Automatic Hatchbacks in India - Which one to buy?

Suzuki A-star

In the last post we figured out why we should buy an Automatic Car. If you want to read it again here's the link : 
http://www.motorzest.com/2013/03/why-you-should-buy-automatic-car.html

Let us now see which affordable Automatic Cars are available in India for us to buy. We will consider only the Hatchbacks (Small Cars) as they are the largest selling type of cars in India. If you want us to write similar post for Sedans or SUVs do let us know!! :)


Now I am going to list out all the Automatic Hatchbacks for sale in India

Make & Model	Variants	Fuel Type	Price Rs. (Ex-Mumbai)
Maruti Suzuki A-Star	A-Star Vxi AT	Petrol	4,92,084
Maruti Suzuki Ritz	Ritz Vxi AT	Petrol	6,51,564
Honda Brio	Brio S(O) AT Brio V AT	Petrol Petrol	609,556 635,785
Hyundai i10	i10 Asta AT WS GLS(Solid) i10 Asta AT WS GLS(Metallic)	Petrol Petrol	646,384 650,180
Hyundai i20	i20 Sportz AT	Petrol	824,575

P.S : VW Beetles and Mini Coopers are not considered here since they are too expensive to compare with the above listed hatchbacks. Makes no sense, doest it?

Now let's compare each of them one by one

Maruti Suzuki A-Star

Pros :

• Cheapest Automatic in India at just 4,92,084/- (ex. showroom Mumbai)
• Hassle free ownership and maintenance - it's a Maruti Suzuki !!
• Upmarket feel. Good build quality and finish. Interiors are not cheap either!

Cons :

• Least Powerful of all the Automatics listed here - 68PS only!
• Very small boot and could be a bit cramped for passengers at the back
• Available in only Vxi Variant. Top end model Zxi does not have AT option

Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10

Pros :

• Peppy and Frugal 1.2L Kappa2 Petrol Engine (15kmpl)
• Bigger than the Astar. Better interiors and ergonomics
• ABS and Airbags included

Cons :

• Ride quality is average. Small tyres reduces stability at high speeds
• Average boot and 5th person would be uncomfortable

Honda Brio

Honda Brio

Pros :

• Powerful 1.2L petrol engine. Same as the JAZZ!!
• Has the Best Drive and Ride Quality. Superb comfort at the back as well
• Honda quality top notch! Interiors and Exteriors both.

Cons :

• Ultra tiny boot only 170 litres
• Spares would cost you more than the competition
• No big car feel. Looks tiny but spacious from inside

Maruti Suzuki Ritz

Suzuki Ritz

Pros :

• Very Spacious from inside. Loads of room for everything
• Super refined and powerful 1.2L Pertol engine. Same as Swift!
• Exteriors & Interiors both well designed. Although quality of plastic can be improved

Cons :

• Suffers little from body roll at high speeds due to tall boy design
• Plastic quality typical Maruti like. Hyundai and others are better
• Although bigger boot than Swift. Still at 232 litres not adequate for this size of a car

Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20

Pros : 

• Fully loaded car. You'll hardly have to fit anything outside the factory version
• Spacious, Elegant and Premium car
• Best Interior Quality in the competition. No other automatic hatchback as luxurious as this!

Cons :

• Sluggish petrol engine. Poor low end torque
• Not so easy on the pockets (Fuel economy as well as maintenance)
• Too expensive. 824,575 ex-showroom mumbai