Hyundai To Launch AMT Models From 2018
Maruti Suzuki offered India's first AMT with the Celerio. Since then, the Tata Zest, Tata Nano, Renault Duster, Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Dzire have received the option.
Striking a balance between an aching left foot and a savings-focused pocket, that's what automated manual transmissions (AMT) are all about. After Maruti, Tata and Renault it looks like it’s Hyundai’s turn to adopt the technology. In an interview, Hyundai India’s CEO Young Key Koo has confirmed that the South Korean automaker’s range in India will witness the arrival of AMT equipped cars from 2018.
No specific models were mentioned, but the transmission will be offered across Hyundai's portfolio. AMTs are cheaper to make as they essentially use a manual gearbox with an electromagnetic clutch system. They also offer fuel-efficiency figures similar to manual counterparts. Simply put, you get the benefit of an automatic gearbox at a lower cost, which is why many car makers have chosen the technology, particularly for their cheaper offerings.
Currently, Hyundai offers automatic variants of the Grand i10, Xcent, Verna, Elantra, Creta and Santa Fe. While premium models will most likely stick with traditional automatic gearboxes, more affordable cars like the Eon and Grand i10 could receive an AMT. Hyundai could also revive the Santro and that too is a suspected recipient of the transmission.
In India, Maruti Suzuki offered this type of two-pedal technology first with the Celerio. Since then, the Tata Zest, Tata Nano, Renault Duster, Maruti Suzuki AltoK10 and Dzire have received the option with most of them being well-received. While we will have to wait and see which car Hyundai will plonk the gearbox into first, what we do know is that Renault will launch the AMT-equipped Kwid this year.
Which Hyundai would you like to see with an automated manual transmission? Do let us know what you think of AMTs in the comments!
Source: ET Auto