While most SUVs here feature AMTs, just one contender gets a smoother CVT automatic option.
Automatic gearboxes have become hugely popular in the last few years in India due to the convenience they offer in our congested streets. While a majority of car buyers in the budget end of the market still prefer manuals, the adoption of auto gearboxes has been growing at a fast rate, as is evident by the sheer number of options in this price bracket across body styles. In this listicle, we’ll take a look at all the SUVs on sale in India with an automatic gearbox option under Rs 10 lakh. While most feature the cost-effective and relatively low-tech automated manual transmissions (AMT), there is just one SUV here that gets a CVT automatic.
1) Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Price: Rs 6.93 lakh-8.16 lakh
The Ignis is a mix between a crossover and a high-riding hatchback, and though it’s not technically an SUV, it’s aimed at sub-compact SUVs like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. The Ignis is the most affordable model on this list to feature an automatic gearbox, which is a 5-speed AMT coupled to its 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol motor. It is offered on three trims – Delta, Zeta and Alpha. On the whole, the Ignis AMT is smooth enough with its shifts, provided you drive with a light foot. The typical AMT pause between shifts only becomes apparent when you want to make quick progress. Â
2) Tata Punch
Price: Rs 7.50 lakh-10.10 lakh
The Punch has proven to be a sales success for Tata given its design, spacious cabin and comfy ride. The sub-compact SUV is available with a single 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine that can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The Punch AMT is offered in 13 variants, priced from Rs 7.50 lakh to Rs 10.10 lakh. The Punch’s AMT gearbox is relatively smooth and shift shocks or pause between gearshifts are pretty well contained. First time AMT users and newbie drivers will certainly appreciate its ease and convenience.
3) Hyundai Exter
Price: Rs 7.97 lakh-10.10 lakh
The recently introduced Hyundai Exter is aimed squarely at the Tata Punch and like its rival, it comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed AMT gearbox option. The Exter AMT is available in six variants, priced between Rs 7.97 lakh-10.10 lakh. The Exter’s AMT gets electric actuators and it’s rather smooth. At part-throttle, the pause between shifts is barely perceptible, and uniquely, it’s the only one here to get paddle shifters.
4) Renault Kiger
Price: Rs 8.47 lakh-11.23 lakh
The Renault Kiger compact SUV comes with the option of two automatic gearboxes. However, it’s only the 5-speed AMT versions that cost under Rs 10 lakh, with the CVT variants priced from Rs 11 lakh. The Kiger AMT uses a 72hp, 999cc petrol engine, while the CVT gearbox is mated to a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The Renault Kiger AMT is available in five variants.
5) Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Price: Rs 8.88 lakh-12.98 lakh
Based on the Baleno premium hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a stylish crossover that can be had with a 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The AMT is available in two trims, priced at Rs 8.88 lakh (Delta) and Rs 9.28 lakh (Delta+). The Fronx is also available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic with its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine option, but those variants are priced over Rs 12 lakh.
6) Tata Nexon
Price: Rs 9.65 lakh-14.60 lakh
The Nexon is Tata Motors’ competitor in the compact SUV segment and is the only one on this list that can be had with petrol, diesel or electric powertrains. As for its automatic gearboxes, it gets a 6-speed AMT option with its 120hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engines. Interestingly, the Nexon is also the only one here that gets 6 cogs for its AMT box and the choice of a diesel-AMT powertrain as well. However, the diesel AMT versions only start at Rs 11.45 lakh, while the petrol-AMT range starts at Rs 9.65 lakh. It’s worth noting though that the Nexon facelift is set to launch on September 14 and it gains a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with its petrol engine.
7) Nissan Magnite
Price: Rs 10.00 lakh-10.86 lakh
Starting at Rs 9,99,990, the Nissan Magnite automatic narrowly makes the cut for this list. Interestingly, it’s the only SUV here to get a CVT automatic option under Rs 10 lakh. Powering the Magnite CVT is the same 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that does duty in the Renault Kiger. The Magnite CVT feels responsive to even mild throttle inputs, and at low and medium engine speeds you don’t really suffer much from the dreaded rubber-band effect of the CVT box.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi or pan-India
Also See:
Hatchbacks with an automatic gearbox under Rs 10 lakh in India
