Automatic Cars Under 6 Lakh: Top AMT Options for City Driving

Author: Abhinand Venugopal•Published on: 1/16/2026•5 Minutes
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Key Highlights


  • Maruti Suzuki dominates the list of AMT automatic cars under ₹6 lakh ex-showroom.
  • The first-gen Maruti Suzuki Celerio became the very first AMT car in India back in February 2014.
  • AMT cars are cheaper because the technology is easier to integrate into an existing manual variant.



The popularity of automatics has grown drastically over the past decade, particularly among new drivers and first-time car buyers. AMT, or Automated Manual Transmission, has become the norm in the budget car segment. AMT is often considered an inferior form of automatics, but it is worth noting that even Lamborghinis have employed them until the late 2010s.


As the name suggests, AMT is an automated solution for shifting an existing manual gearbox, rather than being a completely different transmission technology, such as CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), TC (Torque Converter), or DCT (Dual Clutch Technology). Sensors and hydraulic actuators decide when to disengage the clutch and change gears, based on vehicle speed, engine load and throttle pedal position. Some AMT cars also feature a Manual mode for better (yet rarely optimal) driving control.


AMT cars promise better affordability and good fuel economy (in normal driving patterns). Maintenance costs are considerably cheaper as well in the long run. That said, here are the best AMT automatic cars in India priced under ₹6 lakh ex-showroom:


Maruti Suzuki S-Presso


The S-Presso is currently the most affordable product in Maruti Suzuki’s extensive portfolio of small cars. This title was previously owned by the Alto 800. The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso shares its HEARTECT platform with the much-loved Alto K10. It is powered by a 1.0-litre K10C NA petrol 3-cylinder unit making 68.52ps @ 5,600rpm and 91.1Nm @ 3,400rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT. There is also a CNG variant that comes only with a 5-speed manual. Ex-showroom prices range from ₹3.50-5.25 lakh.


Maruti Suzuki Alto K10


The Maruti Suzuki Alto needs no introduction to the Indian automotive buyer. Ever since the Alto debuted back in September 2000, the budget hatchback has consistently topped sales charts. It shares its underpinnings with the S-Presso, though lacking a tall stance. Output figures from the K10C petrol power plant remain unchanged: 68.52ps @ 5,600rpm and 91.1Nm @ 3,400rpm. Transmission duties are also done by the same 5-speed manual or AMT. Ex-showroom prices (including 5-speed manual CNG variants) range from ₹3.70-5.45 lakh.


Renault Kwid


Renault India offers the Kwid in four trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno and Climber. Apart from Authentic, every other trim is offered with an ‘easy-R’ AMT. The Renault Kwid is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol 3-cylinder engine coupled to either a 5-speed manual or AMT. Output figures stand at 69ps @ 5,500rpm and 92.5Nm @ 4,250rpm. In select states, the hatchback is available in CNG format as well. However, it is a retrofit option (solely for the manual) rather than a factory-fitted variant. Ex-showroom prices range from ₹4.30-5.99 lakh.


Maruti Suzuki Celerio


This is perhaps the most relevant name on this list. Introduced in February 2014, the first-gen Maruti Suzuki Celerio became the very first car in India to feature an AMT (dubbed Auto Gear Shift or AGS). Currently in its second generation, the Celerio is intended to be a much feature-packed alternative to the Alto K10. It is powered by the same 1.0-litre K10C NA petrol 3-cylinder, mated to either a 5-speed manual or AMT, and good for 68.52ps @ 5,600rpm and 91.1Nm @ 3,400rpm. Ex-showroom prices range from ₹4.70-6.73 lakh.


Maruti Suzuki Wagon R


With unparalleled space efficiency and a tall stance, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R remains one of the most sought-after cars among new drivers. The present third-gen Wagon R has grown in size after being introduced under the brand’s HEARTECT platform. It is available in two NA petrol engine formats: 1.0-litre K10C 3-cylinder and 1.2-litre K12N 4-cylinder. Both engines are available with a 5-speed manual or AMT. The K10C’s output remains familiar (68.52ps @ 5,600rpm and 91.1Nm @ 3,400rpm). The higher K12N is limited to ZXi trims and produces 90.9ps @ 6,000rpm and 113.7Nm @ 4,200rpm. Ex-showroom prices range from ₹4.99-6.95 lakh. Only K10C AGS trims come within ₹6 lakh ex-showroom.


Savings at the Cost of Driveability


Although AMT cars are significantly more affordable than other alternatives such as CVT, TC or DCT, they are often criticised for their laggy and jerky operation. Time and technology have improved the capabilities of AMT cars, but they still cannot match the driveability of other automatics. In slow-moving city traffic, AMT cars perform well. However, AMT variants often act confused upon kickdown (for an emergency overtake) on open roads — slow to respond, uncomfortably jerky, and unnecessarily high RPMs. With time, manufacturers may trickle down better automatic technologies to the budget segment or drastically improve the driving characteristics of an AMT.


For the average driver who prioritises affordability and fuel economy over everything else, none of the compromises associated with an AMT matter. Furthermore, offering an option to buy a reliable automatic car within a budget of ₹6 lakh ex-showroom itself is a commendable move from leading automotive manufacturers in the country.


FAQs


1. Is AMT actually an automatic transmission?
AMT is an actual kind of automatic transmission, but it is not as smooth or advanced as a CVT, torque converter or DCT.


2. Why is AMT more popular in small cars?
An AMT unit can be built around an existing manual transmission without too much re-engineering or weight increase, thus reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining fuel efficiency.


3. Does AMT improve fuel efficiency?
Being based on a regular manual transmission, AMT variants can theoretically match the original fuel efficiency. However, its slow response may urge the driver to apply more throttle to shift down and go faster. This raises the engine RPMs more than needed, consuming more fuel.


4. How reliable is AMT technology?
AMT technology is generally reliable, but the clutch and electronic components (especially actuators) may wear faster if driven aggressively (which may unintentionally happen during an emergency overtake).


5. Will AMT cars roll back on slopes?
Unless equipped with Hill Hold Assist, AMT cars can roll back upon raising the brake pedal (even in Drive mode).