The downside again is the power loss due to the torque converter. And even higher requirements for proper operation can also be overheated when slipping, pulling loads from behind, etc. This transmission is not for dirt and off-road use
Reliability is the minus here. Very unstable box is better not to spoil with it, can pass as 70 - 80 000 and then repair, and maybe even 200 - 250 000 km. Of course, everything depends on the operation, a lot of things can not be done on it.
The main load here goes on the belt, which runs between the two shafts, in fact, it is the only link between the wheels and the motor
Fuel economy is a little better than "automatic" because there are no gear shifts. But miracles should not wait, the usual mechanics is more effective. Again, there is no reel.
POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT - has reached its maximum. Structures change (e.g., a chain may be replaced by a belt), cones change (their ratios), but nothing new is produced. Yes, and it is difficult to think of anything new here.
Personally, I will never choose a variator because of its unpredictability and impossibility to predict it (when it breaks down). If you are not afraid of it is quite possible to consider, I think it will not bother you up to at least 100 000 km.
ROBOT (ROBOT)
The topic is extensive, I have already written a detailed article about it (read this article interestingly). It is worth noting that there are two kinds of gearboxes, and they are not similar to each other. There is a robot with one clutch disc, and there are two. In this article, I will try to tell you about both at once.
PRICE:
One disc is a price tag almost at the level of mechanics (about 5% more expensive). Why yes it is simple and is the mechanics with the actuators established on it, for a choice of gear and its switching. Repairs are also cheap and simple, in fact, changes the mounted as in the usual ICPC, can also change the actuators, it's more expensive, but in any case, the repair is cheaper than the machine or variator.
Two disks - a price tag at the level of automatic transmission and CVT. There is a cardinal difference in the structure, so the price list for repairs can cost space money. Remember at least a mechatronics technician and a block of two disks from DSG.
COMFORT:
One disk - though transfers also switch automatically, but it occurs disgustingly. Strong jolts, which will not add to the comfort of movement. Also often in old single-disc robots on the hill, the car rolls back, which is again extremely inconvenient (especially in traffic jams). Again, acceleration, sluggish and probably the slowest of all automatic transmissions.
Two disks - perfect gear shifting, fast (literally in fractions of seconds), clear, almost imperceptible. The car does not roll back, there is a so-called crawling mode.
I would also like to note that the two-disc robot allows the machine to accelerate very quickly, even faster than the mechanics.
Perfect and fast transmission of all!
RELIABILITY:
One disc is the same as an ordinary ICPD, so you can carry loads and slip them on. There are practically no differences. But it is necessary to remember that in 120 - 150 000 km, it is necessary to change a clutch disk, a basket, squeezing out, etc. Also on the first generation of boxes is often manifested a lot of problems, so it was with our Ladder of the East.
Two disks - reliability is moderate. It is worth noting that the two-disc robots can be wet and dry. But both variants, because of their complexity walk at best up to 100000 km. And the first robots from the same VOLKSWAGEN, could not even go out 60,000. However, the boxes are gradually being doped up, there are a lot of varieties (almost at any torque), and they are getting better and better over time.
FUEL SAVING:
One disc - the consumption is almost the same as in mechanics. There is a rigid connection of wheels and motor, there is a reel
Two discs are the smallest of all. Again, there's a rigid connection to the motor and the fastest and most perfect switching. Because of this, fuel consumption is the lowest
POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT:
One disk is possible. You need to work on your selection and gearshift systems. Perhaps, this robot will not be so stupid and long thinking, then there will be quite a sane transmission.
Two disks - you need to work on reliability, otherwise, they are almost perfect. I think these are the future boxes.
TOTAL
If you look at the bottom line, it's not all that clear. Despite the fact that the mechanics does not give comfort, the fuel economy though at good level, but nevertheless less than at two disk robot, it gets 2,5 points! The result is high and this transmission will definitely have fans.
All of them got less variator and single disk robot, too many disputable moments (on 2 points).
More and more people got a regular automatic rifle (AKPP) and a two-disc robot (3 points each). If you look at the different ratings (not mine), they are also on top.