With the increasing demand for automatic cars, we've witnessed several brands introducing various automatic cars featuring a range of automatic transmission options for buyers with varied requirements. Among these innovations, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) cars have emerged as a popular choice, providing a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
As we step into the waning end of 2024, CVT technology continues to make its mark on the Indian automotive landscape, presenting car enthusiasts with a range of options that combine efficiency, affordability, and an unparalleled driving experience. If you're considering purchasing an automatic car, explore the top 10 CVT cars in India to find the one that matches your requirements.
Best CVT Cars In India In 2024 Under ₹20 Lakh
Model | Fuel Type | Body Type | Mileage | Starting Ex-Showroom Price | GNCAP Safety Ratings |
Nissan Magnite | Petrol | SUV | 17.40-20 km/l | ₹6.49 lakh | 4 Stars |
Renault Kiger | Petrol | SUV | 17.40-20 km/l | ₹6.49 lakh | 4 Stars |
Maruti Baleno | Petrol | Hatchback | 22.35-22.94 km/l | ₹6.61 lakh | NA |
Honda Amaze | Petrol | Sedan | 18.3-18.6 km/l | ₹7.09 lakh | NA |
Hyundai i20 | Petrol | Hatchback | 19.65-20.35 km/l | ₹7.45 lakh | 3 Stars |
Kia Carens | Petrol/Diesel | MPV | 15.70-21.30 km/l | ₹10.45 lakh | 3 Stars |
Kia Seltos | Petrol/Diesel | SUV | 16.5-21.0 km/l | ₹10.90 lakh | 3 Stars |
Hyundai Verna | Petrol | Sedan | 18.60-20.60 km/l | ₹10.96 lakh | 5 Stars |
Hyundai Creta | Petrol/Diesel | SUV | 16.76-21.35 km/l | ₹10.87 lakh | 3 Stars |
Honda Elevate | Petrol | SUV | 15.31-16.92 km/l | ₹10.96 lakh | NA |
1. Nissan Magnite
Starting Price: ₹6.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Nissan Magnite is currently one of the most talked about compact SUVs in the market and is well known for its sleek and stylish exterior styling. The Magnite effortlessly caters to urban buyers and offers multiple powertrain options. The CVT variant of the Magnite offers a relaxed and refined drive, with the transmission seamlessly adapting to your speed and road conditions. This makes navigating busy city streets or open highways a stress-free affair.
The compact dimensions of the Magnite make parking a cinch, ensuring that every ride is a hassle-free experience. With its well-thought-out features and modern design, the Nissan Magnite is the ideal companion for those seeking an effortless and comfortable commuter.
Nissan Magnite Key Specifications
Nissan Magnite | |
Engine | 1.0L NA Petrol,1.0L Turbo Petrol |
Maximum Power | 71 bhp (NA Petrol)98.6 bhp (Turbo Petrol) |
Peak Torque | 96 Nm (NA Petrol)Up to 160 Nm (Turbo Petrol) |
Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, CVT |
Mileage | 17.40-20 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 40L (Petrol) |
Nissan Magnite Key Features
LED Headlights |
Push-Button Start |
Wireless Charging |
Sunroof |
Connected car tech |
What’s Good:
- Sporty exterior styling
- Fuel-efficient turbo petrol
- Spacious rear seat
What’s Not Good:
- Average build quality
- Refinement levels could have been better
- Unreliable after-sales support
Check out our collection of Used Nissan Magnite Cars in India
2. Renault Kiger
Starting Price: ₹6.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Ever since its debut, the Renault Kiger has emerged as one of the most affordable and value-for-money compact SUVs in the country. The Kiger is a versatile vehicle that caters to the needs of the city dweller, offering both practicality and flair in equal measure.
At the heart of its charm lies its innovative CVT, which amplifies the driving experience, making every journey, from daily commutes to weekend getaways, a pleasurable escapade. The CVT variant of the Kiger ensures that acceleration is smooth, gear changes are virtually imperceptible, and the drive is characterised by an overall sense of ease.
Renault Kiger Key Specifications
Renault Kiger | |
Engine | 1.0L NA Petrol,1.0L Turbo Petrol |
Maximum Power | 71 bhp (NA Petrol)98.6 bhp (Turbo Petrol) |
Peak Torque | 96 Nm (NA Petrol)Up to 160 Nm (Turbo Petrol) |
Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, CVT |
Mileage | 17.40-20 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 40L (Petrol) |
Renault Kiger Key Features
LED headlights |
Touchscreen infotainment system |
Automatic climate control |
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Digital Instrument Console |
What’s Good:
- Stylish exteriors
- Spacious and comfortable seats
- Average quality plastics
What’s Not Good:
- No diesel engine
- Average refinement levels
Check out our collection of Used Renault Kiger Cars in India
3. Maruti Baleno
Starting Price: ₹6.61 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Maruti Baleno continues to be one of the best-selling premium hatchbacks in the country and has carved its niche with a perfect blend of practicality and modern features. One of its standout features is the refined CVT that amplifies the driving experience, promising a smooth and comfortable ride every time.
