Automatic cars have truly made our lives comfortable. With bumper-to-bumper traffic now an everyday sight, automatic cars are the only source of thrill that’s left in driving. But despite the comfort, an automatic offers, many times, pre-defined gear ratios make the entire driving experience rather artificial in terms of performance and kick. But fret not, for DCT is here! Known to offer the comfort of an automatic and the punch of a manual, DCT is the best option for those who want an automatic that doesn’t take away the oomph of riding. So here are the best DCT cars in India under 20 Lakhs, so that you get back the thrill of driving with a pinch of comfort.
What is a DCT transmission?
Before we jump in to see the best DCT cars in India, it is crucial to know what a DCT actually is. An abbreviation for Dual-Clutch Transmission, DCT is a type of automatic transmission that’s got two clutches. In simpler terms, DCT involves two transmissions working in a unison, each of which has its own clutch.
Much like all other automatic transmissions out there, a DCT also changes gears automatically without the need for a manual shift. However, what makes DCT so distinct is the way those gears are changed. A DCT is designed in a way that gears are changed quickly and more efficiently. This is possible only in a Dual-Clutch Transmission as when one particular gear is engaged in one of the two internal transmissions, the next gear to be engaged is already pre-select in the second transmission and is up for an immediate change, without any lag whatsoever. Thus gears are engaged in fractions of a second, making shifting much faster than any other automatic transmission, or even a manual transmission.
here also read Difference Between Manual and Automatic Transmission
Best DCT cars in India
Now that you’ve got a fair idea as to how a DCT works and what marks it better than all other autos, let’s have a look at the best DCT cars in India across segments.
Tata Altroz
The golden hatchback from Tata, which recently received its DCT upgrade, the Altroz is one of the most wanted DCT transmission cars under 10 lakhs and we mean it. Thoughtfully mated to a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (85 bhp/113Nm), the Altroz’s 6-speed DCT takes the hatch’s performance to the next level offering a dynamic driving experience that does not lose the oomph, with a package that offers the Altroz as one of the cheapest DCT cars in India.
Equipped with a wet clutch system along with an advanced cooling system as well, the DCT transmission of the Altroz has made it even more popular considering that it was launched on popular demand. In terms of price, the DCT trims of the Altroz start at 8.30 Lakhs. (Ex-Showroom)
Also read Upcoming cars of Tata Motors in India
Hyundai i20 N-Line/Hyundai i20
The sportier iteration of the ever-popular Hyundai i20, the N-Line is all about superior performance and rightly so. An aesthetic cut above the regular i20, everything about the N-Line is refreshing. Considered to be one of the best without clutch pedal cars in India, the Hyundai i20 and the i20 N-Line deliver uninterrupted power.
Topped with a 7-speed DCT tastefully mated to a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, the combo makes 118 bhp of power with 172 Nm of torque, the Hyundai i20 N-Line DCT is sold as the N-Line N8 and starts at a price of Rs. 11.87 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom) while the regular Hyundai i20 DCT starts with the Sportz Turbo trim priced at Rs. 9.81 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom) making the hatchback one of the best DCT cars under 10 lakhs.
Also read Upcoming Cars from Hyundai India – Elantra, Tucson Etc
Hyundai Venue/ Venue N-Line
The little sibling of the Hyundai Creta, the Venue/ Venue N-Line with its overall balanced performance and highly attractive package is already one of the best-selling subcompact SUVs in India. And while the compact SUVs have plenty of good looks and create comforts, what makes the vehicle stand out is its diverse engine and transmission choice, one of which is the DCT Auto.
Much like the Hyundai i20 and i20 N-Line, the Venue and Venue N-Line also offers a 7-speed DCT onboard the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 118 bhp with 172 Nm of torque. But what makes the DCT iteration of the Venue class apart is the overall performance upgrade that DCT offers. With prices for the Venue DCT trims starting at Rs. 10.97 lakhs and the Venue N-Line starting at Rs. 12.16 Lakhs, the Venue is indeed one of the most capable DCT cars in India, especially in the subcompact SUV segment.
Also Read Hyundai to Launch Six EVs in India By 2028
Kia Sonet
Another worthy compact SUV, the Kia Sonet with its affordable pricing created quite a buzz when it was launched. But what made the critics praise the vehicle was its diverse engine choices and DCT performance. Staying true to KIA’s idea of delivering a lot more for a lot less, the Sonet is topped with several classy features and a capable powertrain.
In terms of the DCT auto, the Sonet also gets a 7-speed DCT auto onboard a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 118 bhp with 172 Nm of torque. But what sets apart the Seltos other than its superior DCT performance is the extra feature goodies offered as compared to the Venue. The DCT trims of the Sonet start at Rs.11.51 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom), making the Sonet one of the best DCT transmission cars in India under 20 Lakhs.
