Best Automatics For Driving Enthusiasts: Affordable Cars With Twin Clutch (DCT) Automatic Gearboxes

Automatic cars are convenient and easy to live with. ‘Automatics over manuals?’ is a question that has had people divided for years. Most people advocating against them had one big complaint to back themselves- ‘Automatics are slow with their shifts and aren’t fun to drive’. Dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) address this concern and are loved for their responsive nature and quick shifts. Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Skoda and Tata Motors now offer DCT gearboxes on some of their hot-selling mass-market models. Truth be told, not all DCTs feel the same! In this article, we will talk in detail about the actual nature and performance of India’s mass-market DCT transmissions...

Dual-Clutch Transmissions: The Basics

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As its name suggests, DCTs use two independent clutches and two shafts- one each for the odd (1,3,5,7) and the other for even (2,4,6) gears. This structure allows the next gear to be pre-selected even when the current one is engaged. In other words, when one of the clutches is engaged with, say, the third gear, the transmission’s control unit would already prepare the next gear (4th in this case) for a shift using the other shaft.

When it is time to shift, the current clutch disengages and the other engages, all in a fraction of a second. Result? Superfast (nearly instantaneous) shifts that keep the driver smiling! Another advantage is that the power delivery remains almost untouched, delivering a near-seamless experience. Both wet-plate and dry-plate clutches are offered on DCTs sold here, varying across brands and models. This list has both wet and dry clutch transmissions. We’ll get to those details in a while.

India’s Best Budget DCT Transmissions Compared

Brands like Tata Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Skoda and Volkswagen offer dual-clutch transmissions on mass-market models. Hyundai and Kia use the same DCT gearbox on comparable models. The Creta and the Seltos use the same 7-speed DCT transmission. Similarly, the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun come with the same DSG gearbox (DQ200). Let’s now talk about how these differ in their real-world performance.

Volkswagen Group’s 7-Speed DSG (DQ200)- Fastest Shifts!

Taking the top spot in terms of performance and shift speeds is the 7-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) found on Volkswagen and Skoda models like the Slavia, Virtus, Taigun and Kushaq. This transmission is only offered on the more powerful 1.5L TSI versions of these vehicles. These have a strong focus on performance, and the DSG gearbox contributes well to realising the same.

The DSG gearbox delivers a near-identical experience on both Slavia and Virtus. The gear ratios feel short, and the car feels quite fun to drive. We would rarely notice the turbolag of the 1.5 TSI engine.

The gearbox gives us instantaneous downshifts and enough torque when we need it, making overtakes easy and fun. It prioritises fuel efficiency unless you slot it into the ‘S’ (Sport) mode. ‘S’ mode holds the gears longer and gives you the extra bit of fun that you’re looking for... The experience remains more or less the same on the Taigun and Kushaq as well.

Prices:

• Taigun DSG starts at Rs 16.76 lakh
• Virtus DSG starts at Rs 18.48 lakh
• Kushaq DSG starts at Rs 17.12 lakh
• Slavia DSG starts at Rs 15.93 lakh

The DQ200 is a dry clutch gearbox and is thus more prone to overheating. Users particularly report such issues when they use the car mostly in slow city traffic. Users have also reported mechatronic failures and premature clutch wear as well. Truth be told, the DQ200 has a bad reputation for reliability globally! Proper and timely maintenance is important for keeping this transmission healthy.

Hyundai/Kia DCT

At the second spot is the 7-speed DCT transmission seen on Hyundai and Kia models. Hyundai offers these on the i20 N Line, Venue, Venue N Line, Verna Turbo, Creta, Alcazar and Creta N Line. Kia has this on offer on the Sonet, Seltos, Carens Clavis and the Syros.

The DCT on the i20 N Line feels smooth and quick with its shifts. It comes paired with the 118hp 1.0L turbo-petrol engine. You may find it to be slightly slow to respond to paddle inputs, but not to the extent that it would get you annoyed. The gear ratios here feel slightly wider spaced than what you get on newer models.

On the Sonet, Syros and the Venue, we find this transmission to be quite smooth and effective with its shifts. The DCT here, is mated to a 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine that makes 118hp and 172Nm. Downshifts sometimes can be slower than expected. Even these are marginally slow to respond to paddle inputs. This, we think, is a common trait of Hyundai’s DCT transmission. Even more fun-to-drive products like the Creta, Creta N Line, Seltos etc have this, though in less noticeable forms.

