Indian cities are known to be chock-a-block full of traffic, pedestrians, and various obstacles all over the road. Although manual cars are the most popular transmission type, a good number of car buyers are looking for the cheapest automatic cars in India. Automatic cars make the driving experience comfortable and convenient.
The lowest price automatic car in India is ideal because the driver does not have to constantly operate the clutch and change gears in traffic. And the budget-friendly price means the car is within the range of car buyers.
Let’s have a closer look at some of the cheapest automatic cars in India 2022.
Best automatic cars in India
There are different types of automatic transmissions available on cars such as iMT, AMT, CVT, Torque Converter and DSG (or DCT). iMTs and AMTs offer a budget-friendly option for entry-level cars while the CVT, Torque Converter and DCT are used on performance-oriented cars that require better acceleration times.
iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) is the most affordable type. It has no clutch and the gears have to be shifted manually. AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) has an automatic clutch and shifts gears without any intervention from the driver. AMT offers good performance and there are no jerks while shifting gears.
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is expensive compared to iMT and AMT gearboxes. It is often seen in scooters and small motorcycles, but many cars now come equipped with CVTs. They are easy to drive and gear shifts are smooth.
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Torque Converters are the original automatic transmission and offer a good balance between fuel economy and performance. They are used in turbo petrol engines as well as diesel burners. They are well suited for high torque engines.
DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is used on sporty engines and offers smooth and responsive performance. It is also known as DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). Gearshifts are instantaneous because there are twin clutches that are always ready to shift gears. Many high-performance sports cars use a DCT gearbox.
Check out these affordable and cheapest automatic gear cars in India.
Datsun Redi-Go
The Redi-Go is a newcomer to the Indian market but has caught the eye of many due to its affordable price tag and the fact that it offers an automatic transmission option.
Its starting price is Rs.4.96 lakhs on average ex-showroom making it the cheapest automatic car in India under 5 lakhs. The Redi-Go is a compact yet versatile vehicle that is excellent for driving around crowded cities with heavy traffic. The automatic transmission means your hands are given a break from shifting gears, while you only have to concentrate on accelerating and braking.
The engine is a 999cc, 3-cylinder unit that offers 67 bhp and 91 Nm. Mileage is 22 kmpl from the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox. Power is adequate and the cabin has been designed to offer good comfort for the occupants. The Redi-Go will most likely find buyers in the middle-class small family segment.
Special features include a driver display, Bluetooth audio system that can be used for hands-free calling and LED headlights. For safety, the Redi-Go is equipped with airbags.
Some of the good things about the Datsun Redi-Go include attractive pricing as it is the cheapest automatic car in India under 5 lakhs. It has tall boy styling that is appealing to a wide audience. Ground clearance is adequate to clear large speed bumps and undulation on the road. Although there are two engine options, the automatic transmission is available with the 1.0-litre unit only. The cabin features several storage spaces which makes it practical and convenient.
Some areas where the Redi-Go needs improvement is the rear seat that can just about seat 2 adults in comfort. It is a tad narrow and could have benefited with some more legroom. The engines are a bit noisy when revved hard, while the body roll is considerable at high speeds. The ride and handling are soft which makes the cabin experience slightly bouncy.
Overall, the Datsun Redi-Go is the lowest price automatic car in India which makes it a good value for money car.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Maruti Suzuki has always been at the forefront of the Indian automotive market ever since it was founded. They have the most affordable automatic cars in India and models such as the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso are some of the best-selling cars in the country.
The budget-friendly S-Presso is a low-price automatic car in India with stylish looks and a frugal engine that performs well. Prices for the automatic S-Presso start from Rs. 5.65 lakh making it a good entry-level car for those in the market for an automatic city runabout. The latest iteration of the car was released on 18th July 2022.
The S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre, K-Series engine that has a power output of 66 bhp and torque of 89 Nm. There is an idle start/stop technology that provides a fuel economy of 25.30 kmpl for the AMT version. The Automated Manual Transmission is a smooth shifter and provides a good driving experience.
Inside the car, features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, keyless entry and power windows are useful on an entry-level vehicle.
In terms of safety, the S-Presso features dual airbags, ABS with an EBD braking system, seatbelt reminder, parking sensors and speed alert.
The body exudes a high stance and tall boy proportions. The front bumper gets some stylish cuts making it look muscular and the grille looks like it belongs on an SUV rather than a small hatchback. The main rivals for the S-Presso include the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Celerio, both budget-friendly hatchbacks with automatic transmission options.
Some of the good things about the S-Presso include light controls and steering that make it a breeze to drive around town. The K10 engine is frugal and offers excellent fuel economy, which keeps running costs in check. The ride and handling are also decent and there is ample space for 4 adults.
