10 Most Fuel Efficient Automatic Cars in India in 2024

Ever-increasing traffic conditions have seen a marked shift in gearbox preference among consumers in India. Both existing and newer buyers are now leaning towards automatic transmissions more than ever. Although automatic transmission equipped cars haven’t ever been cheaper than their manual transmission equivalents, the dawn of new technologies such as automated manual transmissions (AMTs) have offset that price difference. The price gap between the transmissions are closer now and so are the fuel efficiency figures. Automatic gearbox equipped cars are now just as fuel efficient as manuals as automatic gearboxes as they are now being equipped with more ratios. This helps them manage the revs and shifts better. Moreover, not having to operate a clutch constantly in bumper-to-bumper traffic substantially increases convenience.

CARS24 has compiled the most fuel efficient cars with automatic transmissions in India so you can better plan your automatic-equipped car purchase. The list aims to include the different types of automatics on offer as well as different fuel types and body styles of cars sold in India. 

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Types Of Automatic Transmissions

Before diving into details of the cars, it is important to understand the different types of automatic transmissions. Five types of automatics are commonly found in cars sold in India today. They are -

1. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

This is the most affordable form of automatic transmission available. They are now commonly found in entry-level to mid-premium hatchbacks. An AMT blends the cost-effective single-clutch manual transmission with actuators that perform the shifts and clutch actions. A clear giveaway for an AMT-equipped car would be the absence of P (for Parking) in the sequence of gears, thus only offering R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive). AMTs still offer a manual override with a sequential shift pattern denoted by  ‘+’ (upshift) and ‘-’ (downshift) symbols. AMTs are usually the most fuel-efficient options, closely rivalling the figures from a manual transmission equipped car.

2. Clutchless Manual Transmission (iMT)

Currently being offered only by Hyundai and Kia cars, a clutchless manual as the name suggests, doesn’t use a conventional clutch pedal. Instead, the clutch actuation is automated, through sensors in the shift lever that identify when a shift is about to be performed. These cars still have a regular H-pattern manual gearbox that has to be manually shifted by the driver; only the clutch is operated automatically. This technology has been around for many years and was more popular for equipping cars for the differently abled.

3. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Another type of automatic transmission, the CVT uses simpler mechanicals consisting of cones and pulleys. Their movement constantly varies depending upon the engine load or throttle application thus theoretically, having infinite ratios. CVTs are known to be the smoothest shifting transmissions but may not be very fuel efficient due to higher mechanical losses. Honda cars have traditionally offered CVT automatics with its Brio, Jazz and City models sold in India.

4. Torque Converter (AT)

Most mid-premium cars will be equipped with a torque converter style transmission and can offer up to nine ratios. They are also the most common type of automatics found but do not offer much in terms of fuel efficiency. Usually denoted as ‘AT’, torque converter automatic gearboxes are convenient to operate and do not encounter as much mechanical losses as a CVT thus feeling better to drive, with minimal lag in shifting performance.

5. Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

This is a newer technology that uses two clutches for two sets of ratios. They offer fast shifting performance and due to this focus, they are mostly found in high-performance cars. Although, in recent times, more affordable cars like the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 feature an option of a DCT. These transmissions may be similar or lower in fuel-efficiency to Torque Converters, are comparably costlier to maintain and may suffer from overheating issues in demanding traffic conditions. On the upside, they offer a very involving and sporty driving experience with the quickest shifting performance and better engine rpm management.

Best Mileage Automatic Cars In India

1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | 25.3kmpl

Based on the Alto K10, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso can be considered the micro-SUV or crossover sibling of the Alto K10. Since both cars share the same Heartect platforms, they are also powered by the same K10C engine thus the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) option is available for the S-Presso. Maruti Suzuki dubs this technology as Auto Gear Shift (AGS) and is available with the VXi and VXi + trims of the car. Claiming 25.3kmpl, the S-Presso is the most fuel efficient automatic crossover you can buy in India in 2024.

The S-Presso boasts of more space than its sibling, the Alto K10, with more headroom and legroom. It is a body-type that is suited to micro-families and users with requirements of carrying people frequently. Its overall compact dimensions definitely boosts confidence for  newer drivers while the AGS transmission offers convenience and further ease of driving. Furthermore, the S-Presso also boasts of 180mm of ground clearance to tackle rougher terrain and 240-litres of luggage space to take care of storage requirements.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso AMT Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso AMT Key Features

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | 24.9kmpl

A hot favourite among first-time buyers and newer drivers, the Alto offers driving convenience due to its compact dimensions. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is currently available with the K10C engine, with an option of an automated-manual transmission (AMT) dubbed as Auto Gear Shift (AGS) by Maruti Suzuki.

