Every day, someone somewhere in the world invents new innovations to save lives and introduce new technologies to the world in the automobile sector. Today, we talk about two such innovations, IMT vs AMT.
The IMT Transmission car, also known as Intelligent Manual Transmission, is a relatively new technology. Kia was the first to showcase the IMT transmission car in India, but Hyundai was the first to launch the IMT transmission in the Hyundai Venue. Here’s what you need to know about the comparison between IMT vs AMT. We have also published an article about CVT vs DCT and you can read it here.
Table of Contents
What is IMT?
The IMT, or intelligent Manual Transmitter, is, in a nutshell, a clutchless manual transmission. Yes, it is a clutchless manual transmission because it retains a two-pedal system consisting of the brake and accelerator, as well as a mainstream manual gearbox.
The IMT falls somewhere between the AMT and the traditional manual transmission. Gears are shifted seamlessly without the need to press the clutch paddles with the IMT gearbox, thanks to intelligent software and actuators that virtually press the clutch paddle while you physically shift the gear.
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IMT vs AMT
AMT vehicles have become extremely popular due to their ability to provide automatic-like operation at a lower cost. Hyundai’s introduction of the iMT gearbox has provided a new alternative that may prove to be more appealing. So, which is superior? To respond, we’ve compiled a side-by-side comparison in terms of comfort, maintenance, system efficiency, mileage, and overall price benefit.
Convenience
The idea behind installing automatic transmission in cars is to provide users with a more comfortable driving experience and freedom from the constant need to change gears. Because convenience is the primary selling point of automatics, we must compare the IMT and AMT in this regard.
Even though warmth is a subjective factor, an AMT can perform the entire gear changing function for you, whereas an IMT allows you to shift gears as needed without the use of a clutch. Having said that, take note that the gear change on an AMT car may be abrupt, detracting from the overall driving experience. In contrast, because you shift the gears, an IMT may provide a smoother driving experience. A test drive of both structures is the best way to determine which transmission is more suitable for you.
Servicing, Maintenance and Replacement
Given that iMT is a relatively new technology in India, expect more extensive maintenance requirements. This will become clear only after it has been pushed to the limit in India. However, one thing is certain: iMT is a less advanced software when compared to an AMT unit, because gear shifting on board the iMT is done almost entirely manually. The iMT will be much less expensive to maintain due to fewer complexities.
The AMT, on the other hand, is composed of a greater number of components, making its operation far more challenging than that of the IMT.
Mileage
Because the manufacturer tunes an AMT transmission for the ideal gear ratios for the automobile, an AMT car should get somewhat better mileage than a manual transmission car. This is perfect if you want your car to get consistent mpg in both the city and on the highway. Fuel economy and mileage in an IMT car, on the other hand, are subjective and based on the driver’s driving style. On an IMT, smart driving methods combined with the absence of the clutch will improve fuel efficiency, in the same manner, they do on a manual transmission.
AMT vs IMT. Pros and cons
AMT
PROS
- The most affordable automatic transmission
- In city driving, there is no need to change gears or deal with a clutch
- Provides the feel of an automatic transmission at a low cost.
CONS
- In terms of performance, the ride is very jerky and uncomfortable
- AMT consumes a lot of fuel due to its inefficient engines
- AMTs make uphill driving extremely difficult
- If maintenance is neglected, breakdowns are to be expected
IMT
PROS
- AMT and MT provide a better driving experience
- It’s less expensive than most automatics
- The upkeep is also reasonable
- There are no noticeable jerks or lags during shifts
- There are paddle shifters available
- Excellent fuel economy.
CONS
- Manual gear shifts are used
- More expensive than MT
- Due to the single clutch and actuator reliance, gear shifts can be clumsy
- The availability is poor
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BEST IMT vs AMT CARS IN INDIA
BEST AMT CARS IN INDIA
Tata Nexon AMT
Tata Nexon XMA AMT Price: The Tata Nexon XMA AMT is priced at Rs 9.07 lakh (ex-showroom) in New Delhi. Engine and Transmission: Tata Nexon XMA AMT It’s powered by a 1199cc engine and comes with an automatic transmission. The 1199 cc engine produces 118.36bhp at 5500rpm and 170Nm at 1750-4000rpm.
Volkswagen Polo AT
1.0L TSI engine, Auto-Climatronic air conditioning, New 6-speed AT Gearbox, 17.7 cms Capacitive Touch Screen, Available in Flash Red, Sunset Red, Candy White, Reflex Silver, and Carbon Steel.
Maruti Celerio AMT
The petrol option in the Celerio range is the Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXi AMT, which costs 6.13 lakh. It has a confirmed mileage of 26.68 kilometres per litre. The engine in this VXi AMT model produces 66 bhp at 5500 rpm and 89 Nm at 3500 rpm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Speedy Blue, Caffeine Brown, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Solid Fire Red, and Arctic White are the six colours available for the Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXi AMT.
BEST IMT CARS IN INDIA
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue has a starting price of Rs. 6.99 lakh and may go up to Rs. 11.71 lakh. Hyundai Venue is available in nine variations, with the base model E costing Rs. 11.71 lakh and the highest variant Hyundai Venue SX Opt Diesel costing Rs. 11.71 lakh. This launch started the conversation around IMT vs AMT in India.
Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet HTX 1.0 iMT is Sonet’s petrol model, and it costs 10.49 lakh. It has a confirmed mileage of 18.2 kilometres per litre. The engine in this HTX 1.0 iMT model produces 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 172 Nm @ 1500 rpm of maximum power and torque, respectively. The Kia Sonet HTX 1.0 iMT comes in five colours: Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Grey, Steel Silver, Intense Red, and Glacier White Pearl, with a Clutchless Manual transmission.
Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 Sportz 1.0 Turbo IMT is the i20’s petrol model, and it costs 8.79 lakh. It has a confirmed mileage of 20.25 kilometres per litre. The engine in this Sportz 1.0 Turbo IMT model produces 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 172 Nm @ 1500 rpm of maximum power and torque, respectively. The Hyundai i20 Sportz 1.0 Turbo IMT comes in six colours: Starry Night, Metallic Copper, Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Fiery Red, and Polar White, with a Clutchless Manual transmission.