A modern car simply must have options and configurations with an automatic transmission. Therefore, in most cases, self-respecting companies either completely switch to automatic transmissions of various types, or leave mechanics only as a cost-cutting factor for the basic version. Today, the world of modern cars is immersed in automatic machines. There are robots, CVTs, classic automatic transmissions, AMT and other options for automatic gear shifting, but for VAZ six years ago such technologies were real space. However, the development of the first Russian-made robotic box began back in 2007, when an inexpensive alternative to Japanese automatic machines was needed for the VAZ 2116 project. But the car was frozen due to lack of funds, and along with it, the development of the robot was frozen.
In 2009, Datsun, a close partner of AvtoVAZ, financed the creation of a budget AMT gearbox, which was supposed to be a cheaper version of the automatic transmission than the Japanese versions already installed on some Datsun cars. A year later the box was ready, it immediately began to pass tests on Priors. However, this is not the only option for an automatic transmission used on VAZs. Granta needed a version with a machine gun, but the domestic robot was not yet ready. Therefore, budget Grants are equipped with a simple Japanese automatic transmission from Jatco. This is a traditional automatic machine that allows you to fully adequately use all the functions of the machine and is a fairly reliable unit.
Top selection: which domestic cars have an automatic transmission?
No one can be more surprised by an automatic transmission. This is what the majority of the country thinks, and in some ways they are absolutely right. This is despite the fact that cars with automatic gearboxes have become quite common in the lives of motorists. Today, some car owners cannot even imagine how they can drive a car using an automatic transmission.
In Russia, adherents of automatic transmissions of various formations, according to the calculations of Avito Auto researchers, numbered about 33% . This is exactly how many cars with automatic systems were supplied in 9 months of this year. 67% of car buyers still preferred the timeless classics.
Other researchers argue that if you carefully consider the preferences of urban residents, it turns out that in some large cities of the Russian Federation, automatic transmission even prevails over “mechanics”. This fact is generally logical and fits well with the put forward theory that the future lies with automatic transmissions.
Well, since this is really so and this fact is not denied by any automaker in the world, it means that domestic companies should promote the “PRND” theme. Are they doing something in this direction? Yes, they do.
Not more than a year ago, information appeared on the Internet that Lada plans to equip its cars with automatic transmissions, thus expanding the range of transmission units to mechanical, robotic semi-mechanics, automatic and CVT gearboxes. We wrote about this in this article: Lada with an automatic transmission, what to expect from a car with a new transmission?
Thus, the question arises: on which new domestic cars can these same automatic transmissions be found? Let's put together this not-too-impressive list. Honestly, I’m wondering what you can buy with an automatic from domestic cars...
Russian-made AMT - the main features of the box
The new Lada Vesta is equipped with Russian-developed AMT robotic gearboxes, which have a history of more than ten years in the AvtoVAZ engineering department. Before this, the boxes were tested on Priors and received a lot of questions from customers, but the concern claims that the box was seriously modified before installation on Vesta. Rumor has it that AMT may soon replace gearboxes on all versions of VAZ cars, except for the basic versions. It’s too early to talk about such a success of the robot, you should watch the work of the new box. Experts who managed to test the new robot say the following about it:
- the gearbox practically does not howl - this is AvtoVAZ’s first development in terms of transmissions, which received such an advantage in terms of audio support for the trip;
- There is a slight dip between first and second gears, but the remaining gears are switched as if in a CVT - there is no feeling in the cabin;
- the gearbox incredibly actively adapts to the driving style; with the pedal pressed to the floor in first gear, the transmission will turn the engine up to 5000 rpm and continue to drive very dynamically;
- the efficiency of such a box has been proven by tests, AMT saves the car owner money, since with it the engine consumes almost 1 liter less fuel than with a manual;
- for AvtoVAZ, the AMT gearbox of its own design turned out to be almost half the price of the Japanese Jetco automatic transmission, so all models will receive exactly this type of automatic transmission;
- There are no special complaints about reliability yet, but we are only talking about the 2015-2016 versions; previously the boxes were produced with certain shortcomings and a host of childhood illnesses;
- The robot turned out to be only 5 kilograms heavier than a manual transmission; it will not require modifications to the chassis or other changes to the cars.
