A practical
guide to owning and maintaining an automatic car in India -
by Ananda Roy
Ananda
Roy is passionate about motors, creative writing, and
a thousand other things. He writes extensively on motoring
and other interests and tries to bring genuine insight
and a smooth narrative style to what would otherwise
be only motoring babble. Write to him at cougar@vsnl.com with your thoughts, ideas and questions.
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Take
a deep breath. For there comes a time when the science of motoring steps
out of its greasy shoes and transforms itself into pure art. Where the
limitations of function are quickly replaced by pure motoring frolic.
And the chore of wrestling with your motor down a long and winding road
becomes a sublime journey into a better future.
Take a deep breath.
And, welcome to 'the automatic'.
Automatic cars, simply put, have transmission units that do not require
human adjustment during the driving process. A range of sensors in the
system constantly monitor throttle input and then optimize the engine's
response with absolutely no need for driver intervention along the way.
The more you press the throttle, the faster the car goes. Its that simple.
The gears move up automatically at the optimum shifting rev-band; control
is achieved through the brake and should you slow down, the system automatically
downshifts like you would do in a regular 'manual'.
There is no clutch
pedal because you don't need one; you never shift the gears manually because
the system does it for you every time and ever so smoothly. Your feet
eventually get used to only a throttle and the brake in the foot bay,
in their usual arrangement. In addition, the 'standard H' manual gearstick
configuration is replaced by an automatic gear knob. This is a simple
notch lever that you can move up and down, to select the mode you wish
to drive in.
GETTING ACQUAINTED.
At the kerb, your car is in the [P] mode or PARKING mode. This means the
handbrake is applied and the car is stationary. Turn the key without pressing
the throttle.
Once the car is fired and you have allowed the ECM system to stabilize
[explained later], shift the lever to [N] or NEUTRAL Mode. Modern automatics
will start only in the [P] & [N] mode as a safety feature and any amount
of turning the key in other modes will develop no engine response. Identical
in every way to the neutral of a manual, this is where you should be at
all complete stops, either at red lights or in heavy traffic or when you
are about to start.
After checking the car is ready in every way to head into traffic in the
usual manner, slip the gear knob to DRIVE or [D]. The car starts moving
forward by itself at an approximate 5 kms/hr without even pressing the
throttle. A great boon in bumper-to-bumper traffic where all you need
is a steady foot on the brake to weave through. To increase speed, simply
press the throttle and watch how your car powers forward just like a manual.
Only speed up to a level you are convinced you can maintain and avoid
using the brakes too heavily to control the car.
Beginners are encouraged to keep the brake depressed fully when shifting
into [D] and releasing it slowly to ease the car into motion. Otherwise,
the car moving forward by itself, in DRIVE mode, can cause minor accidents
for the new driver should lurch forward or bump into the motor in front
of you at start-up.
You can slow down to a comfortable speed or to a complete stop by simply
depressing the brakes. The gears downshift smoothly by themselves depending
on the speed and the car never stalls, no matter what. If you must stay
at a complete stop, don't forget to slip into [N] or [P] mode or else,
as soon as you take your foot of the brake pedal, the car will ease forward
at 5 kms/hr in [D] mode and cause an embarrassing situation.
To reverse, slip from neutral into [R]. Once again, the car moves backward
by itself at about 5 kms/hr [ without any throttle input ] so control
the speed with the brake as required. Slip back into [N] or [P] when you
are at a complete stop. All [R] selections are protected so that you do
not inadvertently slip into this mode while driving forward or standing.
Automatics are provided with regular gears as well for exceptional circumstances
but these are never usually required. You can manually select [1], [2]
or [3] depending on your discretion but this selection overrides the automatic
system. For example, you can get out of a muddy patch or up a steep incline
by engaging [1] but you will need to shift to [2] and eventually [D] as
the overridden system will otherwise continue in first gear throughout.