Things that need improvement in the S-Presso are the quality levels of the cabin and other components. The interior consists of hard plastics that are not pleasant to the touch. The overall design of this little hatchback is quirky, to say the least. Not everyone will say it is a good-looking car, especially with its boxy design. However, the S-Presso works for those looking for a comfortable and compact city driver.
Renault Kwid
It has been quite a while since we saw an update to the Renault Kwid, but it still remains a good looker with easy-to-drive dynamics in a compact package. It is a great car to drive if you looking for the cheapest automatic car in India. The Renault Kwid is priced at Rs. 5.79 lakh for the AMT version.
Also Read: Renault Cars Price in India – Models, Specifications & Features
This automatic Renault Kwid gets a 1.0-litre petrol engine which puts out 67 bhp and 91 Nm. Fuel economy is a frugal 22 kmpl with an adequate performance from the 999cc powerplant. The Renault Kwid has been a runaway success for the French manufacturer because of its affordable price point and comfortable cabin. It is the only small hatchback that can take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki entry-level cars that feature automatic transmissions.
The design of the Kwid is similar to a scaled-down SUV which has a wide appeal for those looking for a car with that extra bit of ground clearance. It gets LED headlamps, a stylish grille and an integrated rear spoiler for that sporty touch.
On the inside, the Kwid features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The centre console has a piano black finish while the fully digital instrument cluster offers an upmarket feel to the Kwid. It is also equipped with a reverse parking camera that features guidelines to aid the driver through a tight spot.
On the safety front, the Kwid gets dual airbags, ABS with an EBD braking system, speed alert warning, reverse parking sensors and seatbelt reminders. Main rivals for the Kwid include the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the Datsun Redi-Go.
The striking design of the Kwid along with its SUV-like stance gives the car good ground clearance. It is easy to drive with light controls and a steering/clutch that make driving an enjoyable experience. Pair that with an AMT gearbox and you have an extremely manoeuvrable car around tight city traffic. Also, the fact that the Renault Kwid is one of the most affordable automatic cars in India makes it a favourite among entry-level car buyers.
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Ride and handling are soft and supple because the Kwid is equipped with long travel suspension, an Indian adaptation for the poor state of tarmac roads in the country. The compact dimensions of this hatchback make it easy to park and navigate through lanes.
Some of the features that car buyers may want improvement in are the tight dimensions of the rear seats. This makes the Renault Kwid a four-seater as only 2 adults can sit comfortably at the rear. The steering response is a little sluggish and will not perform well on spirited drives. Also, the fit and finish quality is inconsistent and doesn’t offer a premium feel for the occupants.
Cheapest diesel automatic cars in India
Diesel engines work better for those who travel more because of higher fuel economy and lower cost of diesel fuel. But diesel engines work at their optimum in a certain rpm range which necessitates changing of gears to remain in the right torque band. Diesel automatics overcome these difficulties without affecting the fuel economy too much.
An affordable diesel automatic is an even better proposition because of the low initial cost combined with economical running costs.
The cheapest diesel automatic car in India is the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios priced at Rs.8.46 lakh average ex-showroom.
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Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Grand i10 Nios is the most affordable diesel automatic car in India. It offers a premium hatchback experience that is segment-leading. From the outside the Grand i10 Nios is both cute and sporty while the interiors are packed with features like push button start/stop, leather-covered steering wheel and upholstery, headlight adjustment, rear wipers, chrome-tipped door handles and 12-volt power outlets to charge your phone or other devices. The spacious cabin provides a soothing and comfortable ambience.
Powering the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a 1.2-litre diesel engine that uses a smooth and refined 5-speed AMT gearbox. Other notable interior features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control with rear Ac vents, height adjustable driver’s seat and rear parking sensors.
For safety, the Grand i10 Nios gets dual front airbags and ABS with an EBD braking system.
Conclusion
Automatic cars in India have always been side-lined for not providing the best fuel economy and for providing a numb driving experience. But recent advancements in technology and modern engines have made them as fuel efficient as their manual transmission counterparts while offering spirited performance, especially from CVTs and Dual Clutch Transmissions. At the same time, Intelligent Manual Transmission and Automated Manual Transmission provide budget-friendly auto gearboxes for the entry-level hatchbacks that sell in large numbers throughout the country.
Also Read: Best Affordable CVT Cars In India 2022 & Why You Should Buy One Today
Cheap automatic cars in India are slowly gaining popularity for their ease of driving and superior performance. Urban traffic can be a nightmare to navigate through and automatic transmission comes as a blessing in this regard. The driver does not have to constantly use the clutch and gears to stay in the right power band. The left hand and leg can be put to rest throughout the duration of the drive. Although some may say this lacks driver involvement, there is no doubt that automatic transmission makes the driving experience effortless and smooth.
If you found this article on the cheapest automatic cars in India interesting, you may also want to have a look at manual transmission cars Here is another article about the differences between manual and automatic transmissions.