Best DCT Cars In India – Price, Mileage, Specifications

Often appreciated for their refinement and quick shifts, dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) are currently regarded as one of the best automatic gearboxes. While different brands might call them with different names, these gearboxes, as the name suggests, have two clutches which results in faster and smoother gear shifts. If you are also in the market to buy a new automatic car, here is a list of the most affordable best DCT cars in India in 2023.

Cheapest DCT Cars In India In 2023

1. Tata Altroz

Starting Price: ₹6.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Positioned below the Tata Nexon in India, the Tata Altroz is currently the only Tata car to be offered with a DCT gearbox and is loved for its sporty styling and no-nonsense package. The car is offered with three different engine options but it is the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine which comes mated to a 6-speed DCA transmission. The Altroz is also known for its solid build quality and sorted dynamics that make it a great car for anyone looking for a safe commuter.

Tata Altroz Key Specifications

Tata Altroz Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Aggressive and dominating road presence
• Elegant dashboard layout
• Multiple engine options including diesel

What’s Not Good:

• Fit-finish levels are average
• Low ground clearance
• Refinement level could have been better

Check out our collection of Used Tata Altroz Cars in India

2. Kia Sonet

Starting Price: ₹7.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Kia Sonet is currently the only Kia car under ₹10 lakh in India and is offered with three different engine options - a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. All these engines are offered with manual as well as automatic gearbox options but it is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol which gets a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The Sonet is one of the very few sub-4m compact SUVs to be offered with a DCT gearbox.

Kia Sonet Key Specifications

Kia Sonet Key Features

What’s Good:

• Sporty exterior styling
• Fuel-efficient diesel engine
• Impressive fit-finish levels

What’s Not Good: 

• Not so great build quality
• Cramped interiors
• Not-so-great ride-handling balance

Check out our collection of Used Kia Sonet Cars in India

3. Kia Seltos

Starting Price: ₹10.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The updated Kia Seltos recently made its debut in India and is currently positioned as one of the most value-for-money and feature-rich Kia cars in the country. With the launch of this new iteration of the SUV, the Korean carmaker is now offering multiple new features, an ADAS safety suite, and updated powertrain options for buyers. 

The new 1.5-litre turbo petrol continues to be a hot favourite amongst enthusiasts and is offered with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The Kia Seltos takes on rivals like the Hyundai Creta, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and the Maruti Grand Vitara.

Kia Seltos Key Specifications

Kia Seltos Key Features

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

4. Kia Carens

Starting Price: ₹10.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

With seven-seater MPVs now getting extremely popular in the country, we have seen multiple brands like Kia expanding their portfolios of seven-seater cars in India. Introduced to take on rivals like the Maruti XL6 and the Hyundai Alcazar, the Kia Carens positioned itself as a feature-rich VFM car in India under ₹20 lakh. 

Kia Carens Key Specifications

Kia Carens Key Features

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

5. Hyundai i20

Starting Price: ₹7.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hyundai i20 is one of the longest-selling models in the country and made its debut as one of the first premium hatchbacks in India. The i20 is one of the direct rivals for cars like the Maruti Baleno and the Tata Altroz and is offered with two engine options - a 1.2-litre NA petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol. 

Hyundai i20 Key Specifications

Hyundai i20 Key Features 

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. Hyundai Venue

Starting Price: ₹7.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Despite the strong popularity of the Tata Nexon in the Indian market, the Hyundai Venue continues to attract a majority of buyers with its feature-rich and sorted package. The buyers are offered a choice of three powertrain options – a 1.2-litre MPi NA petrol, a 1.0-litre GDI turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre CRDi engine. 

All these powertrain options not only boast strong refinement levels but are also appreciated for their performance and fuel efficiency. The turbo petrol engine is offered with two gearbox options – a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT.

Hyundai Venue Key Specifications

Hyundai Venue Key Features

What’s Good:

• Premium cabin and impressive fit-finish levels
• Refined and reliable powertrain options
• Multiple powertrain options

What’s Not Good:

• Mediocre build quality
• Confused suspension setup
• No so fun to drive

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai Venue Cars in India

7. Hyundai Verna

Starting Price: ₹10.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

With a starting price of ₹10.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hyundai Verna is among one of the most affordable sedans in the market and takes on rivals like the Honda City, VW Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and the Maruti Ciaz. 

The new Verna also gets a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers 157 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque. This engine comes mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. A well-tuned suspension setup and powerful engine options make the Hyundai Verna a great choice for those looking for a fun-to-drive family sedan.

