Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are gaining popularity in India due to their ability to meet the country's diverse transportation needs and accommodate various family structures. What makes them even more appealing is the convenience of automatic transmissions. Just as automatic transmissions have played a pivotal role in the rising popularity of sedans and compact SUVs, a similar trend is now evident in the MPV category. MPVs with automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly popular among Indian consumers, highlighting their growing significance in the Indian automotive market.
Here is a list of MPVs available in India, offering the convenience of automatic transmissions alongside manual gearbox choices, all within the affordable price range of under Rs 10 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (6-speed)
Maruti Suzuki, an influential and trusted brand in the Indian automotive industry, has consistently impressed customers with its extensive range of vehicles. Within this diverse lineup, the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV shines as a standout option. This adaptable and versatile MPV has rapidly garnered acclaim as one of the best-selling models in the country, owing to its impressive performance, feature-rich interior, and flexible seating configuration for accommodating 6 to 7 passengers. The Ertiga is offered with a choice of petrol and CNG fuel options, and it is complemented by a user-friendly 6-speed manual transmission as well as a 6-speed automatic transmission providing a well-rounded driving experience. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI automatic variant is available starting at an ex-showroom price of Rs 11.28 lakh in India. However, for those seeking the best value for their money, the Ertiga ZXI AT, priced at Rs 12.38 lakh ex-showroom, is often regarded as the top choice.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: A Lifestyle Vehicle
Toyota Rumion (6-speed)
.jpg)
The Toyota Rumion, a compact MPV, places a strong emphasis on practicality and interior spaciousness, closely resembling the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in both design and mechanical aspects. While there are no substantial differences in appearance or mechanics between these two MPVs, some individuals opt for the Toyota nameplate due to its renowned reliability and lower service costs, prioritizing trustworthiness. Notably, unlike the Ertiga, the Rumion offers two automatic transmission variants. The lower-priced variant, the Rumion S AT Neo Drive, is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs 11.89 lakh in India. The other automatic version, the Rumion V AT Neo Drive, is priced at Rs 13.68 lakh ex-showroom, India. Considering the relative lack of features in this MPV, the Rumion S AT Neo Drive is often considered the most appealing option for its affordability.
Kia Carens (6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT)
Among Kia's impressive cars in India, the Kia Carens stands out for its good looks and feature-rich cabin. It's one of the best-looking MPVs you can find in India, especially with its stylish design. Inside, it's roomy and can comfortably seat seven people, which is great for Indian family needs. The Kia Carens is a good mix of practicality and style. Unlike some other MPVs, it comes in just two manual versions but has an impressive 21 automatic options to choose from. You can get it with either a petrol or diesel engine, and you can pick between two types of automatic gearboxes: Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) and Dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The DCT is a popular choice because it makes driving smoother and is seen as better than the iMT. Among the models, the Luxury Plus iMT is highly preferred, and Kia offers it at an ex-showroom price of Rs 17.70 lakh in India.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Facelift vs Kia Carens vs Renault Triber
Renault Triber (5-speed)
.jpg)
In the fiercely competitive MPV market in India, the Renault Triber has always faced challenges in achieving high sales figures. Renault has made a commendable effort to regain its foothold in the country with the Triber, but it has encountered some hurdles along the way. Nevertheless, the Triber presents a compelling proposition, given its attractive price point and the unique combination of versatility and affordability it offers. Despite its compact size, it surprises with a spacious interior and adaptable seating for up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for families on a budget. In a nutshell, the Renault Triber's value-for-money package remains appealing to those seeking a compact and budget-friendly MPV. Priced at just Rs 8.74 lakh ex-showroom, India, the Renault Triber RXZ EASY-R AMT stands out as the most budget-friendly MPV in the country. It offers unparalleled affordability in the MPV segment, with no other option coming close in terms of value for money.
Also Read: India's Most Affordable Automatic SUV
