Most affordable automatic cars with dual-clutch transmission

While cars with automatic transmissions were traditionally chosen for navigating traffic with ease, the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) distinguishes itself by offering superior driver engagement. The first affordable example was introduced in 2013 with the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, which was celebrated by enthusiasts for its rapid and precise gear changes.

Today, DCT technology (also known as DCA or DSG, depending on the carmaker) has been adopted by segment leaders like Tata, Hyundai and Kia. While costlier, it delivers a much snappier and more engaging driving experience than other automatics in this segment – the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), Torque Converter and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). So, without further digression, here is the list of the cheapest automatic cars with a DCT gearbox in India, as of September 2025.

10. Volkswagen Taigun

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 18.91 lakh-19.15 lakh

As the priciest model on this list, Volkswagen’s Taigun is a midsize SUV developed under the brand’s India 2.0 initiative. It shares its powertrains with the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Kushaq. The top-spec GT TSI variants feature a 7-speed DSG paired with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 150hp.

In our Taigun review, we found its 7-speed DSG to be characteristically smooth with seamless shifts. While the standard 'D' mode prioritises fuel efficiency by shifting up early, Sport mode holds gears for longer. The Taigun automatic also includes paddle shifters for manual control.

9. Skoda Slavia

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 15.93 lakh-17.70 lakh

The Skoda Slavia shares its platform with its sibling, the Volkswagen Virtus, and features a 7-speed DSG paired with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This gearbox is available in the top-spec Sportline 1.5L TSI DSG and Prestige 1.5L TSI DSG variants.

Our road test of the Slavia revealed that the DCT's shorter gear ratios create a lively driving experience, while its intuitive shift logic and minimal turbo lag make it well-suited for city driving. On the highway, the DSG ensures effortless overtaking, and paddle shifters are available for drivers seeking more manual control.

8. Hyundai Verna

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 14.74 lakh-16.97 lakh

The Verna is the most powerful sedan in its segment and on this list, producing 160hp from its 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This engine is paired with a 7-speed DCT, available in the top-spec turbo-petrol variants.

Our Hyundai Verna review noted that the DCT gearbox operates smoothly with the turbo-petrol engine and provides snappy shifts, making the sedan suitable for both daily commuting and enthusiastic driving. For enhanced responsiveness, using the paddle shifters is recommended.

7. Kia Syros

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 11.92 lakh-15.29 lakh

A boxy compact SUV on this list, the Kia Syros is built on a smaller platform than the Sonet and Venue but shares powertrain options with its Korean counterparts. It pairs a 7-speed DCT with the familiar 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, available from the mid-spec HTK+ turbo variant onwards.

Our initial Syros road tests revealed that while the gearbox can be slightly clunky at times – similar to the Venue and Sonet – it is generally smooth. The DCT tends to upshift early to maximise fuel efficiency, which can lead to more frequent downshifts under sudden, hard acceleration.

6. Tata Curvv

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 12.35 lakh-18.66 lakh

The Tata Curvv features a unique coupe-SUV body style and is notably the only mass-market car in India offering a DCT with both petrol and diesel engines. From the lower-spec Pure+ trim, buyers can select a 7-speed DCT for the 120hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine or the 118hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The more powerful 125hp, direct-injection 1.2-litre turbo-petrol gets the DCT from the top-spec Creative+ S trim upwards.

In our Curvv review, we found that upshifts are smooth, but downshifts are not as quick as rivals like the Creta and Seltos, which do come with a dual-clutch auto, but do not make it to this list due to their respective Rs 19.49 lakh and Rs 19.26 lakh starting price tags. In low-speed city traffic, the gearbox tends to hunt between first and second gear, which can feel jerky. Curiously, the DCT, when paired with the diesel engine, does not hold a gear beyond 3,800rpm, even in manual mode.

5. Kia Sonet

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 11.59 lakh-13.65 lakh

The stylish and feature-packed Kia Sonet, which received a facelift last year, shares its powertrains with its platform sibling, the Hyundai Venue. It is available with a 7-speed DCT mated to the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the mid-spec HTX trim onwards.

Our review of the Sonet found that its DCT can be slightly clunky and slow at low RPMs, but its quick upshifts effectively utilise the engine’s performance.

4. Tata Nexon

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 11.16 lakh-13.26 lakh

The popular Tata Nexon has received two facelifts, with the most recent one in 2023 introducing a 7-speed DCT option. This gearbox is paired with the 120hp, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and is available from the Creative trim onwards.

Our Nexon review noted that the DCT is tuned for fuel efficiency, often starting from a standstill in second gear. The transmission becomes smoother as speeds increase, with upshifts that are smooth, though not as quick as some competitors.

3. Hyundai Venue

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 10.93 lakh-12.45 lakh

Although the next-gen Venue is due on October 24, Hyundai’s current compact SUV is currently the most affordable sub-4-metre SUV with a DCT. The 7-speed DCT is paired with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and is offered in the standard variants – starting from the S(O) Turbo trim – in addition to the sporty N Line version.

Our latest Venue review noted that the 7-speed DCT shifts briskly and effectively, although downshifts can occasionally be slower than expected.

2. Hyundai i20 N Line

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 10.23 lakh-11.46 lakh

Positioned as a mass-market hot hatchback, the i20 N Line underscores its sporting credentials with a 7-speed DCT. Available from the mid-spec N6 Turbo trim onwards, the gearbox is mated to a 120hp, 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Our i20 N Line review found the 7-speed DCT to be smooth and well-sorted in its operation, though it felt slightly sluggish when using the paddle shifters. The widely spaced gear ratios can also cause the car to lose momentum on uphill climbs.

1. Tata Altroz

Price range for DCT variants: Rs 9.42 lakh-10.51 lakh

Having recently received a complete facelift, the Tata Altroz is the most affordable DCT-equipped car in India. A 6-speed DCT is available from the Creative S petrol variant, paired with an 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. While it is the only hatchback in its class with a diesel option, it does not come with an automatic gearbox, although an AMT for the CNG version is expected soon.

Our test of the 6-speed DCT in the pre-facelift Altroz revealed that it is largely smooth, but it is not as quick as its competitors, and we observed a slight delay when engaging reverse.