Automatic Cars In India Under 10 Lakhs: All You Need To Know

Automatic cars are fast gaining popularity in India and the major reason for this has to be the affordable AMT / AGS transmission set-up. As the name suggests, these are automated versions of the same manual gearbox that powers the car and manufacturing these are cheaper than conventional automatics.

We have list down for all those car models that can be bought for less than Rs 10 lakh on-road. Let’s have a look:

Datsun redi-GO AMT

India’s most affordable automatic car comes from Datsun and is available in two versions of T(O) and S. The redi-GO AMT offers shattering value for money considering the features it comes equipped this. This includes power steering, air-con with heater, drive computer, audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, driver side airbag, front power windows, keyless entry etc.

The redi-GO looks pretty nice for a small car and with generous dimensions, manages to stand out in the crowd of hatchbacks on the road. It even gets slim DRLs or day time running lights up front! While the manual version comes with both 800cc and 1000cc engines, the AMT gets the latter. Its good for 68 PS of power and 91 Nm of torque and has a rated fuel economy of 22.5 kmpl. We like the way this AMT set-up works and this combined with a light steering and high seating makes this a very sorted urban car. It gets a creep function which allows the car to move ahead by releasing the brake – very useful for slow moving traffic.

Price: Rs 4.38 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros:

• Most affordable automatic
• Modern interiors
• Easy urban car (tall seating, good visibility, light steering)
• Peppy and fuel efficient

 Cons:

• High speed manners
• Interior fit and finish
• Limited network, poor resale value

Maruti Alto K10

Maruti’s most affordable automatic car is the Alto K10. This current generation K10 got a major facelift in 2014 and even four years down the line, looks fresh and appealing for this price. Not as tall as the KWID or the redi-GO, but in smaller towns, the K10 is quite popular. The AMT version gets the same 1.0-litre three cylinder engine as the MT one. This one puts out 67 PS of power and 90 Nm of torque, more or less similar to that of the other two cars in the same price band. However, it feels a tad smoother at idle and on the move. It isn’t as modern as the rivals and the AMT gear lever takes up a lot of space which means this version comes without cup holders up front – storage space is surely lacking here.

The AMT is available in one version only and this comes without features like front fog lamps, keyless entry, body coloured outside mirrors and even side moulding. ABS too is missing. This is one area where the rivals score higher points. The only point going in favour of the Alto K10 is Maruti’s widespread network and long term peace of mind factor.

Price: Rs 4.65 lakh (on-road, without discounts)

 Pros:

• Peppy and efficient
• Peace of mind, resale value
• AMT works better than rivals
• Best high speed manners here

 Cons:

• Cabin design is outdated
• No storage space due to AMT lever console
• Limited cabin design
• Missing features (fog lamps, keyless entry etc)

Renault KWID

The KWID is the most expensive entry level automatic hatchback here but it also the one that offers the best bang for your buck. Lets stat with the design first ; the SUV inspired theme works well and gives this car best road presence among the lot. The limited editions look cooler too, thanks to exterior sticker work and even jazzed up wheel covers. Talking of which, the KWID’s interior is a level up as compared to the other two cars and we aren’t just talking about the design but features on offer. A touch screen infotainment system, a full LCD speedometer console with a driver info display and even a rear arm-rest have never been heard of before in a car in this segment.

The KWID is the only AMT car in India that does away with a conventional gear lever but makes use a rotary knob to shift between D (Drive), N (Neutral) and R (Reverse). While this frees up cabin space, it does not allow the drive to change gears manually. All factors combined, though the KWID is the most expensive car here, it is worth the extra monthly EMI.

Price: Rs 4.85 lakh onwards (on-road without discounts)

Pros:

• SUV inspired design works well
• Feature loaded (touch screen, LCD speedo etc)
• Best ride quality of the lot
• Peppy and efficient

Cons:

• Rotary AMT knob removes manual override
• Most expensive here
• Small tank (28 litres), largest turning radius
• Most expensive here!

Maruti Wagon R

The tall boy WagonR is the second largest selling car under Rs 5 lakh in India and though the all-new model is due for a launch next year, the current one continues to sell well, thanks to massive discounts and popularity in the fleet segment. The top end model (earlier known as StingRay) does look far better with a bolder stance, projector lamps, gunmetal grey alloy wheels and a little body kit. The AMT option is offered in four trims of VXI, VXI Plus, VXI Option and VXI Option Plus.

