Automatic hatchbacks in India under Rs 10 lakh

Automatic transmissions have gained immense popularity among Indian car buyers, primarily due to the convenience they provide in navigating through congested urban traffic. While many higher-end vehicles offer automatic gearboxes as standard, an increasing number of budget-friendly hatchbacks are now including automatic transmission options in their variant lineups. Here is a comprehensive list of hatchbacks, both ICE and electric, featuring automatic gearboxes priced under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

1. Renault Kwid

Price: Rs 5.55 lakh to Rs 6.45 lakh

The Renault Kwid is the most budget-friendly hatchback in India equipped with an automatic gearbox. It is available from the mid-spec RXL(O) trim onward and features a 5-speed AMT paired with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that generates 69hp and 92.5Nm of torque.

In our experience with this gearbox, we observed it operates quite efficiently, although the typical AMT ‘head nod’ effect does appear during sudden throttle applications. The Kwid AMT is also equipped with a Traffic Assist feature, enabling it to move forward in traffic without throttle input, albeit at a rather slow pace.

2. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Price: Rs 5.72 lakh to Rs 6 lakh

The S-Presso, offered by Maruti Suzuki, is the most economical option in the brand’s lineup, equipped with a 5-speed AMT available in the top two trims: VXi (O) and VXi+ (O). This gearbox works in tandem with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating 67hp and 90Nm. Notably, its automatic variant is priced Rs 45,000 lower than the Kwid, making it a budget-friendly choice for feature-rich trims.

In our review, we found the AMT to be surprisingly smooth, providing quicker gear shifts than earlier versions. While downshifts for overtaking might necessitate a heavier throttle application, this can be alleviated using the manual mode.

3. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Price: Rs 5.81 lakh to Rs 6.10 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, while being the most affordable car on sale in India, ranks third on this list due to its automatic variants. The top-spec VXi and VXi+ trims include a 5-speed AMT paired with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 67hp and 89Nm.

In our experience with the Alto K10, the AMT exhibited slightly sluggish behavior with notable delays during gear shifts, although it remains efficient for urban driving.

4. Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Price: Rs 6.50 lakh to Rs 7.37 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is available with a 5-speed AMT across various trims including VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. It features the same 1.0-litre petrol engine found in the Alto series, delivering 67hp and 89Nm. Notably, the Celerio AMT currently holds the title for the most fuel-efficient car in India, with an ARAI-claimed mileage of 26.68 km/l.

Shifts in the AMT are smooth, with minimal pauses between gear changes, and manual mode is also available for greater control.

5. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Price: Rs 6.74 lakh to Rs 7.50 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the first model on our list to offer two engine options: a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol and a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol. Both engines can be paired with a 5-speed AMT in various trims like VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. The smaller engine produces 67hp and 89Nm, while the larger variant generates 83hp and 113Nm.

Our observations revealed that the AMT responds well to manual inputs, and the ‘head nod’ effect is limited to the lower gears.

6. Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Price: Rs 6.89 lakh to Rs 8.12 lakh

The Ignis stands out as Maruti Suzuki’s most affordable vehicle in the Nexa lineup. It features a 5-speed AMT available in all trims except the base Sigma. This AMT is coupled with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine outputting 83hp and 113Nm.

Our review of the Ignis noted that while the AMT shifts smoothly at lower speeds, it can feel somewhat hesitant during aggressive driving. The manual mode offers an alternative for drivers seeking more control.

7. Tata Tiago

Price: Rs 6.90 lakh to Rs 8.85 lakh

Tata provides a 5-speed AMT for the Tiago’s 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 86hp and 113Nm of torque, available in the XTA and XZA trims. The rugged Tiago NRG variant offers the AMT only in the XZA trim.

In our review, we found that while the Tiago’s AMT performs smoothly in traffic, it can exhibit a slight jerkiness at very low speeds. A creep function is included, although there can be some delay before it begins moving.

8. MG Comet

Price: Rs 7.36 lakh to Rs 9.41 lakh

The MG Comet EV is the first electric hatchback on our list, noted for its compact size and affordability. As an electric vehicle, it does not require driving gears, making it available in three trims: Executive, Excite, and Exclusive, equipped with a single-speed automatic gearbox paired with a 17.3kWh motor generating 42hp and 110Nm.

Buyers interested in cost savings can benefit from MG’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program, which reduces the initial cost significantly. With BaaS, the starting price of the Comet EV can drop to Rs 4.99 lakh, making it an appealing economical choice.

9. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Price: Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 8.66 lakh

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios features a 5-speed AMT available in Magna, Corporate, Sportz, Sportz(O), and Asta trims, paired with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 83hp and 114Nm.

Our road test indicated that while the AMT exhibits the ‘head nod’ effect initially, it operates smoothly thereafter, especially with a progressive crawl function, making it easy to drive in heavy traffic.

10. Maruti Suzuki Swift

Price: Rs 7.80 lakh to Rs 9.50 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Swift, now in its fourth generation, is equipped with a 5-speed AMT available in VXI, VXI(O), ZXI, and ZXI+ trims. Under the hood lies an all-new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (K12E) that develops 82hp and 112Nm.

Although the power output is lower than previous models, our review indicated that the K12E engine is responsive and smooth. The AMT performs admirably in city driving conditions, featuring a functional creep mode.

11. Tata Tiago EV

Price: Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 11.14 lakh

The Tata Tiago EV, the second electric vehicle on our list, features a single-speed automatic gearbox across its range with two battery options: 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh.

The smaller battery produces 61hp and 110Nm, while the larger setup generates 75hp and 114Nm. Our review mentioned the Tiago EV has great driving dynamics, enhanced by its light steering and compact size.

12. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Price: Rs 8.04 lakh to Rs 9.92 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the brand’s premium hatchback, features a 5-speed AMT available in Delta, Zeta, and Alpha trims. It is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 90hp and 113Nm.

Our long-term review highlighted that the AMT operates smoothly in city conditions, though the transmission’s hesitation and ‘head nod’ effect in the lower gears are noticeable.

13. Tata Altroz

Price: Rs 8.29 lakh to Rs 11.49 lakh

The Tata Altroz is the first model in this list to feature an automatic gearbox that is not an AMT, having recently undergone a facelift. The entry-level trims come with a 5-speed AMT, while from the Creative S trim onward, a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCA) is available, both with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine delivering 88hp and 115Nm.

While we have yet to review the automatic versions of the facelifted Altroz, previous evaluations indicate that the DCA responds well to throttle inputs and is eager to downshift when required.

14. Toyota Glanza

Price: Rs 8.34 lakh to Rs 10 lakh

The Toyota Glanza is effectively a rebranded version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno featuring similar physical and mechanical attributes, including a 5-speed AMT and a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The automatic variant is available in S, G, and V trims.

In our review, we noted that the Glanza’s AMT prioritized efficiency, often leading to delayed downshifts for quick overtakes, as well as occasional hesitations in heavy traffic.

15. Hyundai i20

Price: Rs 8.89 lakh to Rs 11.10 lakh

The Hyundai i20, rounding out our list, opts for a CVT rather than an AMT, paired with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 83hp and 115Nm. The CVT option is available in Magna, Sportz, Sportz(O), and Asta (O) trims.

In our earlier review of the i20, we noted that while the CVT provides a polished driving experience, the typical ‘rubberband’ effect can be noticeable during rapid acceleration, although this can be mitigated with manual mode engagement.