Is CVT Manual or Automatic?
2 Answers
CVT is an automatic transmission. Some CVT transmissions also come with a manual-automatic mode, allowing switching between automatic and manual modes. The CVT transmission is called "Continuously Variable Transmission" in Chinese. Its shifting principle differs from the stepped shifting of conventional AT transmissions. It works by using hydraulically controlled conical pulleys that adjust the diameter of the steel belt through tightening and loosening to achieve gear ratio changes. The smoothness of CVT gear shifts is its highlight. Since there are no actual gear constraints, the jerky feeling caused by gear shifts disappears, resulting in more linear power output. Additionally, CVT transmissions offer better mechanical efficiency and fuel economy than conventional automatic transmissions, second only to manual transmissions.
I drive a Toyota Corolla equipped with a CVT during my daily commute, and it's definitely an automatic transmission because I never need to shift gears manually or press the clutch. CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, which adjusts the gear ratio via pulleys and belts, making the ride as smooth as sliding down a slide without the gear-shifting jerks of traditional automatics. This makes me feel relaxed and comfortable, especially in traffic jams, as I don't have to frequently operate the pedals, and the fuel consumption is impressively low at around 5 liters per 100 kilometers. Although my friends warned me about the whining sound during acceleration, I've grown to love it—it automatically optimizes engine speed for maximum efficiency, like an invisible assistant handling everything.
