Is Chery's CVT Transmission Equipped with a Steel Belt?
2 Answers
Chery's CVT transmission uses a steel belt. Below are the relevant details about CVT transmissions: CVT Power Transmission Methods: There are two power transmission methods for CVT transmissions: one is a steel belt, and the other is a chain. Generally, steel belts are suitable for low-torque engines, while chains are used for high-torque engines. In terms of practical performance, chains are more durable and have a longer lifespan. Performance-oriented CVT transmissions worldwide tend to adopt the chain solution, such as the early Audi Multitronic CVT, the current Subaru Lineartronic CVT, and the Nissan CVT8HT. Meaning of CVT Steel Belt: The CVT steel belt consists of two embedded steel bands as the foundational support, with hundreds of steel plates attached to the metal belt. This push-plate structure can only transmit power by "pushing," utilizing the hardness of the material between the plates to generate thrust. The push plates exhibit minimal deformation under external forces. During power transmission, the driving pulley tightly presses against the entire side of the steel belt, creating static friction. The driving pulley then pushes the driven pulley to rotate via the steel belt.
Chery's CVT transmission indeed uses a steel belt, which is a mainstream structure in automatic transmissions. The steel belt is composed of high-strength steel plates and transmits power through friction, offering the advantage of very smooth gear shifts without the jerky feeling typical of traditional transmissions. As someone who has driven a Chery car, I find it particularly comfortable for city driving, especially in congested areas—stepping on the accelerator delivers linear power output, making the drive effortless. Additionally, the steel belt design helps with fuel efficiency. For example, Chery's Arrizo series with CVT has an official fuel consumption as low as around 6L, which is quite economical. However, the steel belt is also susceptible to maintenance issues. If the transmission fluid isn't changed on time or if the car is driven aggressively, it may wear out, leading to unusual noises. Overall, it's a reliable choice. If you're buying a Chery model with CVT, paying attention to maintenance details is advisable.