India as a country is densely populated not just in terms of people but also in terms of automobiles. In recent times, the number of cars on Indian roads has gone up drastically and the numbers keep soaring with each passing day. Naturally then, the traffic too has increased and so has the demand for automatic cars.
While manual cars still rule the roost, automatic cars are gaining popularity for its convenience, ease of driving and practicality in a city. As a result, manufacturers are bringing in more variants with automatic gearboxes for their cars in the country.
Sure, manual cars are more affordable and fuel-efficient but owning an automatic car is not a far-fetched dream. We list down the most affordable automatic cars you can buy in India right now, starting at less than Rs 5 lakh, ex-showroom.
Sure, Datsun is one of the lesser seen brands on Indian roads, but the redi-GO is a model that grabs eyes wherever it goes. With its compact yet surprisingly versatile nature, it offers a lot of power and comfort and is designed for the middle-class families in India.
There are a number of useful features found in the car, including, a driver display, Bluetooth audio, hands-free music and calling, LED lights, airbags, and more.
The redi-GO comes with two engine options – a 0.8L petrol which generates 54bhp of power and 72Nm of torque and a 1.0L petrol engine that produces 69Ps of power and 91Nm of torque. Datsun provides both engines with a five-speed manual transmission setup; however, the larger 1.0L engine can be had with a five-speed automatic gearbox as well.
The Maruti S-Presso is the second most affordable automatic car in India that gets quirky looks and funky colours. It is one of the best-selling cars and a budget-friendly option for Indian buyers. The S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine that generates up to 68bhp of power and 90Nm of torque. It comes with a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic gearbox.
Maruti also has a CNG version of the S-Presso that is powered by the same 1.0-litre petrol engine that generates 59bhp and 78Nm of torque but is only available with a five-speed manual transmission system.
Inside the car, the S-Presso features a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and power windows in the front. The car also has some handy safety features including ABS with EBD, driver-side air bags, front seatbelt reminder, parking sensors, and speed alert.
The Kwid, with its crossover design is easily one of the best-looking small hatchbacks in this price range. The Kwid is available with 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre petrol engines that are capable of generating 54bhp of power and 72Nm of torque, and 68bhp of power and 91Nm of torque, respectively.
As for the transmission, the 0.8-litre petrol variant is available with only a five-speed manual gearbox, whereas the 1.0-litre variant can be had with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT transmission.
The Renault Kwid comes equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a digital instrumental cluster, LED DRLs, keyless entry, a 12V charging outlet for passengers in the rear, and a reverse parking camera. Safety features include dual airbags, parking sensors at the rear, and ABS with EBD.
The Maruti Celerio holds the distinction of being Maruti Suzuki's first small car to get an automatic transmission and is the fourth most affordable automatic car in the country. The Celerio's unique style makes it look like a hatchback and an SUV at the same time.
The hatchback features an efficient 1.0 petrol litre engine that generates 65bhp and 85Nm of torque. It comes mated to five-speed manual and automatic transmissions. It gets all-black interiors with the dashboard featuring silver accents at some places and a touchscreen infotainment system.
On the safety front, it comes with ABS with EBD, hill-assist, dual-front airbags and pedestrian protection.
The Tiago is the safest and yet another affordable automatic offering in this list. The Tata Tiago is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, NA Revotron petrol engine that produces 85bhp and 113Nm of torque. This motor is paired to a five-speed manual transmission and an AMT unit.
It also gets a CNG variant that produces 72bhp and 95Nm of torque, and is offered only with a five-speed manual unit. The interiors of the Tata Tiago come equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, a flat-bottom steering wheel, an engine start-stop button, and a cooled glove-box.
