Automatic hatchback cars in India under Rs 10 lakh, EV, petrol; Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors

The most affordable automatic hatchback in India starts at Rs 5.61 lakh (ex-showroom).

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 are now mostly available with an automatic gearbox, almost all affordable models are now also offered with a choice of an automatic.

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

1) Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Price: Rs 5.61 lakh – 5.90 lakh

Maruti Suzuki’s smallest model is also the most affordable car with an automatic gearbox. The Alto K10 gets the 5-speed AMT only the higher-spec VXI and VXI+ trims. 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.

2) Maruti Suzuki S Presso 

Price: Rs 5.77 lakh – 6.06 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. 

3) Renault Kwid 

Price: Rs 6.13 lakh – 6.33 lakh

The Renault Kwid also gets the AMT on the top-spec RXT and Climber trims. The ‘head nod’, 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.

4) Maruti Suzuki Celerio 

Price: Rs 6.39 lakh – 7.15 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. It also gives the option of manually shifting gears via the gear lever too. 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 6.55 lakh – 7.31 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 are offered with an option of a 5-speed AMT. The automatic gearbox is offered 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) Tata Tiago 

Price: Rs 6.95 lakh – 7.70 lakh

Tata Motors offers an automatic gearbox with the petrol engine on the Tiago and Tiago NRG, and both get it in two trims. The Tiago automatic is available on the XTA, XZA+ and XZA NRG trims. In traffic, the gearshifts of the 5-speed AMT are smooth, but becomes 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.

7) Hyundai Grand i10 Nios 

Price: Rs 7.28 lakh – 8.51 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 family hatchback that’s at home in the city.

8) Maruti Suzuki Swift 

Price: Rs 7.50 lakh – 8.89 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.

9) MG Comet 

Price: 7.98 lakh – 9.98 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. 

10) 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.

11) 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.

12) Tata Altroz 

Price: 8.55 lakh – 10.56 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.

13) Tata Tiago EV 

Price: 8.69 lakh – 12.04 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 mature manner and is very user-friendly with its light steering, good visibility and a small footprint. 

14) Hyundai i20 

Price: 9.11 lakh – 11.73 lakh

Rounding off the list is the Hyundai i20, which is available with either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT in Hyundai speak) or a CVT. The former is available with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, while the CVT is available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine and both automatic gearboxes are available on the Sportz and Asta (O) trims. The DCT gearbox does a good job of masking the turbo-petrol’s weak bottom-end and keeps it in the right gear. The i20 takes a step in the right direction by offering class-leading features and good space, comfort and driving manners.