Manual

[xs2man]

I personally love the auto in my F11, but I absolutely don't mind the manual in my Seat.

Given the option, I would always choose the auto box though now, assuming it was a decent box. For example, if there was the choice between a manual and an auto on an S4, for example, I would pick the Auto (I have no idea if there will be a choice when such a car is released / announced, and even then, only if it's the S-Tronic box).

 

[PMKeates]

Fox is right about CVTs. The idea of Subaru fitting one to the Impreza WRX because it's a super amazing choice and not because they have been using the CVT all over regular Subaru models for the past several years is dream-land stuff. They are the least involving transmission available.

 

[Howard]

Indeed, it's a bit strange that they didn't use a dual-clutch solution like Mitsubishi did with the Evo.

 

[Ricochet J]

Nobody has said that.

You said that in other terms!

That they remain relatively uncommon is testament to this, they are simply not as good.

No it's not and there has been no 'downfall' of the CVT box either. It's still around, doing what it does best - providing an efficient automatic solution for smaller engined and compact cars where packaging and efficiency are the primary concerns. The main threat to the CVT is the dual clutch auto, which are becoming more and more popular in smaller engined cars and also offer the efficiency benefits of a CVT whilst increasing the flexibility and drive-ability of the transmission.

I actually agree with you in that they're fantastic gearboxes when used in an appropriate setting. Downfall was the wrong choice of word - I'd revise that and say popularity among critics.

They are popular in Asian markets because the Asian markets buy a lot of cars to which CVT boxes are well suited - small capacity midsize cars and below.

The 2015 Subaru WRX has surprised many critics with its CVT! It's "only" a 2L but it's 268-hp!

Japan don't produce saloons as popular as the Germans do. You rarely hear of CVTs in large cars. But they do exist! Lexus put paired the CVT with a 5.0L V8!

I have no idea why you keep making this point, which is irrelevant.

It's the first time I've made this point And it's not irrelevant. In this post a few lines up I've said in other words the CVT has not been a popular choice with critics because of the psychological effect - there's a stigma associated with the CVT. Much like how when the X Type was released, despite it being a good car, critics mauled it for being related to the Mondeo! Which BTW has a good all round chassis anyway! You can draw parallels between the two examples. Ultimately I expect the CVT to be pushed out of the market within 20 years due to the "lol CVT" attitude - or at least very rare in Europe and the US.

The CVT box is not as refined, flexible or capable as a torque converter automatic.

Absolutely it is refined! Seamless "transition" in the infinite gear ratios means you don't have that jerk effect when a traditional auto changes gears. The CVT keeps the engine at peak power at the correct RPM. My car is able to do 60, 70, 80 mph and so on whilst remaining at 2.5k RPM. I never feel the engine struggle despite being a 4 pot 2L petrol.

Look at where all the CVT boxes are. Look at where all the torque converter autos are. Different boxes for different purposes. a Nissan Micra 1.2 with a ZF 6 speed auto would suck, just as a BMW 550i with a CVT would suck.

I'm actually agreeing with you here! Make a note of that! I'm not saying there's a one size fits all gearbox. What I am saying is the CVT is better than what people think!

 

[acemastr]

With the pre-defined 'gear' ratios it's actually very connected, it doesn't just go round to 5k rpm and stay there