Automatic transmission passenger vehicles are now popular in the Indian market due to the introduction of AMT by Maruti, Tata Motors and Renault, that offer the convenience of two pedals and affordable servicing. Here are 10 new mass market automatic cars & SUVs set to launch this year.
2017 Maruti Dzire
The 2017 Maruti Dzire will go on sale on 16 May 2017, the company has confirmed. Maruti Suzuki will offer the all-new Dzire with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. 2017 Dzire buyers, petrol or diesel, will get to choose the 5-speed Auto Gear Shift automated manual transmission.
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon will go on sale in October 2017. Tata Motors will offer its first sub-4 metre SUV with an all-new 108 bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine and possibly even the 1.2-litre Revotron (turbo) petrol engine. Along with a 6-speed manual transmission, Nexon buyers will have an option of an automated manual transmission, which could either be a five- or six-speed unit, say reports.
2017 Datsun Redi-Go
Datsun will launch the Datsun Redi-Go with the Renault Kwid's 1.0-litre SCe petrol engine this year. As part of the 2017MY update, a 5-speed automated transmission will appear on the A-segment hatchback. The Redi-Go is currently available with a 0.8-litre petrol engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Tata Tigor
The Tata Tigor is available with the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine and 1.05-litre Revotorq diesel engine; both paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. However, Tata Motors' Marketing Head Vivek Srivatsa has told IAB that the Tata Tigor AMT's launch is "not far". It will feature a 5-speed automated manual transmission and swap the 5-MT model's 'Eco' mode for a 'Sport' mode.
Maruti Vitara Brezza
The Maruti Vitara Brezza, the country's best-selling UV, will get an AMT option in India once backlogs for the diesel MT are cleared. Maruti's engineering boss CV Raman told IAB that MSIL is certainly considering AMT for the Brezza.
2018 Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is already offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This year, Ford will launch the sub-compact SUV in a refreshed avatar. The facelifted Ford EcoSport will receive an updated front fascia, SYNC 3 infotainment system and some changes already seen in the version introduced in China.
2017 Hyundai Verna
The Hyundai Verna is already available with a 4-speed automatic transmission in the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engine models. In August, Hyundai will bring in the next-gen Hyundai Verna with a whole new design and added features. While the engine options will likely remain as is, the 4-speed automatic transmission could get replaced by the Hyundai Creta's 6-speed automatic transmission.
Renault Lodgy
The Renault Lodgy is available in two combinations currently: 85 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine with 5-speed manual transmission and 110 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission. An Easy-R AMT variant is set to expand the range of configurations soon.
Mahindra KUV100
The Mahindra KUV100 is currently offered with an 82 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 77 bhp 1.2-litre diesel engine, both paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Mahindra is expected to introduce an AMT option for both the engine models this year.
Renault Duster
The Renault Duster was already available with a 6-speed automated manual transmission, but that option was limited to the diesel. Today, the company launched the Renault Duster with the 1.5-litre H4K petrol engine that produces 106 PS at 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The paired Xtronic continuously variable transmission has a 6-speed manual mode as an option. The Duster CVT is available in RXS trim level and priced at INR 10,32,215 (INR ex-showroom Delhi).