Most modern automatics are 4-speed units which means you get gears [1]
[2] [3] and [D] in forward mode and one reverse gear [R] . Traditional
3-speed automatics with no [3] mode are going steadily out of vogue inspite
of the fact that you almost never use this selection.
It is possible, indeed common, for automatics driven in hilly areas and
on bad roads to do so in [D] alone and never require the manual selections.
Modern Automatics that are correctly geared for Indian driving conditions
take the rough with the smooth. It is only a myth that automatics are
under powered or incapable of looking at bad roads in the eye.
Driving an automatic is that simple when you get behind the wheel. The
epitome of automobile engineering has indeed, been refined and packaged
to best suit Indian driving conditions. What it means is a smooth, elegant,
jerk-free ride every time you slip behind the wheel. No stalling for beginners,
no bringing up breakfast in jerky start-stop traffic, no aching arms from
wrestling with the gearshift, no expensive clutch-plate replacements from
your driver's heavy 'clutch foot' while driving and of course, the ultimate
convenience of driving a motor that practically drives itself whatever
driving conditions you find yourself in.
GOING AUTOMATIC TODAY
In the last 10 years, India has seen a small range of modern 'automatics'
on the block. From the pint-sized Maruti Zen through the mid-sized offerings
from Daewoo, Maruti, Hyundai, Honda, & Opel to the sultan of luxury, The
Mercedes. If you chose to buy an imported car, chances are it came equipped
with an auto unit straight up. Almost 90% of motors in the Americas and
Japan ride on automatic units and it is getting increasingly popular on
the continent. In India, automatic cars are making a slow comeback. Because
contrary to popular belief, the 'automatic' made their debut in India
in the early 1950s under the guise of the 'Hydramatic' and 'fluid drive'
transmission units on the Pontiacs & the Ford Lincolns which were only
a primitive version of today's auto.
THE OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Automatics in India are vexed with half-truths of poor mileage and performance
on top of the stiff premium on purchase. This belief stems from poor understanding
of this revolutionary technology at work and thus, how differently it
must be driven and maintained. Treat a modern automatic like you did a
dukkar Fiat or a stubby Maruti, and you will see all your worst nightmares
come true. Choose to spend a few moments with the driver's manual and
imbibe the driving etiquette for MPFI and Automatic cars [ see later ],
and your ownership experience is rewarded with luxury, comfort and convenience
at knock-out value for money.
However, Rally drivers and 'hard-motoring enthusiasts' like the stunt
drivers in Hollywood and on our roads are accurate when they chant that
an automatic robs you of the by-the-seat-of-your-pants driving experience.
It does seem a trifle disembodied at first, with the on-board computer
priming the engine at all times for optimal performance except when you
'kickdown', a feature that delivers super-torquey performance to the wheels
when you need to get out of difficult situations, for example when overtaking.
However, in everyday driving situations, in a city or on the highway,
you have a dream package that more than equals the best that manuals have
on offer.
1. REGULAR MAINTENACE COSTS RISE MARGINALLY.
The additional on-board systems require some maintenance but expect
only a 10% increase in costs. Standard safeguards like in any other car
to protect the undercarriage from scraping the road surface, particularly
over speed breakers, apply.
2. ABSOLUTE PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED BUT NOT IN
REGULAR CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS.
In an automatic, the transfer of power to the driving wheels is more dignified.
You can attain breakneck speeds of over 120 kmph like in an 'ordinary
car' but instead of a jerky start, you get a smooth ride straight to the
top. A modern automatic does not drain power reserves significantly so
using the AC has the same effect as on the manual model of the same marquee.
Interestingly, Automatics usually sprint ahead of the 'manual roughnecks'
because manuals lose precious 'performance' seconds every time they change
gears. While in an automatic, the gears change smoothly, without jerks,
and without loss of power. Also, by definition, an automatic can never
stall. Great for beginners in difficult traffic like a jam on a flyover.