Dashboard design is not beginning to feel a bit old but the new limited edition brings in a fresh air. Stylish seat covers, styling kit with wooden finish and a double DIN audio system do help a bit. 
Comfort is good if not excellent though the car lacks features like a digital display for speedometer console, touchscreen interface or rear air-con vents.

Price: Rs 5.42 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros:

• 
Value for money
• Factory fitted CNG, AMT option
• Fuss free and easy to drive
• Proven product, reliable in the long run

Cons:

• All-new model is due early next year
• Lacks features that rivals offer
• Design is certainly not attractive anymore
• Interiors now feel dated for the price

Tata Tiago

The Tiago makes up for almost 50% of the total passenger car sales for Tata Motors. Priced just above small entry level hatchbacks, the Tiago offers you more bang for your buck than any other similarly priced model. And we aren’t just talking about the design that looks upmarket but the interiors that would look at home on a Rs 6 lakh hatchback! Available in no less than 12 versions, 2 engine and 2 transmission options, the Tiago comes feature packed including multiple safety aids.

The automatic Tiago is sold with the petrol motor and is available in two versions of XTA and XZA, the latter comes with features like a touchscreen ConnectNext infotainment system, steering controls, ABS, dual Airbags and even a cooled glovebox! It also scores over others in terms top notch driving dynamics, good city handling and excellent brakes. The 1.2 petrol engine puts out more than ample performance for the segment, while delivering excellent fuel economy figures. Definitely one of the most fun to drive cars in the price segment and Tata’s best small car till date.

Price: Rs 5.65 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros:

• Interior design and quality
• Ride and handling package
• No of variants on offer
• Powerful and efficient engine options

Cons:

• Petrol engine not as smooth as rivals
• Tata’s small cars are known for long term niggles
• Rear headroom isn’t impressive
• Rivals have better resale value

Hyundai Santro

The Santro brand name has made a come back after four years. This time around, its an all-new product and has almost no resemblance with the model that was discontinued in 2014. Launched from Rs 3.8 lakh onwards, this new product also makes use of Hyundai’s first ever AMT transmission which is offered in two versions of Magna and Sportz. The new Santro is longer and wider than before and has a new design language that would appeal to a wider customer base. It isn’t as tall as before though. It gets an entirely new cabin that certainly doesnt belong to a small car.

Space is a major highlight here and Hyundai clearly wants to keep their target audience’s families happy. The old 1.1-litre petrol motor makes a comeback but has been revised heavily for increased performance and far lower emission levels : the Santro also offers the most affordable four-cylinder engine in India and even the AMT feels better calibrated than the Maruti offerings. There is no doubt that till the new WagonR arrives, this is the automatic car to buy under Rs 65 lakh.

Also See: All New Hyundai Santro Launch

Price: Rs 5.77 lakh lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros:

• Best in class cabin design and quality
• Superior 4-cylinder is very smooth
• Good mix of ride and handling
• Segment leading features

Cons:

• Not as efficient as rivals
• Conservative styling not to everyone’s liking
• Expensive higher spec models
• Missing features (alloy wheels, DRLs, steering adjust, driver seat height adjust etc)

Maruti Swift

India’s largest selling hatchback now is the Swift! Believe it or not but the all-new model has improved massively, thus translating into higher sales than ever before and the good news is that it is available with an optional AMT for both the petrol and Diesel engine options. The new Swift looks much better now and the lower, wider stance surely makes it look oh so sporty. Step inside and there is a sea of change in the design and quality parameter. We love the flat bottom steering and round dials for air-con controls and charging / USB outlets. The all black theme works well and the new Swift improves massively on the space front. Higher versions come with technologically advanced features like smart keyless with start-stop button, SmaryPlay infotainment and even LED front and rear lights. The new Swift offers slightly more passenger room though boot, at 268 litres, remains one of the smallest in the segment.

The petrol engine has a certified economy of 22 kmpl while the diesel comes with a rated figure of 28.4 kmpl and even the base versions come with dual Airbags and ABS as standard. Both the engines offer excellent performance and the diesel motor now has minimal turbo lag and a flatter torque curve.

