Question 1

Is Kia's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox reliable?

Accepted Answer

It is generally sound, but like any dual clutch it dislikes long stop-start creeping and hill starts held on the throttle. On a test drive, check for a smooth pull-away and no judder between first and second, and ask for the service history.

Question 2

Which automatic Kia suits city driving?

Accepted Answer

The Niro hybrid, whose dual clutch works with an electric motor that moves the car at low speed, and the electric models, with no gears to shift at all. The Picanto with the AMT automated manual is simpler but shifts more slowly in traffic.

Question 3

Does an automatic Kia pay more bollo in Italy?

Accepted Answer

No, the bollo depends on power in kW and Euro class, not on the gearbox. A hybrid automatic such as the Niro pays, in most regions, one flat rate per kW, and an electric is exempt for at least five years.

Question 4

Which gearboxes do new automatic Kias use?

Accepted Answer

Petrol and diesel Stonic, XCeed, Seltos and Sportage use a seven-speed dual clutch, the Sorento diesel an eight-speed one, the Niro and Seltos hybrids a six-speed dual clutch, the Sportage and Sorento hybrids a six-speed automatic and the Picanto an AMT; the EVs have single-speed drive.

Used Kia cars with an automatic gearbox in Italy

Kia Sorento Sorento II 2010 2.2 crdi 16v Active 4wd

Kia Sportage Sportage IV 20181.6 crdi Energy awd 136cv dct7

Kia Sportage 1.6 t-gdi mhev 160cv special edition sunroof pack dct

Kia Sportage 1.6 t-gdi gpl style

Kia Sportage 1.6 crdi mhev Style dct

Kia XCeed 1.6 crdi mhev Business 136cv dct

Kia Picanto 1.0 MPI AMT URBAN 2025

Kia Sportage Sportage 1.6 tgdi hev GT-line Plus auto

Kia Sportage Sportage crdi mhev GT-line dct7

Kia Sportage 1.6 tgdi phev Style awd 245cv a