The 5 Best Automatic Cars Under 10 Lakhs for New Drivers

Key Highlights:

• Small, affordable automatic hatchbacks are the best way to gain confidence in driving through dense city traffic.
• Modern automatic cars (especially AMTs) offer almost the same fuel efficiency as their manual equivalents.
• The Citroen C3 is the only product in this price category that offers a torque-converter automatic.

For a first-time car buyer in India, the decision to purchase an automatic hatchback can be both reassuring and practical, particularly in dense urban traffic. Modern hatchbacks offer smooth drivability, compact proportions and generally good fuel efficiency — adding great value for someone still gaining confidence behind the wheel. Beyond convenience, the ownership experience of an automatic hatchback has become significantly positive due to advancements in technology and safety. As service networks expand and maintenance costs settle, the long-term commitment required to own an automatic feels less daunting.

That said, here are the best automatic cars one can buy at a budget of under ₹10 lakh ex-showroom:

Maruti Suzuki Ignis AGS

Among an extensive portfolio of affordable Maruti Suzuki products, the Ignis is often underappreciated, particularly when the Swift hatchback is also under consideration. The Maruti Suzuki Ignis sports a rather polarising design aimed to attract the younger crowd. Spanning 3,700mm, the hatchback is shorter than the Swift despite having a slightly longer wheelbase. It is also taller in comparison. The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is great fun to drive as well, with its peppy, rev-happy 4-cylinder engine. However, the AMT unit has a jerky characteristic if pushed hard. Dubbed AGS (Auto Gear Shift), Maruti Suzuki’s AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) system was first introduced in the Celerio hatchback back in 2014. 

The 1.2-litre K12 petrol engine generates 83hp @ 6,000rpm and 113Nm @ 4,200rpm while mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or AMT. Ex-showroom prices of the AMT version start at ₹7.17 lakh for the Delta trim, and touch ₹8.43 lakh for the range-topping Alpha avatar. The Maruti Suzuki Ignis boasts of an ARAI-claimed mileage of 20.89kmpl.

MG Comet

The MG Comet is a great choice if the user commutes predominantly within city limits. The only all-electric choice on this list, the MG Comet is designed to showcase the best space efficiency, visibility and ease of use. Storage might be limited (no glovebox), but characteristics such as seating for four, 4.2m turning radius, relatively tall roof, twin 10.25-inch screens, advanced connectivity suite and low running costs easily make up for it. However, one cannot ignore the bumpy ride over the slightest broken patch of road, owing to the minuscule 12-inch wheels.

Powering the MG Comet is a 17.3kWh battery pack that promises an MIDC range of 230km (expect close to 200km in city traffic). It misses out on DC fast charging and takes about five hours to charge from 10-80% via the standard 3.3kW AC unit (upgradable to a faster 7.4kW charger). The microcar generates only 42hp and 110Nm, yet is quite zippy since it weighs only 800kg. Ex-showroom prices are in the range of ₹7.00-9.78 lakh.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Smart Auto

Hyundai Motor India is one among the top three passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, owing to its compelling portfolio of feature-packed products across a wide price range, especially in the affordable segment. The Grand i10 NIOS, which one could term as the spiritual successor to the proven i10 and an enhanced alternative to the original Santro, is appreciated for its styling, colour choices (especially Spark Green) and segment-leading features. However, the hatchback is neither particularly engaging to drive compared to others on this list nor is that fuel-efficient (16kmpl as per ARAI; expect 13kmpl or less in the city). Hyundai discontinued its turbo petrol version in mid-2022 due to low demand.

The Hyundai Grand i10 is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa MPi three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 83hp @ 6,000rpm and 114Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to a 5-speed manual or Smart Auto AMT. Ex-showroom prices for the AMT variant extend from ₹8.05 - 8.61 lakh. For those wishing for a taller stance, the Hyundai Exter is available with the same specifications and a slight price jump. 

Renault Triber AMT

The Renault Triber AMT, the only 7-seater (also in this price bracket, offers great value and comfort for families. Priced at around ₹8.39 lakh ex-showroom, the 5-speed Easy-R AMT powertrain is available only in the highest ‘Emotion’ trim. The MPV is thoughtfully designed to carry maximum passengers or luggage. For instance, if the third row is removed, the Renault Triber has an impressive boot capacity of 625 litres. Even the roof rails can carry up to 50kg rather than being just part of a cosmetic enhancement.

Its 1.0-litre three-cylinder NA petrol engine makes 72hp @ 6,250rpm and 96Nm @ 3,500rpm. ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency stands at an impressive 19.59kmpl. The powertrain may not be that exciting, but it has enough capability to carry a small family and their luggage on a vacation. 

Citroen C3 Turbo AT

French automaker Citroen marked its Indian debut back in July 2022 with the C3 hatchback. However, the brand failed to attract buyers (despite experiencing strong initial hype) since the car was evidently built to a cost. Even basic features such as electrically controlled ORVMs and automatic climate control were absent in the car’s early trims. Now, the company is desperately trying to fix their mistake by offering more and the most at a compelling price tag.

The Citroen C3 Turbo AT (only available in turbo format) is powered by a 1.2-litre PureTech 110 three-cylinder petrol engine that churns out 110hp @ 5,500rpm and 205Nm @ 1,750rpm, while mated to a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Prices for the single range-topping ‘Turbo Shine AT’ variant start at ₹9.05 lakh ex-showroom and may rise by almost ₹2 lakh depending on customisations and dealership location. ARAI-claimed overall fuel efficiency stands at 18.3kmpl for the automatic.

Compelling yet Competitive Choices

The Indian automotive market has always had compelling choices in the affordable segment. The options have only improved in the past decade, owing to higher demand for reliable automatics, without compromising a lot on features and fuel efficiency. The advent of entry-level EVs has further widened the choices for first-time car buyers.

Coming to this list, it is worth noting that the Citroen is superior to every other model on the list in terms of performance, ride comfort and the type of automatic transmission (the only car in this price category to feature a torque-converter). In addition to being a criminally underrated product, the Citroen C3 Turbo AT variant is objectively the best car you can buy at around ₹10 lakh ex-showroom. 

FAQs

1. Is an automatic hatchback suitable for a first-time car buyer?
Automatic hatchbacks are easier to drive in urban traffic since they eliminate the need for frequent gear shifts. They help beginners build confidence and allow for better control in stop-and-go situations.

2. Which type of automatic is best for beginners: AMT, CVT or torque converter?
For affordability, AMT units are popular, though they can feel slightly jerky and less responsive. CVT gearboxes are smoother and ideal for city driving, while torque converters provide refined performance at a higher cost.

3. Do automatic cars have lower fuel efficiency?
Modern automatics are far more efficient than their predecessors. Some AMT variants even match manual efficiency. Actual fuel efficiency depends on driving habits and road conditions.

4. Will an automatic gearbox last as long as a manual?
With proper maintenance and timely fluid changes, automatic transmissions are durable and can last the lifetime of the car. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s service schedule.

5. Is maintenance cost higher for automatic hatchbacks?
It can be slightly higher because automatic gearboxes have more complex components. Routine servicing is quite manageable, and many mass-market automatics are affordable to maintain.