxes alone can plunge into bewilderment. We decided to resolve this issue.

HANDMADE

The good old manual transmission is losing its relevance and adherents more and more every day - especially in big cities. The choice of mechanics is truly rational only if you drive mostly outside the city, especially over long distances: for the time being, most options for cars with manual transmission are more economical than their counterparts with the same engines, but automatic transmissions.

Although there are more and more exceptions here: for example, Kia Sportage with 2 liter gasoline engine consumes less fuel in the version with a gun. Undoubtedly, those who believe that it is such a transmission that allows you to fully control the car and get more emotional feedback from it will prefer a manual transmission.

In fairness, it should be noted that almost all modern automatic transmissions have long got rid of excessive thoughtfulness, and with the choice of a mode that is optimal for both dynamics and economy, they cope better than most drivers.

Another thing is that the mechanics will easily endure harsh driving styles and heavy loads (for example, off-road or when towing a heavy trailer), unlike much more gentle automatic transmissions.

Finally, mechanics are cheaper than all other types of gearboxes, not only in acquisition, but also in maintenance. The clutch of neat and skillful drivers, even in a metropolis, can last 120 thousand km or more, and oil for manual transmission, if you suddenly have to change it someday, is cheaper than for automatic transmissions.

FOR LAZY AND WORKWORKERS

If the presence of three pedals with two legs generates cognitive dissonance, then the choice is better to stop on the transmission, which will courageously take on the hard work of establishing the connection between the motor and the wheels. The automatic machine is definitely more convenient and, most importantly, safer in a big city.

The most common option is the traditional hydromechanical box gears: a planetary gearbox with a number of steps from four to seven and a torque converter instead of a clutch. This is also the most reliable design: even French-made machines, previously considered capricious, have long been healed of childhood illnesses and regularly nurse the resource allotted to them with minimal maintenance costs.

Almost all hydraulic machines today are equipped with a manual gear selection function, which is useful, for example, for engine braking on long mountain descents. Easier and cheaper steel modern machines and maintenance: a significant part of these boxes do not require topping up or changing the oil during the entire service life.

Another proprietary drawback of such transmissions is becoming a thing of the past - increased consumption fuel. The main disadvantage of both a hydraulic machine and, in general, any automated transmission is the need for accurate, economical operation.

Automatic machines do not like a sharp, ragged pace of driving, they do not tolerate towing. When switching modes (e.g. from parking P to driving mode D or from D to reverse R) it is better to make at least a two-second pause before starting off - this will significantly increase the resource of the hydraulic valve block and prolong the successful life of the transmission. You should never turn on neutral on the go - this destroys the machine! And in winter, it will not be superfluous to warm the box by turning on mode D for a couple of minutes before driving.

BETWEEN ANGEL AND DEMON

At the diabolical instigation of marketers and economists, a forced engineering genius gave rise to a kind of machine for the poor - a robotic manual transmission. In essence, this is the same mechanics, but the gearshift and clutch are controlled by automatic drive with electric or hydraulic actuator.

The driver has almost the same selector as on cars with classic slot machines, but in the behavior of the machine with the robot is noticeably different. And, alas, not for the better. Even the most successful modern robotic boxes annoy with thoughtfulness, "nods" and unpredictable switching moments with long pauses.

In the city, this is not only inconvenient, but sometimes dangerous: while the box “thinks”, changing gear, the car stops accelerating. Someone cunning will think to squeeze in before you, and just at that moment the robot turns on next gear- your car with a jerk rushes forward again ...

Many robotic boxes turned out to be very unreliable - and at the same time very expensive to repair. And even their regular maintenance often costs a pretty penny: robots wear out the clutch many times faster than the most inept drivers - in conditions of intensive urban use, the clutches of some robotic boxes can withstand only 20 thousand km. The advantage of the robot is only one: it is noticeably more economical than any automatic machines, as well as mechanics.

GIVE A BELT

Since the mid-90s, another interesting unit has received great development - a stepless variator. Its design is as follows: two pulleys with a variable diameter are interconnected by a chain or a metal V-belt. By changing their diameter, the pulleys regulate the gear ratio, and they are able to do this smoothly, without fixed steps - therefore, the first variators surprised the owners of the cars they equipped with the fact that the engine kept constant speed when accelerating at least up to 100 km / h.

The uniform itching of the engine was unusual and did not cause bright emotions among motorists - therefore, soon the manufacturers began to program the operation of the variators so that they simulate gear changes with a slight change in speed and, accordingly, the sound of the engine. All modern CVTs, like hydraulic automatics, have a manual gear selection mode - that's only in this case gears should be understood as a set of fixed gear ratios between pulleys.

The CVT boasts a very cheerful responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - it is more lively than a hydraulic machine. And in terms of efficiency, it is the same - after all, instead of a clutch, it also has an inert torque converter, which eats up a significant share of the power flow.

Maintenance of a continuously variable transmission is more expensive than a hydraulic automatic transmission: modern CVTs, as a rule, no longer require periodic replacement of the chain or belt, but the oil in them needs to be changed - usually every 90 thousand km. In addition, the variator is considered by mechanics to be a rather delicate design - driving on serious off-road with slipping is especially undesirable for him.

CLUTCH? GIVE TWO!

Another alternative to a hydraulic automatic is a preselective robotic gearbox with two clutches. This design became famous thanks to the Volkswagen concern, which was the first to master the production of such gearboxes called DSG - today almost all cars in model lines all brands of the concern, with a few exceptions, are equipped with these boxes.

And more powerful motors equipped with six-speed DSG, and less powerful - seven-speed. At the same time, the concern has almost three lines of these boxes, which differ slightly from each other structurally: these are DSG, S-tronik and PDK. The idea was also picked up by other manufacturers, including the Chinese.

The main advantage of a preselective box over a hydraulic machine is cardinally best indicator efficiency: a dual-clutch robot can reduce fuel consumption by 15-20% compared to a traditional automatic transmission.

The behavior of the transmission resembles a hydraulic automatic: the preselective robot is also not devoid of thoughtfulness, so for a confident overtaking, it is better to switch the box to either sports or manual mode.

Unlike a conventional automatic, this robot does not keep the car uphill when the brake pedal is released: the car rolls back in the same way as with mechanical box. There are also questions about the reliability of these transmissions: for example, problems with seven-speed DSGs are widely known.

The manufacturer basically solves them under warranty, but if the latter runs out, then the owner will not find it a little: the cost of a clutch kit, for example, exceeds $ 1,000.

OUR SUMMARY

So, if everything is more or less clear with the mechanics, then in terms of automatic boxes we recommend the following. Choose a traditional hydraulic machine - you will not lose in any situation: this is the most reliable, well-studied and practical transmission in operation.

For those who usually do not leave the asphalt (and if they do, they do not go into all serious trouble on muddy roads and off-road), a good alternative is a variator. It will please you with better responsiveness, although maintenance will cost a little more.

Well, experiments with robots of any type - so far the lottery "lucky - not lucky": perhaps these types of boxes still need to ripen.

Yuri VERKHOVTSEV