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

5. Hyundai i20 Sportz AT

The i20 leaves other automatic hatches in the dust with the comfort and safety features and quality interiors.

The i20 Sportz AT is loaded with climate control, dual tone interiors, power steering, power windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, an integrated audio system, cooled glovebox, rear parcel tray, remote central locking, front and rear fog lamps, alloy wheels, rear defogger, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, impact sensing auto door unlocking, driver’s side airbag, rear disc brakes and ABS. 

Its 1.2-litre petrol engine is a bit wanting in power so Hyundai has plonked in a 1.4-litre petrol engine that develops 100PS of power and is mated to a four-speed torque converter gearbox. The 1.2-litre engine returns 18.5kmpl while the 1.4 returns an ARAI claimed 15kmpl. The larger engine does not get the tax exemptions of smaller engines. 

So the i20 Sportz AT costs Rs 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), Rs 1.93 lakh more than the manual 1.2 i20 Sportz, and Rs 1.03 lakh more than the top-of-the-line 1.2 i20 Asta (O) that has more bells and whistles than most mid-size sedans.

Conclusion

Budgets not withstanding, if you want an entry-level automatic hatchback, the A-Star VXi AT is it. For a bit more performance and decent equipment, the Honda Brio V AT should be the choice. 

The i10 1.2 Sportz AT or Asta AT are well equipped with spacious interiors, and the Maruti Suzuki Ritz VXi AT is a premium hatchback that is spacious, comfortable and economical. 

The Hyundai i20 Sportz AT is the most expensive automatic hatch but it’s modern, spacious, luxurious, well kitted, easy to park, drive and manoeuvre in urban conditions. Related: Hatchbacks of 2013