Observation chamber
Written by | Chen Hui
A few days ago, Benbang released the test drive evaluation of the second-generation Changan CS75PLUS, praising the performance of the 1.5T+8AT powertrain it was equipped with, and also expressed appreciation for Changan's practice.
Then, some netizens in the comment area asked, Aisin 8AT is so cattle? Why don't other manufacturers like to use it?
I have to say that this question is very good, I believe that many netizens also have the same question, so today I will answer this question in detail.
AT is better than DCT and CVT?
Indeed, in the same class, not only the Aisin 8AT, but also the models with AT structure transmissions are becoming less and less. Most models use transmissions in DCT (dual clutch) and CVT (stepless transmission) constructions. What is the difference between the three gearboxes, let's continue to talk.
Let's take the DCT first, taking the third-generation Haval H6 as an example, which is equipped with a 7-speed wet DCT transmission as standard. This DCT gearbox can meet the needs of normal use, but the use experience is not exquisite. The problem is mainly in two places, the first is the start, because the basic structure of the DCT gearbox is the same as the manual gearbox, the clutch piece needs to be combined at the beginning, friends who have learned the manual transmission know that whether the control of the clutch is precise to determine whether the start is smooth, fast or slow is not OK, and the clutch combination of the third generation Haval H6 is obviously fast, so there will be a jumping car situation at the beginning, if the road is smooth, but the traffic jam will make the passengers in the car feel very uncomfortable.
But the AT gearbox does not have this problem, because it uses a torque converter in the combination of power, and the combination of the engine and the gearbox is first soft and then rigid, so the whole starting action is soft and smooth.
The second is the shift during driving, the original advantage of DCT is to have two clutches, when one of the clutches is combined, the other clutch remains on standby, so the shift speed is very fast, but to make the two clutches cooperate seamlessly, it is necessary to need master-level adjustment ability. Although the DCT gearbox of the third-generation Haval H6 has been well tuned, there will still be a more obvious setback in some special conditions, such as suddenly refueling after oil collection.
The planetary gearset of the AT transmission cannot catch up with the double clutch in terms of the absolute speed of the gear change, but the shift action is usually smoother.
Then look at the CVT, take the 2.0L Toyota Rongfang equipped with the CVT gearbox as an example. This gearbox has many advantages, such as smooth power output and economical fuel saving. However, because it uses a steel belt or steel chain friction transmission, it can withstand less torque. Therefore, driving the CVT model, the driver must pay attention to his driving habits, that is, he cannot drive violently with a big foot throttle for a long time, if he drives violently for a long time, it is easy to cause the transmission steel chain to slip and damage the gearbox.
In contrast, the reliability of the AT transmission is much higher, because its interior is a hard connection of the gear, usually can withstand a very large torque, therefore, the vast majority of hardcore off-road vehicles will choose the AT transmission.
Since the AT gearbox is so good, why do other manufacturers rarely use it? This is mainly because compared to DCT and CVT, AT transmissions also have a major drawback, that is, expensive. Most manufacturers have abandoned the AT transmission due to cost reasons.
Although there are many ATTs, Aisin 8AT is more popular
Although the AT structure has natural advantages, not all AT transmissions have a good experience. Therefore, when you choose a model equipped with an AT transmission, you should pay more attention, check the model of the gearbox, and personally test drive it.
So why is the Aisin 8AT transmission equipped with the second-generation CS75PLUS very good? First of all, aisin, as the world's largest gearbox supplier, has a deep technical accumulation, from 4AT to 5AT, and then to 6AT, its AT transmission has a very good reputation, so this Aisin 8AT that has been inherited and upgraded is also very reassuring. However, whether it is good or not is to listen to the voice of the user.
Next, let's take a look at the user base of this Aisin 8AT. The first thing that can be seen is a large number of luxury brands, such as Volvo, almost all of its models use this Aisin 8AT, they love this gearbox very much; BMW is equipped with Aisin 8AT for the top of X1, X2 and other models, and the low-end configuration is its own 7-speed DCT, not high-end models are reluctant to use, it can be seen that the cost of Aisin 8AT is indeed higher; Lexus also uses Aisin's 8AT on flagship models, such as LX570 Among the independent brands, the Aisin 8AT can also be used in models with higher positioning, such as 200,000-class models such as Lynk & Co 05 and Trumpchi GM8.
The models mentioned above that are equipped with Aisin 8AT are mid-to-high-end models that attach great importance to experience, and their consistent choice is enough to prove the excellence of this Aisin 8AT.
A good gearbox also needs a good partner
As one of the three major parts of the car, the gearbox cannot be used alone, so whether it is easy to use also depends on the matching with the engine. Here's a good idea of what I've actually had on the second-generation CS75PLUS.
First of all, the 1.5T version, this is the first time that Changan's blue whale new generation NE1.5T high-pressure direct injection engine has been matched with Aisin 8AT, and it is also a rare case in the entire industry where the 1.5T engine matches Aisin 8AT. The parameters of this engine are very strong in the 1.5T engine, with a maximum horsepower of 188 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. When I first got started, I even thought that the 1.5T version was a 2.0T version, because in the initial stage, its power output was too smooth, and the power feeling was over the level. Throughout the test drive, the gearbox barely makes you aware of its presence, and the gear changes are quick and smooth. When the floor oil accelerates, it also reacts very quickly, can complete the downshift in milliseconds, thus providing continuous acceleration, and because it has enough gears, the efficiency of the overall acceleration is also very high, and the acceleration force is stronger.
The 2.0T version and Aisin 8AT are already old partners. This time, the 2.0T engine was also upgraded to the blue whale's new generation of 2.0T high-pressure direct injection engine, with a maximum horsepower of 233 hp and a maximum torque of 390 Nm, and the power output was the best in the same displacement engine. After years of running-in, the old pair's cooperation has reached a seamless realm. Advantages such as fast gear change speed and smooth gear change have long been basic operations. Thanks to the engine's stronger power reserve, when I experience this set of power, I can get richer driving pleasure, simply put, a stronger sense of pushback can make me experience passion in speed.
『 Final Remarks 』
Taken together, we can draw two conclusions. First, the second-generation CS75PLUS has indeed significantly improved the quality of the entire power output due to the addition of Aisin 8AT. Especially the 1.5T model, when most of the models in the same level are matched with DCT or CVT, the addition of Aisin 8AT can be called a dimensionality reduction blow; second, the second generation of CS75PLUS is indeed very thick, and everyone has seen that the cost of the Aisin 8AT transmission is certainly not low, and the bold use of some high-end models, especially BMW, on the X1 model, only willing to give the top of the 2.0T equipped with this Aisin 8AT, and the low-end models can only use DCT.
So, this netizen, do you know why we must give the second generation of CS75PLUS the whole series of Aisin 8AT praise?
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