Price: Rs 7.22 lakh onwards (onroad, before discounts)

Pros:

• New design is better, Swift looks sportier now
• More space on the inside, base Lxi gets dual airbags
• Lighter architecture means better performance and economy
• High resale value and fun to drive

Cons

• Still not as spacious as rivals like the Grand i10
• Ride quality isn’t very comfortable over broken roads

Hyundai Grand i10

The Grand i10 is not a stunning looking car but still very pleasing to the eyes thanks to diamond cut alloy wheels, front LED day-time running lights and even working front air curtains inside the bumper! But the cabin is what keeps us smiling : upmarket feel, dual tone theme and very practical. Ergonomically, the Grand i10 is a great car and major credit for this goes to the slightly front mounted gear lever that makes city driving an easy affair.

Powering the Grand i10 are a pair of 1.2-litre engines in two fuel types of petrol and diesel. The Grand also gets a proper auto ‘box (not an AMT) and performance is good. The torque converter offers a smoother driving experience and has no lag / delay during shifts, something that AGS / AMT cars suffer from. Overall, the Grand i10, given the discounts, is very good value for money in the segment. Hyundai also offers a dedicated low cost model for the commercial segment.

Price: Rs 7.30 lakh onwards (on-road before discounts)

Pros:

• Interiors are upmarket and look good
• Excellent feature list (rear air-con vents, rear camera, push button start)
• Peppy petrol and smooth diesel
• Dual airbags and ABS standard across the range

Cons:

• Expensive automatic
• Rivals have a better diesel unit
• Not exciting to drive (Swift is better)

Maruti Dzire

India’s largest selling sedan garners as many numbers as the next four ‘largest selling’ sedans combined together. It looks better, though still cant be termed as beautiful, has surprisingly good amount of cabin space and comes with an affordable sticker price. We are a fan of how the cabin looks with the black and beige theme, flat bottom steering, round dials and stand out, tab like central unit.

The Dzire gets two of the most trusted engines from Maruti’s family – the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre FIAT sourced diesel unit. Both the engines are known for their trouble free performance and Maruti offers optional AMT with both fuel types, a rare offering for the segment. As it weighs just fractionally over the Swift, performance is as good so is the fuel economy. Infact, the diesel AMT Dzire is the most fuel efficient car in India.

Price: Rs 7.86 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros:

• Spacious, larger than average boot too
• Highest resale value in the segment
• Peppy petrol, torquey and efficient diesel
• Impressive features, auto in both petrol / diesel

Cons:

• 
Base L versions is feature stripped
• Rivals offer better warranty or lower running costs
• Still has the ‘taxi’ image

Hyundai i20

The Elite i20 got a minor facelift in early 2018 and the top spec model with large alloy wheels does stand out. Step inside and you will continue to be impressed with the quality of materials, far better than that on the Maruti Baleno. And while both cars come feature loaded, the i20 ups the game by providing as many as six airbags, a slide adjustment for front arm-rest, cluster ioniser for the air-con and dual USB ports.

The i20 comes with a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel unit. The petrol offers good low end grunt for city runs though is not as rev happy as say the Baleno. We love the gear shifts from the manual ‘box though Hyundai also offers an optional CVT. Given the positioning of the car, Hyundai has skipped a cheaper AMT for a proper CVT ‘box and this does not rob the engine of performance or driving pleasure. You can also pick from the rugged looking i20 Active that comes with body cladding all around, higher ground clearance and slightly revised interiors. Does look big for a cross-hatch in our opinion.

Pros:

• Looks great, especially the top spec models
• High quality cabin with unique features
• Excellent diesel engine, is smooth too
• Hyundai’s proven after sales support

Cons:

• Still not an enthusiast’s tool
• Like the Baleno, this one too has limited rear headroom

Maruti Baleno

Among India’s top 5 selling cars and also the largest selling Nexa model, the Baleno has been a runaway success for Maruti. Passenger space is surprisingly very good and it even gets the second largest boot space for any hatch in India. The Baleno comes loaded with all features possible at this price – segment unique TFT speedometer display and steering adjustment for both reach and height for example.