3. EXPECT A 10 - 15% INCREASE IN PETROL CONSUMPTION.
If you can afford the stiff premium of about INR 100,000 over the manual
model, this should not faze you. The sheer comfort, reliability and driving
pleasure more than make up for the marginally lower mileage figures.
All Indian Automatics driven in an urban cycle with AC return mileage
figures between 7 and 9 kmpl. On the highway with AC, expect mileages
no higher than 14 kmpl. This is only marginally lower than the manual
variants which return mileages of 10-12 kmpl in urban cycles and upto
15 kmpl on the high road.
4. AUTOMATICS RETAIN THEIR RESALE VALUE BETTER.
The market does not depreciate a well-maintained automatic as fast as
an ordinary manual. For example, a 1998 Daewoo Cielo GLX can be purchased
for INR 300,000 to 350,000 but an automatic model can still get you between
INR 400,000 and 425,000 depending on how well it purrs. Expect a significant
20 - 30% better resale value upto but not later than 5 years. This makes
up a great deal for some of the extra expenses you may have incurred to
purchase your car.
SELECTING THE RIGHT AUTOMATIC
It'll have to be the one suited to Indian driving conditions and your
driving style. Review profiles on the net, make a thorough comparative
examination of the model literature including all brochures you can find
at dealerships, in specialist auto-mags and in conversation with insightful
mechanics.
Choose a car only after you've test driven it yourself and feel comfortable
with every aspect of it's performance. Insist on a long test-drive in
the automatic and not a manual, if you plan to purchase an automatic because
there are huge differences in the way they behave. Analyze your driving
requirements: city, highway, like to drive fast, careful driver, accident-prone
etc. Also don't fight shy of asking a lot of questions about your concerns.
Inspect it's engine and driving characteristics, warranty statements,
service and maintenance costs and after-sales service offers.
Waiting periods after booking are slightly longer than for a manual from
1 to 3 weeks. Make sure it is registered and insured as an automatic car.
Use the manufacturers' 'automatic' stickers or badges since they give
towing and emergency vehicles an indication of the only way you can tow
an automatic without causing serious damage: with it's driving wheels
[ usually the front wheels ] clean off the ground.
CURRENT AUTOMATICS AVAILABLE IN INDIA ARE
Mercedes E220 / E250
Opel Astra 1.6 AT
Honda City 1.5 Exi-AT
Hyundai Accent 1.5 GLS- Automatic
Daewoo Nexia AT
Maruti Esteem AX
Maruti Zen AX
The Zen Automatic is pricey for a small car but it combines all the great
values of a good automatic in a compact package. It has it's advantages
in congested cities with narrow lanes, lack of adequate parking facilities
and is a great second car to run about in. Most ladies prefer it's functionality.
From June 1999, Daewoo has temporarily discontinued production of the
automatic variant of it's mid-sized Cielo Executive and the peppy Nexia.
The Daewoo automatic has been a proven performer in the entire diversity
of difficult Indian conditions and so, in your review of VFM mid-sized
cars, do evaluate the Daewoo offerings when it becomes available.
The cars from the Maruti & Daewoo stables are traditional 3-speed units
that are reliable workhorses, well tuned to the Indian driving milieu.
Among the breed of modern 4-speed automatics, here are a few.
The Opel Astra 1.6 AT does not carry some of the goodies that exist are
in the fully loaded Opel 'Club' Astra [manual] and so, make a careful
examination of the equipment levels you require in your car before purchase.
It may be possible to add on these goodies at extra cost post-delivery
but have all alterations done by the authorized dealer. Off all the automatics,
only the Astra has a SPORT mode ~ a little button you press for better
'sporty' performance but with no change in suspension settings and other
behavioral characteristics, it can get to be quite a ride. Looks great
on the spec sheet though.
The Honda City 1.5 Exi-AT shares all the accolades of it's zippy manual
siblings. It is perhaps, the finest mid-sized performance sedan available
in India. The automatic made this remarkable engineering package one big
notch better. But with it's uninspiring cabin area, it is a good thing
you can select a better trim option at extra cost.
