A semi-automatic car is one that has combined features of both manual and automatic gearbox. It does not consist of a clutch pedal as the automatic car. Cars that are semi-automatic are very easy to drive and give you the option to choose between manual and automatic both.
Reading Time: 2 minutesA semi-automatic car is slightly more costly than a regular manual car but that can be looked aside by the number of benefits it provides you with. You can drive a semi-auto car on an automatic license as it does not have a clutch pedal.
How does it work?
A semi-automatic car has actuators and a hydraulic motor which are replacements to the gear lever and clutch pedal. It also consists of a control unit that controls many different functions like engine torque, speed of the car, etc.
Benefits of a semi-automatic gearbox
A semi-automatic car is very easy to drive, as easy as a fully automatic vehicle. These vehicles actually provide a better fuel efficiency than other cars. It gives you the best of both worlds as you can drive automatic and manual both as required.
When driving such vehicles, you’ve more control over your car which comes in handy on difficult routes or in the snow.
Difference between semi-automatic and automatic cars
An automatic car layout generally has the options of park, reverse, drive, and neutral. However, a semi-auto does not have any park option and even the mode of the drive has been replaced by automatic mode.
In a semi-automatic car, the driver can manually change the gear as needed whereas you can’t in automatic as the gear changes are done by the vehicles when required.
Different semi-automatic cars
- Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i10, Suzuki Ignis are semi-automatic hatchbacks.
2. BMW X3 And Ford kuga are 4×4’s that are semi-auto.
3. BMW X1 and Audi A6 are estates.
4. BMW 3 series and Volvo S90 are saloons.
