CVT Automatic Transmissions

Just found this post.  Two months ago we took delivery of a new Nissan X-Trail 2 litre 4X4 with CVT.  Only towed new van back form the dealer - 60 miles - last week so early days.  however, it performed faultlessly.  We have a 100 mile journey with van this w/e so will see how it goes.  So far we like the CVT.

I think that the question has to be, will it perform faultlessly under adverse conditions?  I know that my car will pull a heavy van up from the Med coast to Clermont Ferrand, pulling hard up seemingly endless hills, and in high temperatures, without any sign of stress.

I like the products from Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Skoda (especially the Kodiaq)  but they have all got CVT, and the service manager of one of the dealership's screwed up his face and sucked his teeth a little, and then admitted it would do it, but that it was right on the upper limit of that box's capabilities.

I won't take that risk and will stick to a proper tough fluid flywheel box with a cooler.  Have seen too many cars stranded at the side of the road in such conditions to leave it to chance!

TF

Tiger....

but they have all got CVT,

I wasn't aware that VW  ( & therefore Skoda) did any CVT auto's I think they will all be the DSG boxes......

VW DSG's have mixed reviews depending whether they are wet/dry or 6/7 speed etc from looking at the forums.....

but I suspect are used by many members on here with generally fine performance...??

Given the thread is 2 years old I doubt the OP is that concerned with any replies now...

Tigerfish, I think you are getting confused. CVT is completely different from DSG which is used by the Volkswagen group.CVT usually utilises a steel belt running between two variable diameter pulleys to vary the gear ratio, DSG is usually an automated manual utilising two clutches, one for even gears and one for odd gears. I agree that I would certainly not pick either to replace a torque converter box.

VAG did have a CVT called the Multitronic but it has not been fitted since the old shape Audi A4 and it's Seat clone. DSG automatic has taken over.

CVT autos are a variation on DAF's Variomatic from  eons back. Audi's used electrickery to give the impression of gear changes. Ford's version in their Fiesta from years back wasn't  popular & short lived and was strange to drive to say the least.

Vulcan,  Thanks for that input.  I agree that there is really nothing as effective as a proper Torque converter box!

TF

i think cvt boxes have some sort of torque converter as its needed for smooth start off. this is why the dmf's are fitted to nearly all cars nowadays so less stress on the clutch plate springs

<panto mode on> Oh no they don't!  They're a rubber band drive. Out put speed is varied by altering the pulley diameter on the input.

Re your Jeep. On the other thread you mention your car's  CVT  ...... I've not looked, but think you're mistaken. If not, you've helped me cross another possible 'new' tow car off my list

Love our CVT X-Trail - fabulous transmission.