It is also important that the AMT box is entirely assembled at AvtoVAZ’s facilities, which significantly saves the corporation money and makes it possible to protect the company’s pricing policy from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. This is an important achievement that will allow domestic cars to always actively compete with representatives of foreign manufacturers. However, for now you should take a closer look at the operation of a robotic transmission from a domestic manufacturer. It is difficult to say any certain facts while this development is in its first launch stage. However, engineers confidently talk about the company’s technological breakthrough after the release of this box.
Lada Granta
And so, the first model of the largest passenger car manufacturer in Russia is Lada Granta. The new Granta shows in the configurator one of the possible versions of the car with a four-speed automatic transmission and one with a five-speed AMT (automated transmission). https://www.lada.ru/cars/granta/sedan/prices.html
By the way, exactly the same transmission options could be found on the previous generation Grant.
Lada Vesta
The second number is Lada Vesta, which does not yet have a full automatic transmission, but does have a robotic five-speed gearbox. Both 1.6 (106 hp) and 1.8-liter (122 hp) engines are combined with the “robot”. The box is installed on 8 trim levels, up to the maximum “Exclusive” for 849,400 rubles .
general information
The first Lada cars with automatic transmission rolled off the production line in 2012, and their sales began at the same time. The cost of the car was about 400 thousand rubles. For this money, the car enthusiast gets a car with a 1.6-liter engine and 98 horsepower.
Conveyor Lada
Japanese automatic transmission in Lada Granta - works like a clock
The process of integrating the Japanese gearbox with the Tolyatti Lada engine was very difficult. To coordinate the operation of these units, domestic engineers had to turn to their Austrian colleagues for help. Many settings of the Japanese automatic transmission had to be abandoned, since the box with them was too slow. As a result, VAZ specialists, together with the Austrian company AVL, managed to eliminate all the shortcomings of the system and successfully match the JATCO transmission with the Lada engine.
Test drive Lada Granta automatic (automatic transmission) video
Today, about 50,000 Lada cars with automatic transmission are sold annually. In addition to Granta, later automatic transmission was also installed on Kalina. Needless to say about the reliability of the JATCO transmission itself, if it is equipped with many world-famous car models. According to the results of numerous test drives and reviews from owners, it can be stated that the quality and reliability of the Grant automatic transmission are ensured at a high level. The domestic auto industry has finally managed to create a truly high-quality product.
Lada xRay
A crossover with a single drive, in whose arsenal you can also see both a 5-speed manual and a semi-automatic with the same five gears.
Lada Largus and the 4X4 model remain true to traditions; you cannot find an automatic transmission on them. Also note a little off-topic, a robotic gearbox was available for purchase on the Lada Kalina in hatchback and Cross versions. And in the station wagon for 562 thousand rubles, a four-speed automatic transmission was also added.
Aurus (sedans)
Another Russian car brand that uses automatic transmission. A modest 9-speed automatic transmission connects the all-wheel drive system to a 4.4-liter V8, which, thanks to supercharging, develops almost 600 hp. With. Everything is without frills, one might even say “textbook”.
We will stop at this of the production domestic cars for now. Not anymore, at least not for sale now. If you think we've missed anyone, please share with us in the comments.
Yes, UAZ will soon be sold with a six-speed French Punch Powertrain 6L50 gearbox. The first models are expected in March 2022. Perhaps automation will reach some other models of the same UAZ, for example, the commercial UAZ “Profi” or something like that. Be that as it may, it is necessary to expand the range of automatic transmissions, because not only ZIL-111, GAZ-13 and Volga Siber were worthy of driving a convenient “box”. It's time to introduce automatic transmission to the masses.
Features of automatic transmission on Lada Granta
Automatic transmissions "Grants" differ in design and operating mechanism.
Robot design
Device VAZ-2182:
- clutch engagement actuator (the unit includes a clutch fork rod, an electric motor, a drive gear, a wear compensator and a compensation spring);
- gear shift mechanism (consists of a rod, two electric motors, gear shift and gear selection drives);
- clutch fork;
- speed sensor;
- selector knob.
The model used with a single clutch disc is considered obsolete. Manufacturers of foreign cars have switched to preselective robots, the design of which includes 2 clutches.
Hydraulic automatic machine design
The 4-speed is based on the development of the Nissan REF403A. Japanese engineers modernized the model: they made the machine more powerful, reduced weight and production costs. The transverse hydraulic automatic is designed for installation on a front-wheel drive passenger car with an engine capacity of no more than 1.6 liters. The automatic transmission design has 4 units:
- torque converter - a unit that ensures the transmission of torque from the engine to the input shaft;
- control valve block - consists of various sensors, solenoid valves and an ECU module;
- planetary part - consists of two planetary gears, allowing for 4 speeds, among the components of the unit are 3 multi-disc clutches, a multi-disc brake, an overrunning clutch and a brake band;
- clutches and brake mechanisms - clutch elements responsible for selecting gears and switching between speeds;
- pump - supplies working fluid to the torque converter and other components.