DCT versions of the Verna, Creta (and its N Line version), Alcazar, Carens Clavis and Seltos feel great to drive. The transmission on these come mated to a larger, more powerful 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine that makes 155hp and 253 Nm. The shifts are quick and smooth.

This DCT is a dry-clutch unit. Users have reported overheating issues, especially after being in stop-and-go traffic in hot climatic conditions.

All in all, Hyundai-KIA DCTs are fun. They may not match Volkswagen DSGs in refinement or shifting speed, but are very likeable. Best part, they come at affordable price points as well...

Prices:

• i20 N-Line DCT starts at Rs 10.23 lakh
• Venue DCT starts at Rs 10.66 lakh
• Venue N Line DCT starts at Rs 11.45 lakh
• Verna Turbo DCT starts at Rs 14.74 lakh
• Creta DCT starts at Rs 19.49 lakh
• Creta N-Line DCT starts at Rs 17.82 lakh
• Alcazar DCT starts at Rs 17.99 lakh

• Sonet DCT starts at Rs 11.6 lakh
• Syros DCT starts at Rs 11.92 lakh
• Seltos DCT starts at Rs 19.26 lakh
• Carens Clavis DCT starts at Rs 16.28 lakh

Tata DCA

At the third spot in the performance ladder is the DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic) gearbox available on Tata cars and SUVs. This is a wet-clutch DCT- the only one in this list! In such transmissions, the clutches are bathed in oil for better cooling and lubrication. These are more expensive than dry-plate automatics...

The DCA is claimed to have better thermal management than dry-clutch units, and is also claimed to feature a ‘self-healing mechanism’ that provides protection against dust and debris. Perfect for Indian conditions...

This transmission has a relatively more complex structure as it combines helical and planetary gears. Out on the road, the DCA feels more like a conventional automatic transmission with its shifts and responsiveness.

The Altroz was the first model to feature the DCA. It comes with a 6-speed unit paired to the 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. This gearbox feels smooth with its shifts. The gear changes aren’t as quick as those offered by its rivals.

The Nexon and Curvv come with a seven-speed DCT that offers smooth shifts. These, again, aren’t as quick as those offered by Hyundai/Kia or Volkswagen/Skoda transmissions. On the Nexon, DCT is offered only with the 120hp, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, while the Curvv has it all three engines- 118hp, 1.5L diesel, 125hp, 1.2L direct-injection turbo-petrol(Hyperion) and the 1.2L turbopetrol that makes 120hp. The DCT, interestingly, feels the best optimised on the diesel version!

There have been user reports of issues and failures of the DCA transmissions on the Altroz and Nexon.

Prices:

• Altroz DCA starts at Rs 9.42 lakh
• Nexon DCA starts at Rs 11.16 lakh
• Curvv DCA (1.2L turbo-petrol) starts at Rs 12.35 lakh
• Curvv DCA (1.2L Hyperion petrol) starts at Rs 17.16 lakh
• Curvv DCA (diesel) starts at Rs 13.80 lakh

Before You Buy A DCT...

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Dual-clutch transmissions are great to drive. Dry clutch units won’t cost you a lot either. However, before you finalise your purchase, here’s some generic advice- do not choose a DCT if you drive a lot on busy city roads! Go for a torque converter or CVT instead. If you’re still adamant about a DCT, here are a few best practices:

• Always shift to ‘N’ (Neutral) if you have to stop for more than a few seconds (say, at a signal or in a congestion). This will disengage the clutch fully and reduce the chances of premature wear in the long run.
• Avoid ‘crawling’ through traffic. Stop at a safe distance from the vehicle front and move decisively as a gap opens up. This helps in minimising continuous clutch slipping and associated heating.
• In heavy stop-and-go traffic, use manual mode or paddle shifters to lock the car in lower gears. This prevents frequent unwanted gear changes, avoiding chances of heat buildup
• Do not use the accelerator to hold the car on an incline. Use the brakes! This avoids clutch slipping and keeps the gearbox healthy. Repairs are expensive!

(All prices mentioned in this story are ex-showroom)