Beneath the hood, the Maruti Baleno boasts responsive engines that complement the CVT variant perfectly. With the launch of the latest iteration, the new Maruti Baleno boasts a feature-rich and practical cabin, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and cheap-to-maintain family car.
Maruti Baleno Key Specifications
Maruti Baleno | |
Engine | 1.2L K12 Dual Jet, 1.2L K12 CNG |
Maximum Power | 88.5 bhp (Petrol)76.4 bhp (CNG) |
Peak Torque | 113 Nm (Petrol)98.5 Nm (CNG) |
Transmission | 5-Speed MT, 5-Speed AMT |
Mileage | 22.35-22.94 km/l (P)30.61 km/kg (CNG MT) |
Fuel Tank | 37L (Petrol)55L (CNG) |
Maruti Baleno Key Features
HUD |
Automatic climate control |
Push Button Start/Stop |
Suzuki SmartPro Infotainment System |
LED Headlights |
What’s Good:
- Practical and comfortable cabin
- Spacious second-row seating
- Refined engine options
What’s Not Good:
- Average build quality
- Mediocre high-speed dynamics
- No turbo petrol engine
Check out our collection of Used Maruti Baleno Cars in India
4. Honda Amaze
Starting Price: ₹7.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Honda Amaze stands out as a symbol of practicality and sophistication. Despite rivals like the Maruti Dzire and the Hyundai Aura already dominating the market, the Honda Amaze has carved a niche for itself because of its no-nonsense design and user-focused features.
The Amaze is designed to cater to a wide range of driving needs. What truly sets it apart is the refined CVT that enhances the driving experience, ensuring a seamless and comfortable ride throughout. The practical dimensions and comfortable interior make the Amaze a reliable choice for daily commutes and extended road trips alike.
Honda Amaze Key Specifications
Honda Amaze | |
Engine | 1.2-litre i-VTEC Petrol |
Maximum Power | 88.7 bhp |
Peak Torque | 110 Nm |
Transmission | 5-Speed MT, CVT |
Mileage | 18.3-18.6 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 35L |
Honda Amaze Key Features:
Projector lights |
Automatic Climate Control |
Push Button Start/Stop |
LED Tail lights |
Touchscreen infotainment system |
What’s Good:
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Impressive ride quality
- Sorted long-term reliability
What’s Not Good:
- Mediocre performance
- No diesel or turbo petrol engine
- Fit-finish levels could have been better
Check out our collection of Used Honda Amaze Cars in India
5. Hyundai i20
Starting Price: ₹7.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Hyundai i20 made its debut as one of the first premium hatchbacks in India and continues to boast a feature-rich package for buyers. The premium materials and futuristic design give the i20 an air of opulence that is hard to match. From advanced infotainment systems to comfortable seating and well-thought-out storage spaces, the cabin is designed to elevate your driving experience.
Under the hood, the Hyundai i20 boasts a range of refined engines, ensuring you have power and efficiency at your disposal. Whether you opt for the petrol or the turbo petrol variant, the i20's engines are engineered to deliver a smooth and responsive performance.
Hyundai i20 Key Specifications
Hyundai i20 | |
Engine | 1.2L Kappa Petrol,1.0L TGDi Turbo Petrol |
Maximum Power | Up to 86.7 bhp (1.2L P)118 bhp (1.0L P) |
Peak Torque | 114.7 Nm (1.2L P)172 Nm (1.0L P) |
Transmission | 5-Speed MT, IVT (1.2L P)7-Speed DCT (1.0L P) |
Mileage | 19.65-20.35 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 37L |
Hyundai i20 Key Features
Push-Button Start/Stop |
Electric Sunroof |
Wireless Charge |
Hyundai Blue Link |
Rear AC Vents |
What’s Good:
- Feature-rich and premium package
- Sporty 1.0-litre turbo petrol
- Dependable after-sales support
What’s Not Good:
- Strictly average build quality
- No diesel engine
- Low ground clearance
Check out our collection of Used Hyundai i20 Cars in India
6. Kia Carens
Starting Price: ₹10.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The demand for seven-seater MPVs has skyrocketed, and several brands have expanded their portfolios to meet this growing need. Kia entered this competitive arena with the introduction of the Kia Carens. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Maruti XL6 and the Hyundai Alcazar, the Kia Carens offers a feature-rich and value-for-money option for Indian consumers, all priced under ₹20 lakh.
