Automatic engine transmissions - best type?

James Delaney

Hi,
I need to purchase an automatic car due to a leg injury.

The following automatics apply to the car type - Can you please advise the best performance system (probably a question for experienced mechanics) or if you experienced problems with any of these systems please detail what type of problem.

DSG - Skoda
CVT - Nissan & Hyundai
Powershift - Ford
Kia - Dual Clutch Transmission
Mazda - No name for system in brochure, just says "Automatic Geatbox".

DaveyDave

DSG is Volkswagen's branding of DCT, dual clutch transmission. It's personally my preference over a standard torque converter. I believe Ford's PowerShift is also torque converter.

Dual clutch is easier on the fuel and has a smoother, quicker shifts. Some people may disagree with the smoothness, but that's just my experience. People often complain that they're 'jerky' at low speeds but you just need to allow the clutch to engage when taking off which comes with learning how to drive a dual clutch.

A torque converter auto is 'always on' in a sense. You need to hold your foot on the brake otherwise it will constantly creep forward.

I haven't driven a CVT but I don't hear any issues with them once you learn how to drive them properly. From what I hear they're like a moped in the sense that if you floor it, it's a constant rev. This isn't an issue for people who get comfortable driving them though and you won't be flooring it all day everyday anyway.

I've driven a torque converter in a Mustang, i30 and Mokka X and I much prefer the DSG/DCT in my Golf.

Some cars like the 2015+ i30s now have DCT.

colm_mcm

CVT and torque converter are usually the most dependable and need less maintenance, but DSG is nicer.

kerten

DSG/Stronic (VW, SEAT, SKODA, AUDI), Powershift(Ford), EDC(Renault), DCT (Hyundai/Kia) are all dual clutch transmissions. As far as I remember, Powershift and EDC are produced by Getrag, DSG is produced by Borg Wagner and Hyundai/Kia's DCT is in house production.

Mazda uses torque convertor automatic gearbox in its models for years

As Colm said Torque convertor boxes are almost maintenance free and more reliable against driver errors/abuse. Dual clutch gearboxes are relatively risky buys in used cars especially dry clutch versions attached to smaller engines(1.6 diesels) in most of the models. Wet clutch models are more reliable but generally comes with larger engines due to higher torque of those engines.

selectamatic

The cvt's in Toyota hybrids would be one to consider on the basis of reliability.