With urban traffic getting worse by the day, an increasing number of people are switching to small cars with automatic gearboxes. We take a closer look at the options and how they stand out from each other

2. Hyundai i10 1.2 Sportz AT and Asta AT

The Korean car maker offers two automatic variants of the i10 hatchback, with the 1.2-litre Kappa engine in the middle-of-the-line Sportz variant and the top-of-the-line Asta variant. 

The Sportz packs in power steering, front and rear power windows, tachometer, integrated stereo, remote central locking, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear defogger, rear wash wiper, rear parcel tray while airbags are optional. 

At Rs 5.24 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), the i10 1.2 Sportz AT costs Rs. 57,000 more than the manual i10 1.2 Sportz and Rs 66,000 more than the A-star VXi AT. However, its beige interiors feel more upmarket (as opposed to the A-Star’s), it can seat five in comfort and offers more equipment.

The 1.2 Asta automatic packs in all the bells and whistles such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, steering mounted audio controls and phone calling/receiving controls, height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering, front fog lamps, front airbags, rear parking sensors, impact sensing auto door unlocking and an optional sun roof.

The i10’s four-cylinder 1.2 Kappa engine with variable valve-timing technology and 4-valves-per-cylinder churns out 80PS of power and 114Nm of torque, mated to a four-speed torque converter gearbox. ARAI mileage is 20kmpl. 

Priced at Rs 6.16 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), the i10 1.2 Asta AT costs Rs 74,000 more than the manual variant. The high premium hasn’t dampened sales with numerous  i10 Asta ATs found on city roads.