The automobile market is evolving each day, and so is the choice for buyers. Vehicles with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) have already gained traction in the Indian market, prompting car-makers to go back to their drawing tables to include the AMT option in their already-launched models. Cars that are on the anvil are also expected to come equipped with this technology.
What is Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)?
Automated Manual Transmission is a revolutionary automobile transmission technology. It is also known as clutchless manual transmission or semi-automatic transmission. AMT technology works with the same principle as the manual transmission. However, it changes the gear and applies clutch on its own.
Here are a few vehicles with AMT that will be launched in the market soon:
Renault Kwid AMT
The Kwid, the most successful model of Renault in India, is expected to get the AMT box during the festive season this year. Renault Kwid, which was originally launched with 800cc engine recently, also got a new powerful avatar with 1.0 litre engine. Both the 800cc and the 1.0 litre variants of the Kwid are likely to get AMT. The Kwid AMT could be called the Kwid Easy-R AT, and is expected to get 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The Kwid is powered by 799cc three-cylinder petrol motor, which is tuned to churn out 53bhp and a peak torque of 72Nm with a five-speed manual gearbox. On the other hand, the 1.0 litre gets 999cc 3-cylinder DOHC engine that can churn out 67hp of power and 91Nm of torque.
Tata Tiago AMT
TataTiago AMT is likely to make its entry into the market around Diwali. The development of the AMT avatar of Tiago was confirmed recently through a spy shot that showed it being tested on Indian roads. Tata Tiago will be the third model in the company's line-up to get this technology, after the GenX Nano and Zest AMT.
Tiago, Tata's first offering to be based on its Impact design language, is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. It comes powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron petrol and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder Revotorq diesel mills. While the petrol mill churns out 83.8bhp of power at 6,000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 3,500rpm, the 1.05- diesel engine produces 69bhp of power 4,000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 1,800-3,000rpm.
Renault Lodgy AMT
French auto-maker Renault is also said to be gearing up to roll out the AMT variant of its MPV Lodgy in India. The Lodgy is likely to get the same Easy-R AMT system, which was introduced with the new Duster.
Sourced from ZF, the AMT in the Lodgy will have a six-speed gearbox like the Duster. The AMT version of the Lodgy is likely to be launched in the country soon and is expected to get a price tag premium of Rs. 50,000 on the current model.
Tata Hexa AMT
Tata Hexa, the facelifted version of the Aria, is also rumoured to get AMT box in India. Tata is expected to launch the Hexa in October. Under the hood, Hexa will be launched with a 2.2-litre engine that is tuned to generate 154bhp of power at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 1,700 to 2,700rpm.
It embodies Tata's new Impact design philosophy and is expected to feature wrap-around LED tail lamps, door claddings, dual-coloured wheel arches, integrated spoiler and roof rails.The Hexa is expected to be priced between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 15 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car-maker, already offers AMT in Swift Dzire, Celerio, Alto K10 and Wagon R in India, and the company has plans to expand it further. The next model that is rumoured to get AMT box in Maruti's line-up is the upcoming Ignis mini-crossover. The AMT, which Maruti calls as AGS (Automatic Gear Shift), is expected to be offered in both the petrol and diesel variants of the Ignis. If this rings true, the Ignis will be the fifth model in Maruti line-up to feature AGS technology.
Under the hood, the Ignis is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit and the transmission is likely to be taken care of by five-speed manual gearbox.
