An automatic transmission unit in a car does not require a drivers intervention while driving. A cluster of sensors within the system monitor the throttle (acceleration/deceleration) input constantly and optimize the engine response accordingly. The driver needs to only use the acceleration and brake pedals, and can enjoy the drive without changing the gears. The gear shift moves up automatically at the optimum shifting level when the driver presses the accelerator and the reverse action can be achieved when the brake pedal is pressed.
Automatic transmission is a new concept in India. As much as 95 per cent of car buyers in the US are fond of automatic transmission. Only a few imported models had automatic transmission five years ago but few people knew about it. The cars with automatic transmission are different from those with manual transmission in terms of power, acceleration, fuel economy, and driving comfort. However, the scenario has changed now.
The automobile companies are offering automatic transmission models and they are getting a place in the Indian car scene. Interestingly, cars with automatic transmission are becoming more and popular among women drivers. Women feel they are easy is to drive and are buying such cars, particularly in the cities. Consequently, the demand for such cars is shot up and the automobile companies are launching the automatic variants of their models nowadays keeping women customers in mind.
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automatic transmission is a good choice because of its smooth shifting capabilities which provide the occupants a jerk-free ride and the fuel economy of the car also sees a definite improvement. Besides, this it eases the pressure of driving in congested cities. And some people are even going for both manual and automatic switch options.
Heres a quick look into the world of cars that come with automatic transmission in India.
General Motors offers a four-speed automatic gearbox option for the Chevrolet Optra. The Captiva LTZ also offers a five-speed automatic transmission system.
Hyundai offers automatic transmission on two models the Santro Xing in the small car segment and an H-matic four-speed automatic transmission is available in the Sonata 2.7 V6 variant.
Maruti offers the automatic transmission options in the Wagon R and the Esteem, all of which feature a three-speed automatic.
Last year Hyundai released the automatic version of the Santro as an International Womens Day special offer. Though a limited edition, it was a huge success and helped Hyundai find its target audience.
Other models available with automatic transmission are Hyundai's i20, Chevrolet Captiva (AT version), Fiat's Linea, Honda City,
Mitsubishi Outlander, Mahindra Scorpio feature automatic transmission.
The Hyundai i10 is one of the most popular cars with automatic transmission. The manufacturer received a never-before demand for this car from women drivers. Other than i10, Verna from the sedan segment too offers an automatic transmission.
Mahindra & Mahindra has also launched the automatic version of Scorpio in 2008. Scorpio AT sports a complete 6-speed automatic gearbox and the powerful 2.2 litre mHawk engine. M&Ms flagship model Scorpio gets the credit of being the first Indian car brand and also the first sport utility vehicle (SUV) to be equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Honda is also selling variants with automatic transmissions (Civic, Accord, City and the CR-V)
Thus, the car manufacturers are offering five to six speed automatic transmission systems that deliver better fuel-efficiency clubbed with improved pick up and performance. This is a clear indication of the fact that the trend of automatic transmission cars is growing steadily day by day.