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Two of the best-selling SUVs in India, the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos are hailed as the ultimate sub-4metre SUVs in India. Sharing the same engine, both cars offer distinct USPs of their respective OEMs. Nonetheless, when it comes to DCT transmission both cars offer a 7-speed DCT auto tastefully mated to the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 138 bhp with 242 Nm offering a performance that is unmatched by competitors.
In terms of other aspects, both cars offer distinct looks and different feature packages that can help consumer pick their liking. Price-wise, the Hyundai Creta’s DCT version starts at Rs. 15.58 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom), while the Seltos’s DCT trims start at Rs. 17.99 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom), due to better feature loading.
Also read Kia Low-budget Cars In India
Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun
Another cross OEM sibling duo, the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun both come with the same engine and transmission options and are built around the same MQB A0-IN platform. Considered to be capable DCT cars in India, both vehicle offers distinctive looks, features, toppings and prices. Nonetheless, in terms of transmission, both offer a 7-speed DCT transmission under the DSG moniker onboard their 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit making 148 bhp with 250 nm of torque. In terms of prices, Kushaq’s DSG range starts at Rs. 17.79 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom), while the Taigun DSG starts at Rs. 18.60 Lakhs.
Also checkout MG Astor Vs Hyundai Creta Vs Skoda Kushaq
Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus
A DCT-rich sibling duo once again made it to our list. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are two of the hottest newly launched DCT cars in India sharing the same powertrain and transmission. This cross OEM sibling duo offers the best in terms of sedan performance from both OEMs, but what sets them apart is their looks, pricing and offers.
In terms of DCT, both cars offer a 7-speed DCT dubbed as DSG onboard their 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 148 bhp with 250 Nm, offering the best performance out there for a sedan in its price range. Talking about price, the Slavia DSG starts at Rs. 18.39 Lakhs while the Virtus DSG starts at Rs. 17.92 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)
Also Read Premium Sedan Comparison- Volkswagen Virtus Vs Honda City
Hyundai Verna
The hottest sedan in town and indeed one of the best DCT cars in India, the Hyundai Verna’s popularity knows no bound. A perfect blend of style, sheer performance and ample features, the Verna has its own legacy. With all the creature comforts onboard, the Verna is offered with a DCT onboard the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit making 118 bhp with 172 Nm of torque. In terms of prices, the Verna DCT for the 1.0-litre turbo starts at Rs. 14.39 Lakhs making it one of the best DCT cars in India for under 20 lakhs.
Also read Top Reasons Why People Love Sedan Cars In India
Kia Carens
The newly launched affordable MPV from the house of Kia, the Carens has garnered a lot of attention and sales ever since it launched. An MPV that offers a plethora of top-class features onboard, the Kia Carens presents itself as an affordable package that has a little something for everyone. Even in terms of performance, the Carens shines with a 7-speed DCT onboard the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 138 bhp with 242 Nm. The Carens DCT starts at a price of Rs. 14.80 Lakhs, making the MPV one of the cheapest DCT MPVs in India.
Also read Kia Carens Prestige Vs Ertiga ZXI
Jeep Compass
A true mid-size SUV that is highly practical, good-looking and premium, the Jeep Compass gives tough competition to the Hyundai Creta and comes with a name that is globally renowned in making capable SUVs. Topped with a 7-speed DCT onboard the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes 160 bhp with 250 nm of torque delivering exciting performance in all aspects. And even though the price of the Compass DCT goes a little beyond 20 Lakhs at Rs. 21.87 Lakhs Ex-Showroom, the Mid-Sized SUV still deserve a special mention.
Also read Upcoming Jeep Cars in India
Conclusion
With several types of automatic transmission prevalent in the market, DCT continues to be the very best in terms of both performances as well as mileage. But this high-level performance comes at a price that is dearer than average AMTs. Nonetheless, with several advantages over regular AMTs, CVTs and Torque Convertor Automatics, Dual Clutch Transmissions are truly the best. So here are the best DCT cars in India.
If you found this article on Best DCT cars in India interesting, you may also want to read about Low Budget Cars In India or Top 10 Automobile Companies In India 2022 and visit carorbis blog for more blogs like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is DCT?
Ans: DCT stands for Dual Clutch Transmission and is a type of automatic transmission that’s got two clutches. In simpler terms, DCT involves two transmissions working in a unison, each of which has its own clutch.
Q2. Which is the cheapest DCT car in India?
Ans: Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 are amongst the cheapest DCT cars in India
Q3. Which compact SUVs are offered with DCT?
Ans: The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are offered with DCT transmission.
Q4. Does Creta have DCT?
Ans: Yes the Hyundai Creta comes with a 7-speed DCT onboard.
Q5: Which sedan has DCT?
Ans: The Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus and Hyundai Verna all have DCT onboard.
