Why Suzuki Doesn’t Use CVT Transmission in His Car
The reason Suzuki avoids CVT transmission on its automatic car
In Indonesia, most automatic cars from Suzuki such as Ertiga, XL7, Grand Vitara, to Fronx do not use CVT transmissions that are commonly used by many competitors. Instead, Suzuki chose two other types of transmission, namely the conventional automatic (AT) with a torque converter or AGS (auto gear shift) based on a manual transmission but operated automatically. The question is, why did Suzuki choose this approach?
This decision is not without reason. There are several technical and strategic considerations that underlie Suzuki’s choice, including durability, maintenance costs, and the driving character they want to maintain. In addition, if you look at its history, Suzuki has tried to use CVT in the Indonesian market through the Celerio model, but finally decided to switch.
Resilience and reliability factors
Suzuki is known to have a strong car reputation and minimal problems, especially in emerging markets such as Indonesia. Although the CVT transmission has advantages in fuel efficiency and smooth pulling comfort, CVT is also more susceptible to oil quality and driving. If not properly cared for or used in traffic conditions that often stop and start, CVT can wear out more quickly.
Therefore, Suzuki chose a conventional automatic transmission or AGS because it was more resilient. Both types of transmission are designed to deal with various road conditions, transport loads, and driving habits in Indonesia. For Suzuki, long-term reliability is the main selling point they want to offer to consumers.
More affordable maintenance costs
Repair of CVT transmission usually requires a fairly high cost and special spare parts. This is an important consideration for many consumers in Indonesia, especially those who pay attention to service costs when buying a car. By choosing a conventional AT transmission or AGS, Suzuki can offer more pocket-friendly maintenance costs.
In addition, technicians in the official Suzuki workshop network are used to handling this type of transmission, so that the repair process is faster and spare parts are easier to find. This provides additional benefits for Suzuki vehicle owners in terms of accessibility and repair time.
driving character according to the market
Suzuki also considers the preferences of local drivers. Most of the drivers in Indonesia prefer the sensation of shifting felt, especially in family cars. Conventional AT transmission provides a more “contained” response when accelerating than a linear-feeling CVT. While the AGS, although based on a manual transmission, offers fuel efficiency with the convenience of automatic driving.
This characteristic is in accordance with the image of Suzuki as a car that is practical, economical, but still has enough power to be used inside and outside the city. Thus, Suzuki not only meets the needs of the driver, but also maintains its brand identity.
Conclusion
By prioritizing durability, more affordable maintenance costs, and driving character that suits the tastes of the Indonesian market, Suzuki chooses not to use the CVT transmission on its automatic cars. Although the current trend of the car industry tends to lead to the CVT, Suzuki chooses its own path while maintaining the car philosophy that is durable and easy to maintain.
