paddle shifter
Indian customers have limited choice in transmission options. Most Indian manufacturers have decided to provide manual transmissions because of our well known obsession with the mileage of vehicles. This has resulted in a state where only a minute number of cars feature auto transmissions.
This is the list under of vehicles priced under 16 lakhs on road listed in order of increasing price:
- Hyundai I10 (4 speed)
- Hyundai I20 1.4 Gamma – PL (AT) (4 speed)
- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AX (3 speed)
- Reva Maini (CVT)(Electric)
- Hyundai Verna 1.5 SX CRDi VGT Automatic (4 speed) - (Diesel)
- Honda City(4 speed with paddle shift)
- Scorpio VLX AT(6 speed) (Diesel)
- Toyota Corolla(4 speed auto)
- Honda Civic (5 speed with paddle shift)
The number of vehicles over 16 lakhs with automatic gearboxes is significantly higher.
Common Myths regarding Auto transmissions:
- Low on power/pickup: Myth. The auto transmission doesn’t have as much intelligence as a human and can perform to a certain limit of options as designed. It may not have the intelligence to shift down a gear for overtaking or shift as quickly up to a higher gear for cruising as desired by drivers used to driving manual transmissions with control over the gear used. Once you get used to the way the transmission performs you will be better able to drive it optimally. You will need to learn to stamp down on the accelerator or ease off it depending on how you want to go. CVTs are better than regular automatics and within regular automatics the larger the number of speed ratios supported the better since the engine RPMs are better set with multiple ratios than a few ratios.
- Low on mileage: Partly True. Automatics are slightly more thirsty than their manual counterparts but this is usually do to a combination of slightly higher vehicle weight and poor awareness of the way to drive an automatic. How much lower is the mileage usually depends on the vehicle and the driver but usually the difference would not be more than a difference of 2 to 3 KMPL lower at the max. The difference would come down with sedate driving and careful braking and starting.
- Very Costly: Partly true. Automatics are currently around 40,000 or more costlier than a comparable equivalently specced manual. Our manufacturers have traditionally offered automatics only on their highest trim levels of cars. If automatic transmissions were made available on even the entry level trims with just an air conditioner am really sure the response for them would be much better. Pairing them up with diesel engines would make them even more desirable. Currently a lot of people buying automatics go in for adding on LPG/CNG kits.
- Automatics are not fun to drive: Myth. Agreed they are not as responsive as a manual transmission but there is nothing like the comfort of driving an automatic in peak city traffic. You get to relax from constantly changing gears and concentrate on moving without hitting anything or getting hit. The few cars that come with steering column mounted paddle shifters are fun to drive without the hassle of manual shifting.
When should you get an automatic ?
- If you are spending a lot of time in peak traffic requiring stop and go movements.
- You drive your own vehicle
- You are new to driving and just cannot get the hang of clutch and gear and brake and accelerator
- You have only driven automatics till now.
- You are ok with sedate driving and do not require the fine level of control possible with manual transmissions.
- You refuse to let a driver drive
- You have foot pain or a physical condition that prevents usage of a manual transmission.
When you should not get an automatic:
- If you are concerned about vehicle cost and cost of fuel more than ease of driving.
- You are very concerned about performance
- You do not drive in peak traffic at all and have only empty roads where you need to go or you have a driver and just do not drive.
Auto Clutch ?
What about the much advertised auto-clutch conversion kits for manual transmissions that costs anywhere between 25k to 40k ? My only advice is first check if the dealer of the kit provides a guarantee and service in your city? Also get it done only if you have no choice as I would choose a factory fitted transmission any day over a bolt on mainly from the point of view of a factory warranty over a installer warranty.
Manufacturer Blabber:
Manufacturer Support for automatics has been very reluctant in India with the obsession with mileage.As of today Hyundai is the only manufacturer that provides an automatic option for all segments of vehicles it provides. The dealers are usually reluctant to sell you an automatic. They have been advertising the Verna Automatic which is a segment first and that too in diesel trim.
Maruti will dissuade you against buying the automatic Wagon-R. They will try their best to sell an automatic Grand Vitara on the other hand which no one wants in its Manual version itself. Strangely Suzuki which sells automatics in every other market in the world in India as part of Maruti keeps insisting that there is no market for it and hasn’t been serious with auto transmissions.