The availability of manual, automatic, and intelligent manual transmissions further adds to the versatility of the Carens. This wide range of powertrain choices ensures that you can find the perfect combination of performance and efficiency that suits your needs.
Kia Carens Key Specifications
Kia Carens | |
Engine | 1.5-litre NA Petrol,1.5-litre Turbo Petrol, 1.5-litre Diesel |
Maximum Power | 113 bhp (1.5L NA Petrol)158 bhp (1.5L Turbo Petrol)114 bhp (1.5L Diesel) |
Peak Torque | 144 Nm (1.5L NA Petrol)253 Nm (1.5L Turbo Petrol)250 Nm (1.5L Diesel) |
Transmission | 6-Speed MT, 6-Speed iMT, 6-Speed AT,7-Speed DCT |
Mileage | 15.70-21.30 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 45L |
Kia Carens Key Features
Electric Sunroof |
Smart Air Purifier With Virus and Bacteria Protection |
Drive Modes |
26.03 cm HD Touchscreen Infotainment System |
Smartphone Wireless Charging With Cooling |
What’s Good:
- Premium and feature-rich cabin
- Refined powertrain options
- VFM Pricing
What’s Not Good:
- Average Build Quality
- Poor high-speed dynamics
- Captain seats only offered in higher variants
Check out our collection of Used Kia Carens Cars in India
7. Kia Seltos
Starting Price: ₹10.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Kia's latest iteration of the Seltos brings a host of new features including an advanced ADAS safety suite and updated powertrain options, reaffirming its place as a sought-after SUV in India. The Seltos goes head-to-head with rivals like the Hyundai Creta, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and the Maruti Grand Vitara.
The Seltos has a cabin that boasts a dual-screen layout, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, and even a wireless charger for added convenience. The Kia Seltos stands out with its stylish exteriors, advanced driver assistance features, and multiple powertrain options, catering to a wide array of preferences.
Kia Seltos Key Specifications
Kia Seltos | |
Engine | 1.5L Gamma Petrol,1.5L Gamma Turbocharged Petrol,1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel |
Maximum Power | 115 bhp (1.5L P)160 bhp (1.5L TP)116 Nm (Diesel) |
Peak Torque | 144 Nm (1.5L P)253 Nm (1.5L TP)250 Nm (Diesel) |
Transmission | 6-Speed Manual (1.5L P)7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (1.5L TP)6-Speed Automatic (Diesel) |
Mileage | 16.5-21.0 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 50L |
Kia Seltos Key Features
LED headlights |
Dual screen layout |
Automatic climate control |
Ventilated front seats |
Wireless charger |
What’s Good:
- Stylish exteriors
- ADAS and other modern bells and whistles
- Multiple powertrain options
What’s Not Good:
- Poor safety scores
- Slightly expensive for what it offers
- Build quality could have been better
Check out our collection of Used Kia Seltos Cars in India
8. Hyundai Verna
Starting Price: ₹10.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
With a starting price of ₹10.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hyundai Verna stands out as one of the most budget-friendly sedans in the market. Positioned to take on rivals like the Honda City, VW Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and the Maruti Ciaz, the new Verna brings a compelling option to the table for sedan enthusiasts.
What sets this iteration apart is the introduction of a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that boasts 157 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque. The Verna's finely tuned suspension and powerful engine options make it an excellent choice for those seeking a family sedan that's both fun to drive and budget-friendly.
Hyundai Verna Key Specifications
Hyundai Verna | |
Engine | 1.5L NA MPi Petrol,1.5L TGDi Turbo Petrol |
Maximum Power | 113 bhp, 157 bhp |
Peak Torque | 143.8 Nm, 253 Nm |
Transmission | 6-Speed MT, IVT, 7-Speed DCT |
Fuel Efficiency | 18.60-20.60 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 45L |
Hyundai Verna Key features
Front seat ventilation and heating |
Smart Trunk |
10.25-inch Infotainment system with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
Ambient Sounds Of Nature |
Home To Car Connectivity with Alexa |
What’s Good:
- All-rounder product
- Premium and spacious cabin
- Dependable after-sales support and up to 7-years extended warranty
What’s Not Good:
- No diesel or hybrid powertrain option
- Everyone may not like the new design language
- Missing features like a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto wipers, etc
Check out our collection of Used Hyundai Verna Cars in India
9. Hyundai Creta
Starting Price: ₹10.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
With a starting price of ₹10.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hyundai Creta is a standout in the mid-size SUV segment, offering a harmonious blend of style and substance. As it competes with rivals like the Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Maruti Grand Vitara, the Creta holds its own with an array of impressive features and well-rounded performance.
