Best AMT Cars Under 8 Lakhs in India (2026)

Why AMT matters under 8 lakhs

If you want an automatic car under 8 lakhs in India, AMT is your only realistic option. CVT and DCT automatics push most cars above the ₹10 lakh mark. AMT keeps the price down while giving you a two-pedal driving experience.

The catch: not all AMTs are equal. Older AMT units (pre-2022) were notoriously jerky. Newer ones (2023 onwards) have improved significantly. This guide focuses on cars with the latest, smoothest AMT technology.

The 5 best AMT cars under 8 lakhs

1. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AMT — ₹5.89 to ₹7.35 lakhs

The Wagon R AMT is the most popular automatic car in India for good reason. The 2023+ version uses Maruti's latest 5-speed AMT, which is dramatically smoother than the older 5-speed unit.

What makes it good:

• Spacious cabin with tall-boy design (easy to get in and out)
• 1.2L petrol engine is peppy enough for city and highway
• AMT shifts are smooth at city speeds (30-50 km/h)
• Excellent service network — every town in India has a Maruti service center

Real-world mileage: 20-22 km/l (city), 24-26 km/l (highway)

Who should buy this: Families who need space and reliability. First-time automatic buyers. Anyone who drives primarily in the city.

What to watch out for: The AMT can still feel slightly jerky during hard acceleration or when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Drive it gently and it is smooth.

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2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT — ₹7.19 to ₹7.89 lakhs

The Baleno is Maruti's premium hatchback. The AMT version uses the same 5-speed unit as the Wagon R, but the Baleno's refinement and better NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) insulation make the shifts feel even smoother.

What makes it good:

• More premium feel than Wagon R — better interiors, softer plastics
• 1.2L petrol engine is well-tuned for the AMT gearbox
• Good highway stability and ride quality
• 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Real-world mileage: 19-21 km/l (city), 23-25 km/l (highway)

Who should buy this: Buyers who want a premium hatchback feel but need an automatic within budget. Also good if you do frequent highway trips — the Baleno is more stable at 100+ km/h than the Wagon R.

What to watch out for: The base LXi variant lacks many features. Go for at least the VXi trim to get the full Baleno experience.

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3. Tata Punch AMT — ₹6.69 to ₹7.85 lakhs

The Tata Punch AMT is India's only micro-SUV with an automatic gearbox under 8 lakhs. It also has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it the safest automatic car in this price range.

What makes it good:

• 5-star safety rating (6 airbags, strong body structure)
• High ground clearance (190 mm) — handles bad roads well
• Compact SUV styling appeals to buyers who find hatchbacks boring
• Peppy 1.2L petrol engine

Real-world mileage: 17-19 km/l (city), 21-23 km/l (highway)

Who should buy this: Safety-conscious buyers. Families with young children. Anyone who wants SUV ground clearance and practicality without going over budget.

What to watch out for: The AMT in the Punch is not as refined as Maruti's. It can jerk noticeably at low speeds (5-20 km/h). Once you hit 30 km/h, it smooths out.

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4. Maruti Suzuki Celerio AMT — ₹6.13 to ₹7.08 lakhs

The Celerio AMT is the most fuel-efficient automatic car in India. ARAI-claimed mileage is 26+ km/l, and real-world figures come close.

What makes it good:

• Best mileage in the automatic segment
• Light and nimble — easy to drive in tight city traffic
• Affordable — the cheapest Maruti AMT above the S-Presso
• Low maintenance costs

Real-world mileage: 21-23 km/l (city), 25-27 km/l (highway)

Who should buy this: Solo commuters or couples without kids. Uber/Ola drivers who want an automatic. Buyers who clock 1,500+ km per month and need maximum fuel efficiency.

What to watch out for: The Celerio feels underpowered on highways. The 1.0L engine struggles above 100 km/h. Stick to city driving.

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5. Tata Tiago AMT — ₹6.07 to ₹7.10 lakhs

The Tata Tiago AMT is a solid budget automatic. It does not have the refinement of the Maruti AMTs or the safety rating of the Punch, but it offers good value and a decent ownership experience.

What makes it good:

• Spacious cabin for a hatchback — rear seat is surprisingly roomy
• 1.2L petrol engine feels peppier than the Celerio's 1.0L
• Good build quality — doors feel solid, plastics are decent
• 4-star Global NCAP safety rating (better than most Maruti hatchbacks)

Real-world mileage: 18-20 km/l (city), 22-24 km/l (highway)

Who should buy this: Budget buyers who want a spacious hatchback automatic. Families who prioritize rear seat space.

What to watch out for: The AMT can be jerky during cold starts. Let the car warm up for 30 seconds before driving.

AMT vs manual: The real cost difference

AMT cars cost ₹50,000-80,000 more than their manual equivalents. Here is whether that premium makes sense:

	Manual	AMT
Upfront cost	Cheaper	₹50K-80K more
Mileage	Slightly better (0.5-1 km/l)	Slightly lower
Maintenance	Clutch replacement every 80K km (₹8K-12K)	AMT actuator rarely fails; when it does, ₹15K-20K
Resale value	Slightly better	Slightly lower (5-7%)
City driving fatigue	High (constant clutch use)	Zero (no clutch)

Bottom line: If you drive in heavy traffic daily, the ₹60K AMT premium is worth it for the reduced fatigue alone. If you mostly drive on highways or in light traffic, stick with manual and save the money.

Which AMT to avoid

Renault Kwid AMT — The AMT unit in the Kwid is dated and jerky. The car also scored poorly in crash tests. Skip it.

Older Maruti AMTs (pre-2022) — If you are buying used, avoid Maruti AMT cars from before 2022. The older AMT units were much jerkier. The 2023+ units are significantly improved.

The verdict

Best overall: Maruti Wagon R AMT — space, reliability, smoothest AMT
Best for mileage: Maruti Celerio AMT — 25+ km/l real-world
Best for safety: Tata Punch AMT — 5-star NCAP, safest automatic under 8 lakhs
Best for premium feel: Maruti Baleno AMT — refined, feature-loaded

If you are a first-time automatic buyer and want the safest bet, get the Wagon R AMT. It has the best combination of space, reliability, and smooth AMT performance. The service network alone makes it the smart choice — you can get it serviced anywhere in India without hassle.