Best automatic cars under Rs 6 lakh in India

Instead of a cost-effective AMT available with all its rivals, the Datsun Go gets a more sophisticated CVT gearbox, which is reflected in its (relatively) smoother drive and its higher asking price – the top-spec trim exceeds the Rs 6 lakh-mark. Still the automatic unit is not the best example of its kind, with that rubber band effect that CVTs are known for kicking in on hard throttle inputs, even in ‘Sport’ mode. Noise insulation could have also been better. This, along with less than adequate highway manner makes the automatic Go decent for the city, but not much else. While the 1.2-litre petrol engine makes 9hp more in this application, there’s no discernible change in performance either. 

The Celerio popularised AMT gearboxes in India when it first arrived in February 2014, though the unit that’s available now has been refined over the years and, today, it is relatively smooth shifting. Its creep function works reasonably well too. Excellent economy from the 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine is another plus point. Of the other things, the Maruti Celerio’s cabin space is a highlight but the interior lacks features such as a touchscreen infotainment system available in more affordable models.

Hyundai’s first model to come with an AMT gearbox, the Santro’s transmission is smooth and refined, with minimal pauses between gear shifts. There’s also a Tiptronic mode on offer to shift gears manually. The AMT unit is well-tuned with the 69hp, 1.1-litre petrol engine’s laidback, but linear power delivery too. This budget hatchback has a spacious cabin and comes loaded with kit. However, the Hyundai Santro AMT is pricier than its rivals and the cost-cutting measures are a bit too evident in some areas.

An automated manual transmission (AMT) adds a dose of convenience to the already likable Tata Tiago. Like rivals, a manual mode and a creep function are standard on the AMT, though there’s also a ‘Sport’ mode that helps performance to some degree. Sure, the Tata AMT system isn’t the slickest around but the Tiago’s cabin space, big car demeanour and genuine value make it a great choice for automatic buyers on a budget. In May this year, Tata had updated the model with more safety kit and added a top-spec Tiago XZA+ automatic variant that is loaded with kit. This was followed by the brand introducing a digital instrument cluster on the top-spec variant in September. However, the range-topping trim is not available within a Rs 6 lakh-budget. A refreshed Tiago is expected to arrive before April 2020, which will bring with it a tweaked design that will help it meet crash test and pedestrian safety norms and a BS6 petrol engine.

The latest-gen Wagon R is available with two petrol engine options – a 68hp, 1.0-litre and an 83hp, 1.2-litre. Both engines can be had with the convenience of an AMT gearbox, though it’s the larger engine that delivers the stronger performance and is the one to buy. The AMT gearbox is also pretty smooth and shifts come in a timely manner. Do note, as spacious, practical and easy-to-drive the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is, it’s not an ideal highway car, though it is more sure-footed than its predecessors.