Automatic transmissions have been around for several decades, and there are a few different types to choose from when it comes to cars. One type of automatic transmissions that has gained popularity in recent times is the Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT, for short. This is a ‘shiftless’ transmission that doesn’t have any actual gears in the gearbox but instead relies on two pulleys and a belt to provide the exact torque ratio required for the situation.

But what are the benefits of this mechanism that has made CVT a popular choice today?

1. A smoother ride

No gears mean no shifting, and therefore shift times do not need to be quoted when you have a CVT automatic gearbox. Simply put, the gear changes are instant because there is no need for the gears to be shifted; the pulleys in a CVT lengthen or shorten the gearing instantaneously, as required. Due to this, the acceleration in cars with a CVT gearbox – like the MG Hector 2021 – is seamless, with uninterrupted shove available from the moment you set off, right up to the vehicle’s top speed.

2. No abrupt downshifting

Building on the previous point, no shifting up means no abrupt downshifting, either. This includes situations where you apply more throttle to pick up your car’s speed to overtake another vehicle. CVT gearboxes can eliminate driving stress by minimising the response time in these situations, so you don’t have to plan your overtaking in advance. Downshifting also includes conditions that involve slowing down; a CVT gearbox does away with jerky downshifts while slowing down, making your drives smoother.

3. Compact in size and better fuel efficiency

CVT gearboxes have very few moving parts – the main components are the two pulleys and the belt that drive the output shaft. This means that CVT gearboxes are incredibly light, and this, in turn, helps fuel efficiency. It might not seem like much at first, but in a world where spare wheels are being jettisoned to save weight, every kilo of reduced kerb weight helps to reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption. Additionally, fewer moving parts follow that old adage: “the less there is, the less there is to go wrong”.

4. Easier to find and maintain the ideal torque ratio

In its bid to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions, modern gearboxes have been adding increasing ratios to themselves – sometimes as much as ten speeds are available to the driver. For cars like the MG Hector 2021, which has a CVT transmission, every possible ratio between the highest and lowest is accessible, which is an infinite number of ratios. This type of transmission can keep the engine at optimal revs, whether efficiency or maximum torque and lengthen the gearing as required. This means no time wasted (or momentum broken) with upshifts or downshifts. What’s not to like?

5. Better drive on rugged terrain

CVTs can have a much wider gap between their lowest and highest ratios since they have access to infinite ratios between those two extremes. This allows acceleration from a stationary position more easily with a short bottom ratio, resulting in less clutch wear and a jerk-free start. Access to really short ratios also means that the engine will not strain regardless of the terrain. For instance, an SUV like the MG Hector 2021 can easily conquer smooth highways and off-beaten dirt roads. This is especially noticeable during climbs or descents when fully loaded or if the incline is steep. A CVT manages to achieve the perfect balance between several qualities – thus offering something for everyone. That is why the MG Hector 2021 is now available with a CVT gearbox with a petrol engine. It offers two modes – Eco and Sport, so that you don’t compromise on either efficiency or performance when you need either. This CVT SUV also provides manual control with eight speeds available to the driver to retain driving enjoyment for those who like to shift gear themselves. The manual override also helps when the driver needs it to stick to a low ratio while climbing a steep incline or using the engine to keep the Hector’s pace controlled while going down a slope. The MG Hector 2021 CVT offers the best of all worlds – efficiency, performance, reliability, durability, and driving pleasure – all in a single package.