The Baleno comes with both a 1.2-lite petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel unit – both these engines are seen on the Swift and Dzire in similar states of tune.  Great engine performance aside, we like the way the Baleno rides over city roads, offering an excellent ride quality. High speed manners are mature and for performance seekers, there is also a RS variant with a turbo-charged petrol engine and slightly better aesthetics thanks a small body kit.

Price: Rs 8.05 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros

• Excellent ride and handing
• CVT-Petrol works very well. Diesel is peppy (though noisy)
• Feature loaded – we loved the TFT screen for example
• Surprisingly very spacious for 5 adults and luggage

Cons:

• Exterior design is subjective and not to everyone’s liking
• Cabin looks nice but quality isn’t on par with the Hyundai i20
• Pan India reach is limited due to Nexa network
• Though very spacious, rear headroom is limited

Honda Amaze

Honda launched the all-new Amaze early in 2018 and it has gone to become the second largest selling sedan in India.  Cabin remains its strongest point, offering one of the most spacious cabins under Rs 8 lakh. Honda has worked hard to impart a premium feel with a dual tone theme and high quality materials and it shows. Interior remain plush for the segment and offer excellent comfort for five adults.

The Amaze continues to come with the same 1.2 petrol and 1.5 diesel units though this time around, both the engine options get optional CVT set-up, a segment first. A CVT transmission is much better as compared to the now common AMT / AGS set-up and offers less lag during gear changes. Honda has also made the steering larger and heavier in terms of its weight – even the shaft size has gone up from 22 to 33 mm. This in turn calls for less effort from the driver and though I would not call it feather light, it works well for slow speed driving.

Price: Rs 8.43 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)

Pros:

• 
Spacious and upmarket cabin : we love the layout
• Only car under 10 lakh to offer diesel-CVT set up
• Low running costs, upto 5 years / unlimited mileage warranty
• Good ride, mature looks, Honda brand

Cons: 


• Diesel engine is still noisy with vibrations
• Rear headroom is limited
• No rear air-con vents

Tata Nexon

The Nexon itself looks big for a sub 4 meter vehicle, essential to massage to the owner’s ego. It also gets a very spacious cabin and Tata has worked hard to deliver the comfort factor. Drive this vehicle over bad roads and you will be impressed with its composure! 
The petrol Nexon comes with a 1.2 litre turbo charged petrol motor that delivers 110 PS of power and is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox – these figures are on par with say the EcoSport petrol. The diesel unit is larger, being a 1.5 unit with 110 bhp on tap. Infact, in the compact SUV segment, the diesel Nexon is our pick. Whats more, its the only compact SUV to offer an optional AMT with both fuel types. Both the engines get driving modes and though aren’t very smooth, offers reasonably good performance for the heavy Nexon.

Price: Rs 8.61 lakh onwards (on-road before discounts)

Pros:

• Looks nice for a compact sub 4m product
• Space on the inside, comfort levels
• Drives nice – the modes do work!
• Safe and solid product from Tata

Cons

• Petrol engine isn’t as refined

Maruti Vitara Brezza

The Brezza, when launched, was a smart looking urban SUV and with time, Maruti has worked on aesthetics too. For example, the higher (and more expensive) versions get blacked out roof and black theme for the alloy wheels. The lower and mid versions however do look bland. Step inside and the Brezza feels like any other Maruti due to sharing of parts and a familiar design.

The highlight here is the 1.3-litre DDiS motor, the most widely used diesel motor in India. Given the Brezza’s relatively lighter weight as compared to rivals, the Brezza offers very good performance and fuel economy. And we recommend the AMT version if you have a lot of city runs to do. The Brezza handles very well, more like a grown up hatchback and Maruti has tuned the steering and suspension very well for enthusiasts That said, ride quality is definitely not as good as the EcoSport’s.

Price: Rs 9.83 lakh onwards (on-road before discounts)

Pros:

• Excellent dynamics
• Decent space, comfortable seats
• Reliable and peppy diesel motor
• High resale value, long term maintenance is low

Cons:

• No petrol option
• Cabin quality is not a match for the EcoSport
• Feature stripped LDi / VDi models
• To common on the roads (if that effects you)