A Closer Look at the Efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT

As can be seen, our website and social media handles are flooded with pictures of the Nissan Carnival that was organized for the media and the customers to experience the dynamic and efficient products of Nissan. But the carnival wasn’t just about the drive experience. We had the opportunity to get a tutorial session by the R&D officials of Nissan on their cutting edge technology. They arranged a small presentation about their much-talked about CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The reason for celebrating a carnival by Nissan this year is the significance of 10 successful years of the company in India. Back in 2005, Nissan made a foray in our country, and from then on, they have worked in all means to usher in products to our country as per the needs. The current portfolio includes the Micra, Sunny and Terrano. The Micra and Sunny are available in CVT variants, and we got to experience the performance of the gearbox.

Why do people love Nissans? I have never met a dejected customer. People talk a lot about efficiency and maintenance when I get to talk to them. I was waiting at a Nissan showroom once, when I found a customer kicking up a fuss about the frugality of his Sunny to a service and sales executive. The man went on-and-on about how his car delivered only 22kpl. But the last time we checked, that’s the genuine economy figure that a Sunny puts out. Which is very impressive by any standards.

Okay, so why am I ranting about the CVT? Because it is worth knowing about! The CVT is efficient and adds to the fun when you’re behind the wheel. I’ve dug out a video where the benefit of the CVT is described in a simple manner. It is an explanation of the CVT used in the Nissan Altima, but what you be watching is the beginning of the video where the content is beautifully explained.

Here is the video for you:

Read on to know why the CVT is better than other automatic transmissions:

The CVT provides smooth and ‘stepless’ ratio changes, unlike conventional transmission systems that use sets of fixed gears. Nissan appreciated the CVT’s benefits of fuel economy and seamless acceleration from an earlier stage, and was the world’s first to offer CVTs for engine displacements as large as 3.5 litres. Today, Nissan’s CVT technology offers smooth and fuel-efficient “fun-to-drive” performance in an extensive range of Nissan models, from the compact class, all the way up to high-powered luxury vehicles.

Seamless acceleration

The CVT is an automatic transmission that uses two pulleys with a steel belt running between them. To continuously vary its gear ratios, the CVT simultaneously adjusts the diameter of the “drive pulley” that transmits torque from the engine and the “driven pulley”, that transfers torque to the wheels. With the ‘stepless’ shifting of gear ratios, the CVT can avoid the shift-shock and deliver smooth driving, making it an exceptional transmission solution.

Improved response and efficiency

In the XTRONIC CVT, the gear ratio range from low to high geasr is expanded, attaining a top-of-the-class final gear reduction ratio of about 6, thanks to pulley and steel belt improvements and the use of high performance ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). This ratio spread is among the world’s widest for a CVT designed for use with 1.5-litre to 2.0-litre class engines. With a wide ratio spread and highly precise control, the CVT delivers outstanding acceleration and fuel economy.

Improved dynamic performance and powerful acceleration feel

Nissan has improved the electronic control system and the hydraulic system components under its control. In addition, adoption of a high-performance ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) enhances response and stability. As a result, the CVT shifts ratios about 30% faster than the previous version. With this, Nissan’s CVT technology provides instantaneous response to the driver’s intention, in addition to a natural feeling of powerful acceleration.