The Creta boasts refined and reliable powertrain options. Additionally, it holds a strong resale value, making it an attractive long-term investment. However, it's worth noting that there are no turbo petrol engine options available, and the petrol motor might not be as frugal as some would prefer.
Hyundai Creta Key Specifications
Hyundai Creta | |
Engine | 1.5L MPi Petrol,1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel |
Maximum Power | 113 bhp (1.5L P)115 bhp (1.5L D) |
Peak Torque | 143.8 Nm (Petrol)250 Nm (Diesel) |
Transmission | 6-Speed MT, IVT (1.5L P)6-Speed MT, 6-Speed AT (1.5L D) |
Mileage | 16.76-21.35 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 50L |
Hyundai Creta Key Features:
Full LED headlamps with LED DRLs |
Electric Sunroof |
Ventilated Front Seats |
Connected Car Tech |
Infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
What’s Good:
- Fuel-efficient and refined diesel engine
- Comfortable ride quality
- Excellent resale value
What’s Not Good:
- No turbo petrol engine options
- Not so frugal petrol motor
- Safety levels could have been better
Check out our collection of Used Hyundai Creta Cars in India
10. Honda Elevate
Starting Price: ₹10.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Honda Elevate is currently positioned as a rational and practical choice for car buyers looking for a perfect mid-size SUV for a family. For starters, the Elevate offers a comprehensive package that combines refined powertrain options, an assortment of features, and an admirable ride-handling balance.
Under the hood, the Honda Elevate is equipped with a 1.5L i-VTEC NA Petrol engine, delivering a solid 119 bhp and 145 Nm of peak torque. This powerplant is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, ensuring a smooth and responsive drive. The Elevate's strength lies in its refined powertrain options, feature-rich cabin and impressive ride-handling balance.
However, it's essential to note that there are no diesel or turbo petrol engine options available, which may limit choices for some buyers. Additionally, features like a 360-degree camera and powered driver seats are absent, which could be a drawback for those looking for a more premium driving experience.
Honda Elevate Key Specifications
Honda Elevate | |
Engine | 1.5L i-VTEC NA Petrol |
Maximum Power | 119 bhp |
Peak Torque | 145 Nm |
Transmission | 6-Speed MT, CVT |
Mileage | 15.31-16.92 km/l |
Fuel Tank | 40L |
Honda Elevate Key Features:
Touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
ADAS Level 2 |
Electric sunroof |
Adaptive cruise control |
Wireless smartphone connectivity |
What’s Good:
- Refined powertrain options
- Feature-rich and ergonomically sorted cabin
- Phenomenal ride-handling balance
What’s Not Good:
- No diesel engine
- No turbo petrol engine
- Missing features like a 360-degree camera, powered driver seats, etc.
Also Read: Best Honda Cars in India
The Bottom Line
From the urban-friendly Nissan Magnite to the versatile Renault Kiger and the feature-rich Maruti Baleno, these CVT cars bring the ease of automatic transmission without breaking the bank. The Honda Amaze, Hyundai i20, and Kia Carens cater to different needs, from refined city drives to spacious family journeys.
The Kia Seltos offers a blend of style and modern features, while the Hyundai Verna and Creta bring elegance and performance to the mid-size SUV segment. The Honda Elevate, though lacking diesel and turbo petrol options, delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. Each car in this lineup has its unique strengths and caters to diverse preferences, making it an exciting time for car buyers in India.
These CVT cars under ₹20 lakh promise a smooth and hassle-free ride, whether it's navigating congested city streets or undertaking long road trips. While they might have their quirks and some features missing, these vehicles offer an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience.
FAQs
Q. What is a continuously variable transmission (CVT)?
A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is an automatic transmission that offers an infinite number of gear ratios for a smooth driving experience.
Q. Is CVT good or automatic?
The CVT gearbox offers a smooth driving experience and is currently regarded as one of the best automatic transmission options for those looking to drive a car as a daily commuter.
Q. Which car has the best CVT transmission?
The car with the best CVT transmission varies by brand and model, and it's essential to consider individual needs and preferences.
Q. Which is better: CVT or DCT?
The choice between CVT and DCT depends on driving style; CVT offers smoothness and refinement, while DCT provides quicker shifts for a sportier feel.