SUVs may be all the rage in the market currently, but compact hatchbacks continue to be sensible alternatives, especially for first time car buyers. They offer better value, are easier to drive in the city owing to their size and in most cases, offer no less equipment than an equivalent SUV. Even within the Rs 12 lakh bracket, hatchbacks offer the convenience of an automatic gearbox, ranging from CVTs, AMTs, DCTs and even torque converter automatics. Here, we have listed some of the best automatic hatchbacks under Rs 12 lakh currently available in the market.
1. Hyundai i20
Price: Rs 8.13 lakh – Rs 11.53 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The Hyundai i20 gets two auto gearbox options: a smooth CVT with its 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol and a quick-shifting DCT with the 120hp, 1.0 turbo-petrol engine in the N Line version. The CVT is ideal for city use, and while the N Line with the DCT is expensive, it’s a properly fun-to-drive hatchback with good handling manners. The i20 is also well-equipped and spacious, making for a good all-rounder.
Citroen C3
Price: Rs 9.60 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The C3 gets a sophisticated 6-speed torque converter automatic with its 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine – the only hatchback in the country with such a gearbox. It’s limited to the top-end Turbo Shine variant and misses some features compared to other cars on this list, but the engine performance and smoothness of the gearbox, combined with great ride and handling balance makes it the most mechanically sound package in this segment.
3. Tata Altroz
Price: Rs 7.65 lakh-Rs 10.62 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The Altroz also gets two auto gearboxes with its 1.2-litre petrol: a 5-speed AMT or a 6-speed DCT. The DCT is not lightning quick, but it’s smooth and tuned for efficiency, while the AMT is good for buyers on a budget. The Altroz impresses with an upmarket interior and good ride and handling, but engine performance is a let-down.
4. Toyota Glanza, Maruti Baleno
Price: Rs 7.91 lakh – Rs 9.64 lakh, Rs 7.30 lakh – Rs 9.10 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The Baleno/Glanza duo get a 5-speed AMT with their 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine. There’s noticeable hesitation between shifts, but this AMT is one of the better of its kind, scoring particularly well on the efficiency front. Both cars also well-equipped, ride well, and offer a peppy and refined driving experience. The Toyota is slightly more expensive than the Maruti counterpart, but it comes with better standard warranty.
5. Maruti Swift
Price: Rs 7.94 lakh – Rs 8.65 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The Swift also uses a 5-speed AMT, which paired here with an 82hp, 1.2-litre 3-cyl petrol is even more efficient. While shifts are reasonably smooth by AMT standards, performance isn’t as peppy as the Baleno/Glanza twin. The Swift is a fun handler that’s also comfortable and practical, albeit slightly smaller than others here.
