One of the top contenders in this segment is the Maruti Suzuki Swift, widely recognized for its refined 5 speed AMT gearbox. Powering this hatchback is a 1.2 litre K series petrol engine that generates around 88.50 bhp. Engineered for gratifying performance and good mileage, this third-generation automatic car from Maruti Suzuki boasts of features like LED projector headlamps, steering mounted controls and a 7 inch infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In terms of safety, this model equips dual airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist among others.
The Tata Tiago is one of the safest automatic hatchbacks in the country with a 4-star safety rating from the Global-NCAP. It is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated Revotron petrol engine and this engine produces 84.48 bhp and this engine is mated either to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The Tata Tiago comes with a good feature list such as a 7-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Steering mounted controls, reversing camera, 8-speaker surround sound system and many more. Prices for the Tata Tiago start from Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Another safe and trusted option from Tata is Tata Punch that also features a 5 speed AMT gearbox delivering smooth and seamless gearshifts. It boasts of a Global NCAP score of 16.45 points for adult protection, making it the safest vehicle on this roundup. The Tata Punch equips an impressive suite of features including auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, a cooled glove box, climate control and a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system. This model runs on the 1.2 litre naturally aspirated Revotron petrol engine with 84.48 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.
Last on this list, but certainly not least, is the Hyundai i20. This premium hatchback offers two automatic gearbox options- a seamless CVT unit and a quick shifting 7 speed DCT unit, mated to 81.80 bhp 1.2 litre petrol engine and a more robust 98.69 bhp 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine respectively. The Hyundai i20 is marked by a 10 inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a fully digital instrument display, a wireless phone charger, among others. For safety, it equips 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX points and more.
The Renault Kiger is powered by one of two engine options: a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The turbocharged engine can be availed in either a five-speed manual or a five-speed CVT gearbox. The naturally aspirated engine produces 70bhp and 96Nm of torque whereas the turbocharged option produces 98.63bhp and 160Nm of torque. Also, some features include an 8-inch floating touchscreen display and a seven-inch multi-skin reconfigurable TFT colour instrument cluster.
The new Hyundai Venue N Line has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine which pumps out 118bhp and 172Nm of torque and comes mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Also, three driving modes are available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Venue N Line offers a range of features such as BlueLink connectivity, a dashcam with a dual camera, Alexa and Google Voice assistants, and others.
The Renault Triber is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine which has a maximum power output of 71.01bhp and 96Nm of torque. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic gearbox.
In terms of features, the Triber is well-equipped. It comes standard with features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and a reverse parking camera.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is available with two powertrain options: a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine producing 89bhp and 113Nm of torque; and a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine pushing out 99bhp and 147Nm of torque. Also, it can be availed with three gearbox options: a five-speed manual, an AMT gearbox, and a six-speed torque converter gearbox. Coming to the feature front of things, the Fronx comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, cruise control, a wireless charger, and more.
The Volkswagen Virtus is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine which produces 114bhp and 178Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Some of the features that are available on the Virtus include a sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a reverse parking camera.