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Join NowAutomatic SUV India: The Indian automotive landscape is witnessing a seismic shift. The demand for SUVs has never been higher, as buyers crave their commanding road presence and go-anywhere spirit. But alongside this trend, another revolution is quietly taking place inside the cabin: the rapid adoption of automatic transmissions. The daily grind of navigating congested city traffic has transformed automatic gearboxes from a luxury feature into a modern-day necessity. For drivers seeking a comfortable, stress-free commute, an automatic SUV is the perfect solution.
The great news? You don’t need a massive budget to get behind the wheel of a stylish, feature-packed, and convenient automatic SUV. The market is now filled with incredible options that deliver on all fronts without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed look at the top contenders in India under the ₹10 lakh price bracket.
1. Nissan Magnite: The Reigning Champion of Affordability
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly entry into the world of automatic SUVs, the Nissan Magnite is your undisputed champion. With a starting ex-showroom price of approximately ₹6.17 lakh for its Visia AMT variant, it opens the door to clutch-free driving for a wider audience.
Under the hood, it features a reliable 1.0-litre petrol engine that produces 72 bhp and 96 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 5-speed AMT gearbox. While not a powerhouse, it’s perfectly suited for navigating city traffic with ease. But its appeal isn’t just the price; the Magnite boasts a sharp, stylish design, a practical cabin, and a commendable 4-star safety rating. Crucially, Nissan offers 6 airbags as standard, a huge plus in this segment. Key features include a 7-inch touchscreen, a reverse parking camera, and push-button start, making it an incredible value-for-money proposition.
2. Renault Kiger: French Flair Meets Practicality
Sharing its platform with the Nissan Magnite, the Renault Kiger offers a similar mechanical package but wrapped in a distinctively bold and modern design. Starting at ₹6.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for its Emotion AMT variant, the Kiger is for those who desire a bit more European flair.
It uses the same 1.0-litre petrol engine (72 bhp, 96 Nm) and 5-speed AMT, delivering a familiar and dependable driving experience. Where the Kiger stands out is its feature list at a competitive price. It offers premium touches like stylish LED headlamps, a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and even the option for wireless charging. The Kiger is the perfect choice for buyers looking for a feature-rich and design-forward SUV on a tight budget.
3. Tata Punch: The Rugged Micro-SUV with a Big Heart
For those who crave a tough, muscular stance, the Tata Punch is a compelling choice. The automatic variant of this micro-SUV starts at ₹7.77 lakh. It’s powered by a more robust 1.2-litre petrol engine that generates a healthy 86 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed AMT.
The Punch’s design screams confidence, with its high ground clearance and rugged body cladding giving it a true “go-anywhere” attitude. While known for its 5-star safety rating, it’s important to note the automatic variants come with two airbags. Higher trims are loaded with premium features, including a stunning 10.25-inch touchscreen, an electric sunroof, and wireless charging, offering a big-car feel in a compact package.
4. Hyundai Exter: The Feature-Packed Modern Contender
Hyundai has a reputation for loading its cars with features, and the Exter is no exception. This popular micro-SUV starts its AMT journey at ₹8.39 lakh. It is equipped with a smooth 1.2-litre petrol engine delivering 83 bhp and 114 Nm of torque.
The Exter is a fantastic all-rounder. Its standout features include an electric sunroof, a crisp 8-inch touchscreen, factory-fitted dashcam, and a strong safety package with 6 standard airbags. Furthermore, with a claimed mileage of around 19.2 kmpl, it’s also one of the most fuel-efficient options on this list, making it light on the wallet both at the time of purchase and during ownership.
5. Maruti Suzuki Fronx: The Stylish Crossover with Unbeatable Trust
Blurring the lines between a hatchback and an SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx brings a dose of style and sophistication to the segment. The AMT variants start at ₹8.95 lakh, offering a premium crossover experience. It’s powered by a peppy 1.2-litre petrol engine making 90 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.
The Fronx’s coupe-like design is a major head-turner. It comes backed by Maruti’s unparalleled brand trust, reliability, and vast service network. Features include a 7-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and sleek LED lighting. It’s also notably more affordable than its Toyota counterpart, the Urban Cruiser Taisor, making it a smart and stylish choice.
