Automatic transmission
* Has multiple gears that change automatically depending on engine speed and load.
* Typically has a gear lever with positions “P” (park), “R” (reverse), “N” (neutral), “D” (forward) and sometimes “S” (sport).
* Gear changes are smooth and almost imperceptible.
* Provides good fuel economy and acceleration dynamics.
CVT
* Has two cones with variable diameter, instead of a set of gears.
* The gear ratio changes smoothly and without steps.
* Typically has a gear lever with positions “P”, “R”, “N” and “D”.
* Provides a very smooth ride and maximum fuel economy.
Robot
* Automated manual transmission.
* Consists of a manual transmission and an electronic control unit that depresses the clutch and changes gears.
* Usually has a gear lever with positions “P”, “R”, “N”, “D” and sometimes additional modes (“S” or “M”).
* Gear changes are slower and less smooth than a classic automatic transmission.
* Combines the efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic.
How to distinguish:
* Driving experience: Automatic transmissions provide smooth shifts, CVTs provide the smoothest possible movement, and robots provide more noticeable shifts.
* On the gear lever: CVTs usually do not have an “S” position (sport mode).
* According to technical characteristics: automatic transmissions have several gears, CVTs have a smoothly varying gear ratio, and robots have an electronic gear shift control unit.