Tata Tigor, Hyundai Aura, Maruti Dzire: automatic sedans under Rs 10 lakh

While most vehicles here get an AMT, Honda Amaze gets a CVT.

Manual gearboxes have been the preferred choice at the budget end of the market, but many car buyers have now started preferring automatics. A reason for this is that automatic gearboxes are much more comfortable to drive in our congested cities. The adoption of automatic gearboxes in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment can be seen in the hatchback, SUV, MPV and sedan segments, and in this list, we take a look at the sedans and MPV you can buy with an automatic at this price point.

1) Tata Tigor 

Price: Rs 7.45 lakh-8.50 lakh

Starting off this list is Tata Motors’ only sedan offering, the Tigor. It gets a 5-speed AMT on the XMA and XZA+ trims. Like most AMTs, you have to drive this one with patience and planning, especially when overtaking. The Tigor is spacious, practical and comes with a well-put-together cabin that has a premium feel.

2) Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Price: Rs 7.99 lakh-9.39 lakh

Maruti Suzuki is offering a 5-speed AMT gearbox on the VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ trims of the Dzire compact sedan. The AMT is eager to shift up and the transition between gears is noticeable with a bit of head nod. What keeps the Dzire ahead of its rivals is the fact that it has been such a good all-rounder. The top-of-the-line ZXi+ automatic is a bit expensive, but if you are looking for a compact sedan, the Dzire should be at the top of your list.

3) Renault Triber

Price: Rs 8.12 lakh-8.74 lakh

Like most cars on this list, the Triber also only offers a 5-speed AMT on the top two trims – RXT and RXZ. In a bid to dampen that typical AMT jerkiness, Renault has slowed things down and the gearshifts sort of roll into one other. This is nice when you’re driving around at a gingerly pace, but not great when you’re in a hurry. At roughly Rs 50,000 more than the Triber manual, you don’t get extra features, but in addition to the convenience of not having to change gears, you surprisingly also get a better mid-range.

4) Honda Amaze

Price: Rs 8.67 lakh-9.71 lakh

The Honda Amaze is the only vehicle in this list to get a CVT, and it’s available only on the mid-spec S and top-spec VX trims. The CVT works brilliantly and complements this engine’s responsive nature very nicely. Performance is brisk and effortless, as the CVT keeps the engine spinning right in the meat of its powerband. As a sensible, practical and easy to drive pick, the Amaze scores high.

5) Hyundai Aura

Price: Rs 8.75 lakh 

Hyundai offers a 5-speed AMT on the Aura only on one trim, the mid-spec SX+. The AMT unit has a smooth creep function, and while the typical head-nod is present, it is better than some of the other AMT units out there. The Aura is neither the most affordable nor the most spacious car in its segment, but it does everything expected from it with great finesse. It is extremely user-friendly with light controls and a smooth engine, and the newly added safety features further strengthen its case.