Wishlist & In Summary: I think there is definitely a market for small fuel efficient automatics, mainly diesels in all segments. Any hatchback car that has the Multijet diesel engine from Fiat is a good candidate to get an automatic box. They have adequate power and already provide great mileage so will not suffer much from having an automatic box.
Tata and Fiat need to look into automatic options soon to stay abreast of competition as the currently have ZERO vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Mahindra has the automatic on the Scorpio but need to start providing more options on the Xylo, Logan and Bolero soon.
PS: This post was actually put together around the same time as my I10 post but I delayed putting this up.Do you know what car has the steering wheel & gear lever pictured in the images in this post ? 
. The answers are in my post itself.
I have heard lot of time that ‘the kick’ is missing in automatic cars. After your say it is a myth, I will check it out by driving myself.
.-= Adesh Sidhu´s last blog ..Loyalty Programs…For What? =-.
Hi Adhesh – do try them out if you can – its a good experience if you want a relaxed ride in traffic.
Sushil, all these cars have crappy autoboxeses, expect the Civic and the Scorpio. They need to offer us 6 speeds not 4!
I drove a Honda Accord automatic during my three years stay abroad and it was a darn good automatic to drive. However, I wouldn’t really go for one in Indian city driving conditions where the relative number of gear shifts are four or five times. Automatic here should really yield low mileage due to this
.-= Ajith Edassery´s last blog ..Timeless Content on Your Blog =-.
Hi Ajith – I think you missed what I was saying – mileage should not be your focus when looking at an automatic -it should be ease of driving and comfort in traffic
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You are right
and on second thoughts a Civic auto with smooth paddle shift and five-speed transmission won’t be bad either in terms of some fun driving.
.-= Ajith Edassery´s last blog ..Link Diagnosis – Know your Backlinks =-.
Thank you so much for all the information. I’ve desperately been wanting to buy a car but i’m hopeless with the gears. I just can seem to get a hang of it. And i’ve been hearing a lot of negatives about the AT. This write up has really helped me make up my mind.. automatic it is!!
due to backpain I wish to buy AT. can u pl tell me better betwwen Verna diesel AT. new SX$ AT and City AT.
Sushil, well written article on auto boxes. May I add my take on them?
I am biginning understand why Indians are so anti auto. The mileage yes, is marginally less than a manual, but thats not the reason. The reason is that auto manafacturers have been shafting us for the past 60 or more years. We as a people are not car savvy, it perhaps is a throwback to the days of quota and control – not that those things have gone away entirely even today. Manafacturers push manual for a simple, simple reason. Money. Its so much cheaper and technically much less complicated to make manuals. No reason on earth to encourage anyone to use autos which are more expensive to manafacture, right? Imagine them trying to sell manuals in developed countries! Why, even formula 1 cars are autos!
There really is no reason on earth to opt for a manual – except the price – the huge difference in prices of manuals and autos are another example of manafacturers taking us for a ride. Today, with paddle shift, sports mode and the like, ‘the rev ’till i say stop’ feeling is faithfully emulated in autos as in manuals. Ok, I can understand the manual option is desired by some. So…..have the manual as an option and NOT the auto as the option!
Even in off road vehicles, the difference in performance is marginal, if any. I regularly drive vehicle up and down the dunes in UAE, and haven driven both types, I can tell you that it matters little, there barely any perceptible difference between the two. And we’re talking really big mothers of dunes…
Anyway, thats my take. Give me an auto anyday. But dont ask me to pay i lac more for it. Thats just not fair.
Thanks for the comments George – valid points !!!
hey..i need ur help!!! i am a class 12th student. and my father is gifting me a car..it has to be automatic(he wants it) and should cost below 6lacs or so. pls help me as i am not interested in cars like wagon r or ritz types. pls help!!! with all the details.
thank u. shivalika (delhi)
Hi Shivalika – I do not see you having much choice in Automatics other than the I10 Automatic which fits your budget. Everything else new would be out of your budget. As an alternative you could look at getting a Honda City or Santro Automatic/ used within your budget if you are okay with getting used cars. Else just go for the I10 automatic. Most other used Automatics may be out of budget. I would not reccommend the Wagon R auto even if you are able to get a booking done for it. And whatever you do avoid a “semi-auto”-clutch car at all cost.
