Know how Maruti Celerio's automatic transmission works

Before starting the engine, ensure that the gear level is in ‘N' mode and the brake pedal is pressed. Once the engine starts, put the lever in ‘D' mode and release the brake. The car starts moving but at a slow speed, which proves useful given the bustling city traffic. Now give some race and soon after the EZ Drive system takes over. Celerio offers you the option to shuffle between automatic and manual even while driving.

For normal speeds, the ‘D' mode is optimum, but more enthusiastic drivers can use ‘M' (manual) option which allows you to change gears by pushing it forward or backwards, depending on if you want to upshift or downshift.

To stop the car, press the brakes, which reduces the speed of the car and the gears shift down automatically, until the car comes to halt.

Italian automotive parts manufacturer Magneti Marelli, says the AMT consists of an electronic control unit and a robotic arm that supervise the use of the clutch and gear shifting, letting the driver to change gear without using the clutch, either sequentially or fully automatically. It basically means a manual transmission but with a brain: it opens and closes the clutch, use the gears as and when required and control the choice of transmission.

The entire system is available in form of a kit which a car manufacturer needs to install. Maruti Celerio's kit offers a 10 year or 160,000 kms warranty.