Automatic hatchbacks in India under Rs 10 lakh

Kwid, Alto K10 and S Presso are among some of the most affordable automatic cars in the country.

Published On Feb 20, 2024 02:27:00 PM

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Automatic gearboxes are becoming an increasingly popular choice among buyers as it adds a degree of comfort while driving in chock-a-block city traffic. While most luxury cars get an automatic gearbox anyway, a slew of affordable models are also offering automatics as an option.

Interestingly, there are no cars under Rs 5 lakh that get an automatic gearbox. Many cars that featured in our previous list have been knocked off the list as they've seen price hikes. However, many have joined the list as well. Here’s a list of all cars and SUVs – either ICE or EV – with an automatic gearbox under Rs 10 lakh.

1) Renault Kwid 

Price: Rs 5.45 lakh-6.33 lakh

The Renault Kwid is currently the most affordable car on sale with an automatic gearbox that's available from the mid-spec RXT(O) trim. The ‘head nod’ that's typical of an AMT is pretty mild, and once on the move, shifts are less abrupt. The Kwid’s AMT works best when driving with part-throttle inputs and shifts predictably enough, however, it doesn’t respond well to sudden changes in throttle input. The performance of the 1.0-litre engine is good for city use and acceptable for long out-of-town drives as well.

2) Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Price: Rs 5.56 lakh-5.85 lakh

Maruti Suzuki’s smallest model is also its most affordable car with an automatic gearbox; a 5-speed AMT on the higher-spec VXi and VXi+ trims. Do note that while starting prices are marginally more than the Kwid, the Alto K10 is much more affordable at the top-end. The AMT feels a bit lethargic in comparison to the manual gearbox, but it works well in traffic. Despite several compromises, like space and affordability, its core values remain intact as it’s easy to live with, and cheap to own and run.

3) Maruti Suzuki S Presso 

Price: Rs 5.71 lakh-6.00 lakh

Similar to the Alto K10, the S Presso also gets a 5-speed AMT on the top two trims – VXi (O) and VXi+ (O). The automatic gearbox here responds well to throttle inputs, but you’ll need to mash down the throttle for a quick overtake. While it may not be a looker, it’s got a relatively roomy cabin, is well-equipped and easy to drive. 

4) Maruti Suzuki Celerio 

Price: Rs 6.33 lakh-7.09 lakh

Maruti Suzuki offers the 5-speed AMT on the Celerio on the VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ trims. This AMT's gearshifts are, for the most part, timely, and the pause between shifts is well contained. One can also manually shift gears via the gear lever. The Celerio is easy to drive and spacious, and like the previous-gen model, remains a level-headed choice for a city car.

5) Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 

Price: Rs 6.50 lakh-7.38 lakh

The Wagon R is the first car in this list to offer two engines options – a 1.0-litre petrol and a 1.2-litre petrol – both of which get a 5-speed AMT on the VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ trims. Urban buyers will take keenly to the AMT and it responds nicely to manual inputs. The Wagon R retains its age-old formula of an incredibly functional budget car, and for spaciousness and sheer practicality, it is still the car to beat.

6) Maruti Suzuki Ignis 

Price: Rs 6.88 lakh-8.11 lakh 

The Ignis is the most affordable model from the Nexa line-up with an automatic gearbox that's available on all trims barring the base Sigma trim. Like with most AMTs, shifts aren’t a problem with light throttle inputs or at low speeds in the city, but when you want to get a quick move on, the pause between shifts becomes apparent. You can work your way around using the manual selector, and what’s nice is that in manual mode, the car lets you rev until the redline. The Ignis is a funky little hatchback that’s surprisingly fun to drive with good dynamics and a peppy engine.

7) Tata Tiago 

Price: Rs 6.95 lakh-7.95 lakh

Tata Motors offers an automatic gearbox with the petrol engine on both the Tiago and Tiago NRG models that's available on the XTA, XZA+ (O), XZA+ trims on the petrol, and on the XZA trim on the NRG. In traffic, the gearshifts of the 5-speed AMT are smooth, but they become a bit jerky at crawling speeds while modulating the throttle. The AMT also gets the very useful ‘creep’ function, but there’s a bit of delay before it begins to crawl. The Tiago looks attractive, comes with plenty of features and has a cabin that could very well belong to a more expensive car.