PKsaklecha – sorry for the late reply. Am not sure how an automatic would help with your back pain. You need a vehicle that has a comfortable seating position – please try them all out and decide which one your back approves. Your mileage of use per year and comfort would be the only things differing between the SX4 and the City automatics. I think the SX4 may be easier to get into and out of since it is taller. The Verna and City would compete only on mileage between each other.
hi i need an automatic , and i will be using it on outofstation highway drives , budget is 8-10 lakhs. Safety will be the deciding factor for my husband as i will be driving.
Hi Shania – you should test drive the SX4 Auto, Verna Auto & Honda City autos – these fit in your budget range – the final choice will be up to you. If you give more details of your requirements I can help you narrow it down.
Nice article.
I vouch for auto cars with my 3 years driving experience of Camry and BMW abroad.
Hi,
I wanted to know the difference between I20 and I10 Automatic transmission versions. There are so many versions that i got confused and couldnt differentiate. The price variations between these 2 models are so vast that i was wondering what is the added features that got included in I20 variations.
If you could provide me details or list out the major differences between I10 and I20 automatic transmission versions. Thank you very much in advance.
Regards,
Vidya
Vidya – the I20 is a much bigger car than the I10. The I20 has a load more of features as well … I will need a lot of time to put such a comparison together – actually you are comparing cars across two segments – what is your must have requirement – space or automatic gears ?
Hi there, am on the look out for a Disel Automatic Transmission saloon car.Am in a fix betwen the Skoda Laura,Jetta and the Cruze(in the D segment).Or even ane other models within the price range of 12L-15L max.Cud u guys suggest me among these or ane other disel AT cars.Thnks
i am looking for a automatic car in diesel version do have.please mail me if we have any model.my mail mail id is heartyasir@yahoo.com
I have recently 21 days ago bought i10 magna automatic, have driven about 500 km and spent 500+800+1000 (Rs. 2300), petrol cost is aprrx.Rs 54/litre. Wonder if this mileage is ok/normal with this car? and whether the mileage will improve with time/servicing. Have been quite disappointed with milage so far, otherwise a great car.
Hello,
I intend to buy a hatchback car in the next two months. So far I’ve considered Fiat Punto, Hyundai i20, VW Polo, Maruti Swift, etc.
I’m physically disabled and I think I’d be able to drive an auto transmission car and it’ll be worth buying one.
Which of the cars that I’m looking for come in an auto variant in India? which others do you recommend?
Thanks,Neelam
Hi Prakash – sorry for the late reply – I think your mileage (around 11kmpl) is about normal if not very good for an automatic. I doubt it would increase much with servicing. Please mention what type of drive you have many short trips in traffic or few long trips on free moving highways ?
Hi Neelam – please look at the I10 automatic closely and do a test drive to confirm its suitability. I think its the easiest car to drive because of its small size and have done a short test drive (http://cars.zimbly.com/2009/07/hyundai-i10-automatic-short-test-drive/).
The I20 is larger and costlier I feel. Others you listed (Punto, Swift, Polo) do not come with automatic versions as of now.
I wouldnt recommend the auto clutch if you can manage with a proper automatic from the manufacturer. Please do reach me if you have any further questions.
Boy this thread is full of ridiculous information….
First off Manual always face clutch wear and need replacing based on driving habits..
Automatics on the other hand (my experience) have driven one for 20 years without ever touching the transmission (no repair,).
they are more fuel effecient any day…
They are comfortable to drive and easy//
and lastly Automatics were an invention (about 60 years ago) so the whole world drives automatics..
India has yet to discover and re-invent the automatics… ask any one who has driven one. not the other way round.\
my two cents.. thanks
Just another very important note… does anyone know what an automatic car is:
judging from all the criticism here against automatic… id seriously doubt that anyone has any clue what they are talking about.
THERE IS NO CLUTCH IN AN AUTOMATIC CAR.. JUST BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS.
that means your left leg and left hand are free to relax or do what ever you want with it. this obliviously makes driving easier, less accident prone and more enjoyable.
my 2 more cents… total 4 now.
Hi
I am looking for an automatic sedan under 11 lakhs. I around drive 1500- 2000 kms per month
Excuse me I meant “drive around” instead of “around drive”. In the last post
Prakash, 11km/ltr mileage is excellent for an auto car. Not sure how much you were expecting Only Honda city auto gives excellent mileage almost the same as Honda city manual. Enjoy ur new car