Anyone who has driven on the Indian roads knows about the “stop-and-go” traffic conditions. To tackle this obstacle, one needs to master the constant gear changes. Considering this, manufacturers have introduced automatic cars, thus making driving and maneuvering a pleasant thing. And to expand their appeal, cars with paddle shifters have now become widespread. A couple of decades ago, pedal shift cars were a luxury exclusive to racetrack vehicles. Car manufacturers have successfully tapped into the people’s need for speed and affinity towards sportiness. Hence cars with paddle shifters received a welcoming response upon arrival. On this note, proper credit has to be given to Honda. Their brand value and contribution in mass-producing paddle shift cars in India are unmatched.
Paddle Shifters
Said mechanisms are typically found at the back of a car’s steering wheel. Contrary to the terminology, they are not placed around the actual pedals. In a commonplace existence, it features two distinct paddles – the right one upshifts, while the left one downshifts. However, both paddles can shift up and down in some cases, ensuring optimal flexibility.
Origins
Back in the 1980s, paddle shifters had an alternate name – flappy paddles – and were found in the gearboxes of Ferraris. Considering a racecar driver’s need to shift gears in the blink of an eye. The paddle shifters were strategically placed behind the steering wheel or steering column. This feat continues to date even in the lower echelon cars facing regular traffic. Once the F1 cars adopted this setup in the 90s, it became a global phenomenon. The same commenced implementation in commuters as well. Soon after, cars segments like SUVs, Crossovers, Minivans, Sedans & brands like Honda, Nissan, Acura adopted this feature in these latest releases.
How do paddle shifters work?
Their workings vary as per the car type and depend on the car’s transmission. Each paddle makes the gear shifting easy for the driver and according to their preference. On a standard basis, clicking the right paddle moves the transmission upwards. Pressing the left one changes the transmission downwards.
What transmissions use paddle shifters?
As mentioned before, their workings differ according to the transmission type. Presently, paddle shifters are offered in three types of car transmissions, all of which are briefly summarized below.
Automatic
Cars with paddle shifters are a striking feature of both regular automatic and CVT transmissions both. It allows the driver to be the one in control of constant and timely gear changes. Thanks to ECU programming, the car’s transmission is further safeguarded from continual transitions.
Manual
Cars with paddle shifters, as far as manual transmission is concerned, are seen on the racetracks. These hardly face regular traffic congestion. Despite having a clutch pedal, the paddle shifters are finely furnished at the back of the steering wheel. The sole function of the clutch pedal is that it needs to be pressed while taking off and stopping entirely.
Automated-manual
Cars with paddle shifters consist of semi-automated vehicles as well. This particular kind is the least efficient among car transmission implementing paddle shifters. The reason being it does nothing to decrease the jerky motions.
This article further comprises a list of cars with paddle shifters from multiple brands and segments with affordability in check.
Top 5 Cars With Paddle Shifters in India: 2022
1. Honda Amaze
The CVT models of this sub-compact sedan, Honda Amaze, are the best budget cars with paddle shifters found in India. With a 9 lakhs INR ex-showroom price, Amaze is now in its second generation with no hatchback counterpart yet. The diesel engine (1.5-litre DTEC) is relatively more potent than the petrol one (1.2-litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC). The manual and automatic transmission options are open in both. The interior has not undergone much change and lacks in equipment assimilation. Still, when it comes to exterior details, there is no competition to it. There is an entire LED setup along with diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED taillights are noteworthy.
2. Honda City
When first introduced, Honda City excelled as a sedan car and became a people’s favorite quickly. It is also among the cars with paddle shifters that were mass-produced. The CVT petrol variant includes the paddle-shift feature and has an ex-showroom price of 9.70 lakhs INR. Honda City incorporates safety features such as twin airbags, ABS & EBD, parking sensors, anti-theft alarm; it has a feature-loaded interior and is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine. It delivers an above-average mileage of 18 kmpl, which considering the segment it belongs to, can be considered as fuel-efficient.
3. Honda Jazz
Among cars with paddle shifters, Honda Jazz is a slow burner. This premium hatchback has a lot to offer, steadily stands its ground among many rivals. It includes a segment-first sunroof, on top of coming with modern equipment. It has six variants and two trim options, including CVT, and has a maximum ex-showroom price of 9.93 lakhs INR. On the exterior, LED DRLs, fog lamps are noticeable, whereas the interior remains spacious and comfortable. The fusion of petrol engines and paddle shifters made city drives all the more enjoyable. Features include automatic climate control, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, steering operated music system, and an infotainment system.
4. Ford EcoSport
Available in 11 variants and 4 trims and a maximum ex-showroom price of 11.69 lakhs INR. The 1496 cc EcoSport is amid the top automatic cars with paddle shifters in India. First introduced in 2013, Ford EcoSport now offers both automatic & manual petrol & diesel models and has a great road presence. Thanks to LED headlamps and DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an aggressive frontal outlook, stylistics has improved over the years. The interior assures solidity with a conventional and minimalistic approach on the whole. There is ABS mandatory and up to 6 airbags in the top-spec model to improve safety. Ford’s SYNC3 system is a given, on top of 8-inch infotainment, ambient lighting, cruise control, automatic headlamps, among others.
5. Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Creta is among the costliest cars with paddle shifters on this list, with an ex-showroom price going as far as 17.87 lakhs and found in 19 models in total & 5 trim options. Under the bonnet, there sits an engine of 1497 ccs. Even since its first facelift in 2015, it has managed to stay in the game of constant completion. The reason being hrough occasional upgrades – both in terms of aesthetics and inclusion of features. Above all, in its second generation, Creta intends to overpower any car aiming to disrupt its path to the top mid-sized SUV.
The exterior is radical in attitude, and easy perceivable is the fact that nothing remains of the older generation models. LED headlamps, DRLs, and fog lamps are striking. Additionally, the same goes for the cascading grilles and chrome borders. Moreover, with 4 gearboxes to choose from and three engine displacements, the powertrain is now conveniently available in all the models. The interior hosts a sound system, infotainment system, fully digital instrument cluster – nothing analog. Whereas features are concerned, Creta nicely amalgamates a 7 inch MID, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, etc.
To sum up, paddle shifters aim to make the driving experience hassle-free and convenient. It causes less distraction while changing gears, keeps the eyes on the roads. The cherry on top is that it adds a sportier trait to the car itself.
