When it comes to buying a new car, many people prefer automatic transmission for its ease of use, especially in heavy traffic conditions. For those on the lookout for an automatic petrol vehicle that falls within a budget of ₹20 lakh, there are several excellent options available in the Indian market. Whether you’re after a small car for city commuting or a mid-size sedan for a more comfortable drive, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we will highlight the best automatic petrol cars under ₹20 lakh, covering both small and medium-sized segments.
1. Honda City (V and ZX Variants)
Price Range: ₹12.80 lakh – ₹15.80 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The Honda City is one of the most popular sedans in India and is known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a compact sedan with a premium feel.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with 121 PS power.
- Transmission: CVT automatic.
- Comfort: Spacious cabin with premium upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a spacious boot.
- Safety: Equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse camera, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 17-18 km/l (real-world mileage).
Why Buy:
The Honda City offers a smooth driving experience, a refined automatic transmission, and excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for daily commuting as well as long drives.
2. Hyundai Verna (SX and SX(O) Variants)
Price Range: ₹12.80 lakh – ₹16.60 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The Hyundai Verna is a strong contender in the compact sedan segment. It offers a stylish design, feature-rich interior, and powerful engine options, making it a great choice for those looking for a practical yet premium automatic car under ₹20 lakh.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with 115 PS power.
- Transmission: 6-speed CVT automatic.
- Comfort: 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, ventilated seats, sunroof, and more.
- Safety: 6 airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS with EBD, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 17-18 km/l.
Why Buy:
The Hyundai Verna combines modern features with strong performance and a well-rounded driving experience. The CVT automatic is smooth, and the interior tech is among the best in this segment.
3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno (Zeta, Alpha Variants)
Price Range: ₹8.29 lakh – ₹10.49 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
If you’re looking for a small automatic car with a good balance of performance, practicality, and fuel efficiency, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is an excellent choice. It’s a premium hatchback that offers spacious interiors and is packed with features.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.2L DualJet petrol engine with 90 PS power.
- Transmission: 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
- Comfort: Touchscreen infotainment system, SmartPlay Studio, LED projector headlights, and more.
- Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 21-22 km/l (real-world mileage).
Why Buy:
The Maruti Baleno stands out for its excellent fuel efficiency and practical features. Though the AMT isn’t as smooth as a full-fledged automatic, it offers good value for money, especially for city driving.
4. Tata Altroz (XZ, XZ+ Variants)
Price Range: ₹8.99 lakh – ₹11.59 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The Tata Altroz is a premium hatchback known for its solid build quality, spacious cabin, and distinctive design. With the addition of an automatic transmission in the 2023 update, it has become a competitive option in the small car segment.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.2L Revotron petrol engine with 86 PS power.
- Transmission: 5-speed AMT.
- Comfort: 7-inch touchscreen, Harman audio system, premium upholstery, and more.
- Safety: 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 18-20 km/l.
Why Buy:
The Tata Altroz shines with its solid safety features, spacious cabin, and robust build quality. The AMT gearbox offers decent convenience, and the Altroz is among the safest cars in its segment.
5. Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Zeta, Alpha Variants)
Price Range: ₹7.99 lakh – ₹9.79 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is one of the most popular compact sedans in India. Known for its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel efficiency, and affordable price point, the Dzire is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly automatic.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.2L K-series petrol engine with 90 PS power.
- Transmission: 5-speed AMT.
- Comfort: 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen, automatic climate control, and a refined cabin.
- Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 22-24 km/l.
Why Buy:
The Dzire is an ideal option for anyone looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient automatic car. It’s perfect for city driving and offers a great balance of comfort and practicality.
6. Kia Sonet (HTX, HTX+ Variants)
Price Range: ₹10.50 lakh – ₹14.50 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The Kia Sonet is a compact SUV that packs in style, features, and a punchy performance. With its bold design and advanced features, the Sonet offers excellent value for money, especially in the sub-compact SUV segment.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.2L petrol engine with 83 PS power.
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) and 6-speed automatic.
- Comfort: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, premium upholstery, and a sunroof.
- Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 18-19 km/l.
Why Buy:
The Kia Sonet offers the elevated stance and features of an SUV, combined with an easy-to-drive automatic transmission. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a compact SUV with a premium feel and plenty of tech features.
7. Toyota Glanza (V, V+ Variants)
Price Range: ₹8.50 lakh – ₹10.20 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The Toyota Glanza is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, offering the same practicality, but with Toyota’s reliability and after-sales service. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a small, automatic petrol car in the premium hatchback category.
Key Features:
- Engine: 1.2L DualJet petrol engine with 90 PS power.
- Transmission: 5-speed AMT.
- Comfort: 7-inch touchscreen, LED projector headlights, smart key, and more.
- Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse camera, and more.
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 21-22 km/l.
Why Buy:
If you’re looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient car with Toyota’s robust after-sales service, the Glanza is a great option. It offers the same features as the Baleno, but with a different brand experience.
Conclusion: Best Automatic Petrol Cars Under ₹20 Lakh
In conclusion, the Honda City and Hyundai Verna are excellent choices for those looking for a more premium, mid-size sedan with strong performance and features. If you’re more inclined towards small cars, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, and Maruti Suzuki Dzire offer great value with excellent fuel efficiency and practicality. For those who want a compact SUV, the Kia Sonet stands out with its stylish design and feature list.
When selecting the best car for your needs, consider factors such as driving comfort, fuel efficiency, safety features, and after-sales service. Each of these cars offers a unique blend of qualities, so you’re sure to find one that perfectly suits your requirements.