The Tiago even gets an AMT gearbox with its CNG variant, which, along with its sedan counterpart, are currently the only two models to get a CNG automatic variant. The AMT gearbox adds to the convenience and keeps running costs low, but it's a decent performer if driven with light inputs. Performance isn't quite its forte and you also get the typical head-nod effect of an AMT.

8) MG Comet 

Price: 6.99 lakh-8.58 lakh

A list of automatic cars is sure to have electric vehicles, and starting off the list is the new MG Comet. It is available in three trims – Pace, Play and Plush – and gets a single-speed automatic gearbox. The Comet is a superb intra-city urban commuter with a funky, offbeat appeal. Its tiny dimensions also make it the smallest car with the convenience of an automatic. 

9) Hyundai Grand i10 Nios 

Price: Rs 7.43 lakh-8.56 lakh

Hyundai offers the 5-speed AMT on the Grand i10 Nios in four trims – Magna, Sportz Executive, Sportz and Asta. The AMT still has the ‘head nod’ while transitioning from first to second gear, but it smoothens out after that. Its crawl function is very progressive and makes driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic smooth. As a package, the Grand i10 Nios remains a sensible, well-equipped family hatchback that’s at home in the city.

10) Maruti Suzuki Swift 

Price: Rs 7.50 lakh-9.03 lakh

Like all the Maruti Suzuki models here, the Swift also gets a 5-speed AMT gearbox and is available on the VXI, ZXI and ZXI+ trims. The AMT gearbox does a good job of swapping cogs in typical city conditions and the creep mode works well. The performance of the Swift is marginally stronger than before and the engine is smoother. The Swift remains light and easy to drive in traffic, and once you put your foot down, it is engaging and fun to drive too.

11) Tata Tiago EV 

Price: 7.99 lakh-11.89 lakh

The second EV only this list is the Tiago EV, and like the Comet, it also only gets a single-speed automatic gearbox across the range. However, unlike the Comet, the Tiago EV gets two battery packs – 19.2kWh and 24kWh – as well as two charging options, as standard. The Tiago EV drives in a more mature manner and is very user-friendly with its light steering, good visibility and a small footprint. 

12) Maruti Suzuki Baleno 

Price: 8.00 lakh-9.88 lakh

Maruti Suzuki offers a 5-speed AMT on the Baleno in three trims – Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The AMT, despite being one of the better of its kind, still has a noticeable hesitation and ‘head nod’ between first, second and third gears. With the second-gen Baleno, there’s far greater sophistication in the ride and handling department, and it sets new benchmarks for interior quality and comfort. The safety and equipment on offer is right up there with the best as well.

13) Toyota Glanza

Price: 8.25 lakh-10 lakh

Being based on the Baleno, the Glanza also offers a 5-speed AMT on three trims – S, G and V. The AMT is programmed to reach the highest possible gear at the earliest in the interest of efficiency. In denser traffic, the AMT pauses and hunts for the correct gear, which can be annoying. With this second-gen model, Toyota has taken several steps in the right direction by enhancing its design and interiors, and offering a generous equipment list.

14) Tata Altroz 

Price: 8.60 lakh-10.65 lakh

The first car on this list to not feature an AMT is the Altroz, as it gets a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCA as Tata Motors calls it). It is also the only car on this list to offer an automatic on as many as six trims – XMA+, XMA+(S), XTA, XZA, XZA+(S) and XZA+O(S). The DCA responds well to throttle inputs and is ready to drop a gear or two to grant you access to the power you need. The Altroz makes for a practical family car with a cabin that offers enough by way of space and comfort. It is also the only car on this list to offer a diesel engine, but without an automatic gearbox option.

15) Hyundai i20 

Price: 9.42 lakh-11.21 lakh

Rounding off the list is the Hyundai i20, which is available with a CVT gearbox with its 1.2-litre petrol engine. Its offered on the Sportz(O), Sportz and Asta (O) trims. The CVT itself is smooth and offers a very polished experience. There’s easy access to power and none of the low-speed hesitation. The i20 offers class-leading features and good space, comfort and driving manners. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

₹ 7,23,625 * on road price (New Delhi)

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