Trends are always subjected to change in a market that has a dynamic framework. The Indian auto market is one example that aptly represents the same as it keeps evolving from time to time. For instance, there was a time when automatic transmission in vehicles was just confined to cars from premium brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, call it the advent of technology or the growth of the industry, now there are plenty of budget cars in the market that have automatic transmission. With the gradual rise in the number of first time buyers, auto makers realised the value of bringing in this technology is mid to low budget cars. As a result, the current market has many cars with automatic transmission, such as Maruti Suzuki A-Star, Maruti Suzuki Ritz and Honda Brio.
There is probably no car maker in the market that understands the mindset of Indian buyers like Maruti Suzuki. As a result of this, the auto maker has introduced 2 budget cars with automatic variants, namely the A-Star and Ritz. The Maruti Suzuki A-Star is powered by a 3-cylinder 12-valve K-Series engine that has a displacement of 998 cc. It comes with multi-point fuel injection distribution system and can produce a maximum output of 68 bhp at 6200 rpm. One of the highlights of the A-Star is its instrument cluster, which includes crimson illumination, 3-spoke steering wheel, door ajar warning light, accessory socket, dial-type climate control, key-off reminder and digital clock.
Hyundai i10 is one of the most successful hatchbacks in the Indian car market. The automatic transmission variant of the i10 is equipped with a 1.2 litre Kappa 2 engine, which has a displacement of 1197 cc. It can generate an output of up to 80 bhp at 6000 rpm. The automatic transmission version of the i10 features like chrome finished gear knob, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather wrapped parking lever.
Japanese car maker Honda also has its own budget car with automatic transmission, the Brio. Based on a platform that has received acclaimed across the globe, the Honda Brio has been known for its performance and efficiency. The Brio gets its power from a 1.2 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine that can churn out 87 bhp at 6000 rpm. Featuring a 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox, it has a fuel efficiency of around 16.5 kmpl. Collapsible electric power steering, rear wind shield defogger, driver seat belt reminder, high mount stop lamp, tachometer and accessory socket are some of the main features of the automatic transmission variant of the Honda Brio.