The option of an AMT is another factor that’s considered among newer buyers as it takes away the requirement to focus on shifting. With no clutch pedal or an H-pattern gearbox to navigate, the AMT shift selector can be slotted into ‘D’ or Drive mode as it manages the shifts and clutch action automatically. Maruti Suzuki offers the Alto K10 in two trims, VXi and VXi +, with the AGS transmission and claims an impressive 24.9kmpl making it one of the most fuel efficient hatchbacks in India.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT Key Features

3. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | 24.43kmpl

Instantly appealing as a family car, the Wagon R has been an easy choice for many Indian budget-conscious buyers. Maruti Suzuki offers the Wagon R in many trim options along with a choice of engines and gearbox options to add to its versatility. Maruti Suzuki’s AGS or AMT is being offered with both engine options. These being the 1.0-litre K10 engine or the more powerful 1.2-litre engine, in a total of four trims with an automatic transmission option. Since the brand is renowned for its fuel-efficient engines, it comes as no surprise that the AMT-equipped engines are among the most fuel-efficient automatic options out there. The 1.2-litre engine claims 24.43kmpl making it one of the best options for an automatic family hatchback.

With one VXi variant and three ZXi variants, the automatic transmission options are available in the higher trims. This also means that these trims are the ones that are feature-loaded with Maruti Suzuki’s SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system. The Wagon R rounds off many features like easy ingress and egress, luggage loading versatility with 341 litres of boot space as well as split-folding rear seats.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AMT Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AMT Key Features

4. Renault Kwid | 22kmpl

The Renault Kwid definitely takes the crown of being the most affordable automatic transmission equipped car in India. With a starting price of ₹ 5.44 lakh for an AMT equipped variant, the Kwid manages to edge the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 by a few thousand rupees. Renault calls its AMT technology as Eazy-R and it works on the same basic principles of utilising a manual transmission’s mechanicals and enabling the clutch and shifting with hydraulic actuators. For a car of the Kwid’s size, an AMT only further enhances its ease of driving while a claimed 22kmpl just sweetens the deal. 

Renault offers the Kwid in four variants with the AMT, including trims that are loaded with features like digital instrumentation, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Kwid in higher trims even boasts safety features such as reverse parking camera, Electronic Stability Program, tyre pressure monitoring system, and more. 

Renault Kwid AMT Key Specifications

Renault Kwid AMT Key Features

5. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | 20.7kmpl

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios comes across as a breath of fresh air with its contemporary looks and Hyundai styling. Thus, it doesn’t come across as a surprise that it appeals more to a young customer base, looking for a stylish yet cost effective hatchback. Not just that, the Grand i10 Nios also makes for affordable running and maintenance costs; and as part of this list, an enticing high mileage automatic option too.

Hyundai offers as many as five trims of the Nios, equipped with an AMT, giving the buyer a variety of budgets and features to choose from. Paired with a peppy engine that’s reliable, the Grand i10 Nios makes for a great fuel-efficient automatic hatchback offering up to 20.7kmpl. The hatchback brings in modern elements like LED DRLs, projector headlamps, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, contemporary interior design, space and comfort with its compact package.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios AMT Key Specifications

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios AMT Key Features

6. Tata Altroz | 19.33kmpl

The Tata Altroz brings in a properly sporty design and aesthetics into a versatile hatchback form. In this comprehensive list of the most fuel-efficient automatics, the Altroz offers tremendous value for money with a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) option for under ₹10 lakh. Usually reserved for sportier cars, a DCT offers fast shifting performance by utilising two sets of clutches for two sets of gear ratios. This makes driving more engaging and sporty. In the Altroz’s case, at an ARAI claimed 19.33kmpl, it is the most fuel efficient DCT automatic hatchback as well.   

As many as seven DCT-equipped variants are on offer to choose from. Tata has also loaded the Altroz with modern features like a 10.2-inch touchscreen with mobile connectivity and wireless charging as well as scoring top-safety points with six airbags, 360-degree cameras and more. The Altroz is spacious too, appealing to individual as well as family oriented buyers.

Tata Altroz DCT Key Specifications

Tata Altroz DCT Key Features

7. Hyundai Venue | 18.3kmpl

Want an option to stand out from the sea of hatchbacks on this list? The Hyundai Venue slots in perfectly as a compact-SUV, a segment that’s hugely popular. While Hyundai does offer its more fuel-efficient AMT with its hatchbacks, for the Venue, it reserved the more sportier dual-clutch transmission. The DCT only comes paired with an equally sporty 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that’s surprisingly fuel-efficient as well, claiming 18.3kmpl.

Five variants of the Venue are on offer with the DCT mated to the powerful turbo-petrol engine. With the versatility of an SUV-shape, the Venue offers oodles of space, comfort and a host of features to boot. Hyundai cars are also known to be low on maintenance costs, which is an added bonus for the Venue.

