Can the manual transmission of the new Santana be converted to automatic transmission?
3 Answers
The manual transmission of the new Santana cannot be converted to automatic transmission, as this constitutes illegal modification. Illegal modification: Illegal modification includes alterations to the vehicle's appearance, power system, transmission system, and braking system that exceed the original design load capacity and functions permitted by national laws and manufacturer approval. Whether it involves replacing the automatic transmission or installing an automatic clutch, any modification to the car's power and transmission systems without approval from relevant authorities is considered illegal. Disadvantages of converting manual transmission to automatic transmission: After conversion to automatic transmission, the vehicle will fail the annual inspection. Additionally, automatic transmission (converted to continuously variable transmission) consumes more fuel than manual transmission, and the power performance significantly decreases.
Converting to an automatic transmission is certainly possible, but the process is quite complex. I remember a friend who wanted to switch his Santana from manual to automatic—it was a massive undertaking. It's not just about replacing the gearbox; you also need to upgrade the control unit, wiring harness, and more, which is like disassembling half the car. Professional modification shops usually quote between 30,000 to 50,000 yuan, and it takes over a month. Plus, after the conversion, fuel consumption might increase, acceleration could become sluggish, and if the parts don’t match properly, the vehicle's performance may suffer, making long trips less reliable. If you're seriously considering it, I’d advise assessing the risks first. After all, a brand-new car with a factory-installed automatic transmission only costs around 100,000 yuan—converting might not be as cost-effective or hassle-free as just buying a new car. But if you're up for the challenge, it’s still an option.
Switch to automatic transmission? Do the math and you'll understand. As someone driving a manual Santana, I've considered this - the conversion costs are substantial: beyond parts, labor alone runs several thousand, totaling around 40,000-50,000 RMB for the full package. A new entry-level automatic Santana starts at about 120,000 RMB. Modified used cars depreciate rapidly and struggle to fetch good resale prices. Comparatively, selling your manual and topping up for a new vehicle makes more sense, plus you get factory warranty. Safety is another concern - aftermarket systems lack stability; a highway malfunction could be catastrophic. Better invest time selecting a fuel-efficient automatic variant for hassle-free daily commuting.
