AFFORDABLE AND FUN: 5 BUDGET-FRIENDLY CARS WITH PADDLE SHIFTERS

For a long time, automatic transmissions were associated with the luxury segment, but times have changed and this is now accessible to everyone. According to a report last year, automatics account for 26% of mainstream vehicle sales in India. We take a look at five affordable vehicles with paddle shifters. 

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai’s sub-compact SUV is the most pocket-friendly vehicle on the list. Powered by the tried-and-tested 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, it produces 82 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm with a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The paddle shifters are available in the following five variants — SX, SX Knight, SX(O), SX(O) Connect and SX(O) Connect Knight. The Exter AMT with paddle shifter range starts from Rs 8.98 lakh, ex-showroom.

Honda Amaze

Honda is the only car manufacturer in the affordable range that has stayed away from AMT and has stuck to CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The sedan gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol with 88.5 bhp at 6000 rpm and 110Nm at 4800 rpm. The automatic is available in three variants — V, VX and ZX, starting from Rs 9.35 lakh, ex-showroom. 

Tata Nexon

The Nexon is one of the most popular choices in the sub-compact SUV segment. It is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 118 bhp and 170 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed AMT. The Nexon is available in five variants — Smart+, Pure+, Pure+ S, Creative and Creative+ S. The price ranges from Rs 9.60 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, ex-showroom. 

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The Brezza is the second compact SUV and is the most affordable 6-speed torque converter transmission in the market. It is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 101.6 bhp at 6000 rpm and 139 Nm at 4300 rpm. The Brezza automatic is available in three trims — VXI AT, ZXI AT and ZXI+ AT. Its price range is from Rs 11.15 lakh to Rs 13.98 lakh, ex-showroom.  

Hyundai i20 N Line

The i20 N Line is the most budget-friendly vehicle that is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It is powered by a 1-litre turbo petrol engine with 118 bhp at 6000 rpm and 172 Nm at 1500 – 4000 rpm. It has all four disc brakes. The i20 N Line is available in two variants — N6 and N8 and starts from Rs 11.19 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

2025-03-07T02:52:47Z