Hyundai Venue DCT Key Specifications

Hyundai Venue DCT Key Features

8. Honda Amaze | 19.6kmpl

The Honda Amaze is a stylish sub-4m sedan that appears more cohesive as a design than its rivals. Powering the Amaze is Honda’s proven 1.2-litre petrol engine. Honda engines are renowned to be smooth and that continues with the Amaze as it offers a continuously variable transmission or CVT gearbox.

CVTs are commonly found in (gearless) scooters as well as cars and are popular for their seamless transmissions between gears. A CVT, by design, doesn’t have set gear ratios; thus, it is infinitely variable and adapts to the given engine load. This greatly improves drivability and is a top choice for people wanting to prioritise driving comfort. The Amaze boasts of top-notch features as well as space in a typical three-box sedan silhouette. Honda offers up to five trims with its CVT-equipped Amaze models, and the 19.6 kmpl claimed fuel efficiency surely makes for an enticing option when considering a fuel-efficient automatic sedan.

Honda Amaze CVT Key Specifications

Honda Amaze CVT Key Features

9. Nissan Magnite | 17.4kmpl

The Nissan Magnite makes it to this list as a compact-SUV that offers the option of both CVT and AMT gearboxes. For its price segment, one would think that the more fuel-efficient AMT would be an ideal choice for Nissan to pair with its engines but a CVT option is more appealing for overall driving smoothness. An AMT can still make for comparatively lethargic shifting performance that can be felt between gear shifts. A CVT on the other hand shifts seamlessly and compliments an engine with linear power delivery. 

To bring some oomph to the performance, Nissan has paired the CVT with its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The claimed 17.4kmpl mileage figure is also respectable while the Magnite has impressive specs and features to offer for the price. As many as eight CVT variants of the Magnite are on offer. 

Nissan Magnite CVT Key Specifications

Nissan Magnite CVT Key Features

10. Kia Sonet | 19kmpl

Diesel engines are known to be more fuel efficient than petrol engines but are pricier due to their higher manufacturing costs. Thus finding diesel engines with an automatic transmission in lower price segments is a rarity. Kia is the only manufacturer to offer this combination in the sub-₹15 lakh category making it an enticing option to feature in this list of best mileage automatic cars. Claiming up to 19kmpl, the Sonet diesel is the most fuel efficient car in India with a traditional automatic (AT) gearbox.

Despite the higher price tag on the diesel-automatic combination, Kia offers up to five variants of the Sonet. This also means that they are the most feature-equipped models with features like ADAS functionality including Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless Android and Apple device connectivity, sunroof, ventilated seats and many other modern convenience features.  

Kia Sonet Diesel 6AT Key Specifications

Kia Sonet Diesel 6AT Key Features

Conclusion

Automatic transmissions are no longer reserved for high-end cars as their costs and technologies have trickled down to more affordable cars. They are also no longer associated with being inefficient as some of the best mileage automatic cars are nearly at par with manual transmission equipped cars. The most fuel efficient automatic cars, while still affordable and reasonably priced, have a higher initial cost than manual transmission equipped cars. Their maintenance can be higher too but only marginally in most cases. These fuel-efficient automatic cars have now made the convenience of automatic transmissions more accessible as even newer drivers as well as first time buyers have a pocket-friendly option to choose from.

FAQs

Q. What are automatic cars, and why are they popular in India?

Automatic cars are ones that are equipped with a type of automatic transmission. These could commonly be an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), a Torque Converter automatic (AT) or a Dual-Clutch Automatic (DCT). They are popular now as increasing traffic conditions demand more driving convenience that’s offered by automatics since they don’t require the driver to manually operate gear shifts and clutch actuation.
Q. What factors should I consider when looking for high mileage automatic cars?

High mileage automatic cars are mostly ones that are equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). These are mostly smaller cars like hatchbacks thus one needs to weigh their space and comfort requirements from a high mileage automatic car.

Q. Which are some of the most fuel-efficient automatic cars available in India?

Some of the most fuel-efficient automatic cars include the Maruti-Suzuki Alto K10, S-Presso, Wagon R, Renault Kwid and Hyundai Grand i10. All of them are equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Q. Are automatic cars more expensive than manual cars in terms of maintenance and initial cost?

Yes, automatic transmission equipped cars are usually more expensive than their manual transmission equipped counterparts. This is due to the higher technology costs and so, their maintenance costs can be comparatively higher too. Albeit, the difference in costs have come down drastically over the years.

Q. How do different types of automatic transmissions affect mileage?

Various factors affect mileage from an automatic transmission equipped car. AMTs are the most fuel efficient as they utilise most of a manual transmission’s mechanical workings. Torque Converter and CVTs come in second as these transmissions, although convenient, suffer more mechanical losses. Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCTs) are usually paired with performance-oriented engines and can be the least fuel efficient.