The classic Lada Granta automatic transmission differs from a manual transmission in that there is no direct connection between the engine and the wheels. The working fluid is transmission oil.
Jatco engineers have provided protection against driver errors. The electronic unit prevents incorrect manual gear shifting. If the car is moving forward, then it will not be possible to engage reverse. A separate system analyzes the temperature of the unit and signals when there is unacceptable overheating.
Specifications
The AvtoVAZ robotic gearbox operates in 4 modes: automatic, reverse, neutral, manual control. When choosing the latter option, the driver changes gears independently, while the clutch is controlled by the computer. The robot can change from manual mode to automatic if the engine accelerates to high speeds that could damage the transmission.
Automatic transmission
The Lada Granta automatic transmission has 6 operating modes: forward, reverse, neutral, parking, and also forward with a limit of up to 2 gears. The control system consists of sensors that read all vehicle parameters, an ECU and performers - solenoids. Actuators change gears using servos.
The machine parameters have changed. The installation of an automatic transmission on the Lada Granta led to a change in ground clearance (up to 140 mm from the standard 160 mm). The weight of the car increased, which resulted in the adjustment of the shock absorber springs (changed to stiffer ones). The trunk volume remains the same – 480 liters.
Service details
The instructions for the VAZ-2182 contain a recommendation to change the oil every 75 thousand kilometers. From the factory, the box is filled with Rosneft Kinetic Service 75W85 GL-4 with a volume of 2.25 liters.
The Lada Granta automatic transmission is considered one of the most unpretentious automatic transmissions, but it also requires timely maintenance: checking the level of the filled transmission, changing the oil and oil filter (although, according to the manufacturer, the transmission fluid will be enough for the entire service life of the box). According to the recommendations of the official dealer, the oil needs to be updated every 60 thousand kilometers.
During the replacement process, the technician assesses the condition of the hydraulic machine. If there is a large amount of metal shavings on the magnets, it is worth carrying out a major overhaul of the unit. It may happen that a complete oil change will “kill” the machine, so it is better to disassemble the box and check the integrity of the internal components. The technician must remove the box, disassemble the assembly, replace clutches, seals and gaskets and other worn or damaged elements. The JF414E hydraulic unit fails in exceptional cases; its flushing is required extremely rarely.
From the factory, the automatic transmission is filled with Nissan ATF Matic-S or Genuine EJ-1 transmission fluid. When replacing, it is better to buy the same oil, although JF414E is tolerant of other compounds. The total oil volume is 5.4 liters; a partial replacement will require 3 liters of fluid. Together with the transmission, the coarse filter and the pan gasket of the Grants gearbox are changed.
When checking the oil level, the dipstick must be wiped with a lint-free cloth. Small foreign particles in the transmission fluid will negatively affect the operation of the automatic transmission.
If the car's computer begins to signal errors, you need to carry out diagnostics. To do this, the Lada Granta is driven to a showroom or car service center. You can take readings yourself. To do this you will need an on-board computer – multitronics. Some “Grants” configurations are equipped with it from the factory. Not everyone likes the standard device installed in the console, as it has limited functionality. Car owners buy and install multitronics with a color display and a wide range of options.
Fuel consumption by automatic transmission on Grant
The efficiency of the car depends not only on the engine power, but also on the type of transmission box. Consumption of 95 gasoline for cars with different types of transmissions and installed engines is presented in Table 1.
Gearbox comparison
Table 1. Fuel consumption of Lada Granta
| Gearbox type | Engine volume and power | Combined cycle fuel consumption per 100 km, l |
| Manual transmission | 1.6 l, 106 hp | 6,5 |
| 1.6 l, 87 hp | 6,8 | |
| Manual transmission | 1.6 l, 106 hp | 6,5 |
| Automatic transmission | 1.6 l, 98 hp | 7,2 |
The data given in the table are factory data, i.e. obtained as a result of a test, and not in real conditions. Actual consumption depends on the weight of the loaded vehicle, road conditions, driving style and usually deviates upward. According to owners' reviews, in winter, when the car is warmed up and when driving mainly in the city, up to 16 liters of fuel can be consumed per 100 km.
