Autocar India
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Girish

4d

I have an i20 manual petrol car that is 9 years old. I drive around 50 km daily in traffic. Please suggest whether I should switch to an automatic and recommend a car within Rs 10-12 lakh.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

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6m
A daily 50 km commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic is exactly the kind of usage where an automatic makes the biggest difference, so upgrading from your 9-year-old i20 manual to an automatic is a sensible move for better comfort and lower driving fatigue. In your Rs. 10-12 lakh budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is the neatest fit. It is very easy to drive in traffic, the steering is light, the gearbox takes the hard work out of slow moves, and the ride is comfortable over broken roads. Coming from your older i20, it will feel quieter and more relaxed, and it’s also easy to park. Running costs and service reach are simple too, which matters when you drive every day.
Two things to note: the AMT's shift can feel slow, and if you want a higher seat and extra ground clearance, you may want a taller car instead.
If you prefer to stay with Hyundai, look at the i20 CVT as well. For a higher seating position within budget, the Tata Punch AMT is a good second choice. Overall, for your city commute, the Baleno AMT lines up best.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

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Posted on: 16 May 2026