Currently there is no information or data on the Indian 1999 Hyundai Accent
GLS-Automatic though, going by the international version of the 1999 model;
it is likely to be a smooth-performing 4-speed unit married to the Accent's
famous 1.5 lt alpha engine. Initial reports worldwide suggest that the
auto downshifts too readily at the slightest incline and this may need
some attention.
It is likely that as Indian motoring tastes and needs evolve in the near
future, more automatic variants of popular marquees will be available.
For the moment, the lack of automatic transmission on the thoroughbred
Mitsubishi Lancer and the secure Fiat Siena is glaring.
MAKING AN AUTOMATIC GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY.
It is not impossible if you spend a few moments understanding how
modern MPFI automobiles need to be treated. Firstly read and practise
the suggestions in your owner's manual faithfully. Second, service your
car regularly at an authorized dealership alone so that it is always in
prime condition: well-tuned engine, optimally maintained mechanical and
electrical systems, correct tyre pressures all round. Platinum spark-plugs
and silicon transmission cables of your model's specifications as replacement
fittings are known to improve mileage and pick-up. In addition, here are
some suggestions to improve mileage and engine performance in your worthy
automatic.
1. When you turn the key at start-up, there is no need to press
the throttle like you did in an outdated car. The Electronic Control Module,
an on-board microchip-based computer in modern MPFI cars has sensors that
gauge the temperature of the [cold] engine among other parameters and
calculates the exact amount of fuel required to fire the engine. Allowing
the ECM to do its job saves you 30 ml of fuel every time you start up.
2. Once you have fired up the engine, let the ECM stabilise. Do
this by letting the car idle for 15 to 20 seconds. You will notice the
initial higher revs [at about 1250 rpm] settling down to the car's normal
idling range [ usually between 750 & 1000 rpm, a '1' on your tachometer
] Doing this improves driveability and mileage admirably. Starting immediately
after turning the key makes modern MPFI cars erratic where they seem to
surge forward or alternatively, act sluggish and consume large amounts
of fuel.
3. In an automatic, press the throttle gently so that the system
moves into higher, fuel-saving gears early on. A heavy foot on the throttle
does not really improve acceleration but drinks fuel thirstily. It is
possible to reach speeds above 120 kmph rapidly while keeping the engine
purring within 2500 rpm.
4. Reach a speed that you expect to maintain. Automatics also tend
to cruise along at a fixed speed much longer than manuals and so, you
can actually save fuel by keeping a light foot on the throttle once you
are at a comfortable speed. Great tip for your next outstation jaunt.
5. Controlling an automatic is easy business with the fortified
brake-systems [ as compared to a manual ] but do not ride the brakes or
use them too readily. It wears them out prematurely and lowers fuel economy
when you need to race ahead again.
6. Switch off your engine in traffic jams only when you expect
to be stationary for over 2 minutes. Any less than that actually wastes
fuel because start-ups are very thirsty, and uses more fuel than that
burnt idling for 2 minutes. Keep your automatic in [N] during this period.
7. There is no need for a final throttle-jab every time you shut
down. Outdated cars needed some reserve fuel in the fuel-pump to make
cold starts easier but modern automatic have ECMs that take control. Save
fuel every time you pull out the key in PARKING mode.
AUTOMATIC KARMA IS NOT FOR EVERYONE
Unfortunate but true. If you are a motoring boor who demands performance
roughly and likes it only that way, or a penny-wise traveller with no
need for refinement on your long journey, or finally a stalwart of the
old-world in love with a more tech-testosterone way of life; do certainly
look away.
There is an automatic for everyone else. Ideal in crowded cities, of great
value on the high road, and a terrific boon for beginners and inexperienced
drivers. Admittedly, a little more expense to buy and run, a little more
effort to care for but with significant driving comfort, reliability and
resale-value retention built in with no hassles.
Any wonder millions of people worldwide are riding automatic.
Taking another deep breath.
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