Engines & Transmissions
Turbocharging, engine sizes, manual, automatic, dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes, and all-wheel drive, explained in plain English.
Under the bonnet, the trend of the past decade has been smaller engines with turbochargers replacing larger ones without. A small turbocharged petrol engine can match the power of a bigger naturally aspirated unit while using less fuel in gentle driving, which is why so many new hatchbacks and crossovers carry one. Diesel engines are nearly all turbocharged, and hybrids add an electric motor to the mix. Engine size alone tells you far less than it used to.
Gearboxes have diversified just as much. Alongside the traditional manual and torque-converter automatic you now find dual-clutch transmissions, which shift quickly, and continuously variable transmissions, which have no fixed gears at all. Each has a distinct feel and its own strengths. Drive systems matter too: front-wheel drive is the norm, rear-wheel drive suits bakkies and performance cars, and all-wheel drive adds grip at a cost in weight and fuel. Understanding the basics helps you read a spec sheet with confidence.
Engines & Transmissions — questions
The questions people ask about engines & transmissions, answered plainly.
Is a turbocharged engine reliable?
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Yes, when serviced properly. Turbocharging has been standard on diesels for decades and is now mainstream on petrol engines. The turbo runs hot and fast, so it depends on clean oil and regular oil changes. Sticking to the service schedule and allowing the engine a moment to idle after hard driving keeps a modern turbo healthy for a long life.
What is a CVT and should I avoid it?
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A continuously variable transmission uses a belt or chain between two pulleys instead of fixed gears, allowing the engine to sit at its most efficient speed. It is smooth and economical but can feel different, with engine noise that does not rise and fall with speed the way drivers expect. Modern CVTs are reliable; test-drive one before deciding whether you like it.
What is a dual-clutch gearbox?
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It is an automated manual with two clutches, one handling odd gears and the other even, so the next gear is pre-selected and changes happen almost instantly. It combines the efficiency of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. Some can feel hesitant at crawling speeds; a short drive in traffic will tell you whether it suits you.
Do I need all-wheel drive?
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Only if you regularly drive on gravel, sand, mud or steep wet roads, or you want the added stability for towing. For tar-road commuting, front-wheel drive is lighter, cheaper and more economical. All-wheel drive adds cost, weight and a little fuel consumption in exchange for grip you may seldom use. Good tyres matter more than driven wheels for most drivers.
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