Hyundai Verna Key Specifications

Hyundai Verna Key features:  

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

8. Skoda Slavia

Starting Price: ₹10.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Launched as part of the brand’s India 2.0 strategy, the Skoda Slavia is currently one of the best-looking sedans in the segment and boasts a feature-rich and premium cabin. The Slavia gets two engine options – a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI – and is well appreciated for its performance and dynamics. The 1.5-litre TSI motor is offered with a slick-shifting 7-speed DSG gearbox while an optional manual is also available for enthusiasts. 

Skoda Slavia Key Specifications

Skoda Slavia Key Features: 

 What’s Good:

• Lucrative performance and sorted dynamics
• Elegant styling and solid build quality
• Practical, feature-rich and comfortable cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel engine options
• Interiors may not feel as solid as older VW cars
• Not-so-great after-sales support

Check out our collection of Used Skoda Slavia Cars in India

9. Skoda Kushaq

Starting Price: ₹10.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Skoda Kushaq is a compact SUV that impresses with its sleek design and comfortable interiors. Loved for its bold, yet understated exterior looks and premium cabin, the Kushaq offers a spacious seating experience and offers ample legroom for passengers, making long journeys a breeze. The Kushaq's driving experience is smooth and refined, thanks to its responsive engine and well-tuned suspension.

What makes the deal even better are the phenomenal build quality levels and five-star safety scores awarded by GNCAP which give the SUV an edge over many of its rivals including the Creta and the Seltos. Just like the VW Taigun, the Kushaq is also offered with two engine options – a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI. 

Skoda Kushaq Key Specifications

Skoda Kushaq Key Features: 

What’s Good:

• Strong build quality and fit-finish levels
• Powerful engine options
• Premium and feature-rich cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel engine options
• Average after-sales support

Check out our collection of Used Skoda Kushaq Cars in India

10. Volkswagen Virtus

Starting Price: ₹11.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Known for its timeless design and clean lines, the VW Virtus looks distinctive and has a close resemblance to multiple global Volkswagen cars. Inside, the Virtus impresses with its attention to detail, featuring high-quality materials and a thoughtfully designed cabin. On the road, the Virtus offers a smooth and composed driving experience, with a responsive engine and a well-tuned suspension that delivers a balanced and enjoyable ride.

The Virtus is a compelling choice for those seeking a sedan that combines style, comfort, and safety in a well-rounded package. It's a vehicle that appeals to those who appreciate understated luxury and a smooth driving experience.

Volkswagen Virtus Key Specs:

Volkswagen Virtus Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Lucrative performance and sorted dynamics
• Elegant styling and solid build quality
• Practical, feature-rich and comfortable cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel engine options
• Interiors may not feel as solid as older VW cars
• Not-so-great after-sales support

Check out our collection of Used Volkswagen Virtus Cars in India

The Bottom Line

In the world of automatic transmissions, Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT) have earned a reputation for their exceptional refinement and lightning-fast gear shifts. As of 2023, India offers a range of affordable yet outstanding DCT-equipped cars, making them a desirable choice for those seeking a convenient and engaging driving experience.

Among the notable contenders in this category, the Tata Altroz stands out with its sporty aesthetics and solid build quality. Equipped with a 6-speed DCT mated to its 1.2L Revotron petrol engine, the Altroz not only offers a safe and reliable commuting option but also showcases a range of features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, and connected car technology.

The Kia Sonet, on the other hand, offers an enticing blend of sub-4m compact SUV versatility and the smooth operation of a 7-speed DCT gearbox paired with its 1.0L turbo petrol engine. Its sporty exterior design and impressive fit-finish levels make it a compelling choice in the segment.

Meanwhile, the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Virtus add a touch of elegance to the DCT lineup, with their sleek designs, high-quality interiors, and responsive engines. The Kushaq, in particular, boasts remarkable safety ratings and a comfortable cabin, ensuring a top-tier driving experience.

In essence, these affordable DCT cars in India deliver on both performance and style, catering to a wide range of preferences and making the shift to automatic transmissions a seamless and delightful experience.

FAQs

Q. What is DCT in a car?

DCT is a type of transmission and is well renowned for its smoothness and quick shifts.

Q. Which car is better IMT or DCT?

While IMT is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and smooth gearbox, the DCT offers better performance and efficiency.

Q. Which is better DCT or DSG?

DCT and DSG are similar types of gearboxes and are mechanically similar.

Q. Is DCT transmission better than CVT?

DCT gearboxes offer better performance and efficiency, however they are not as reliable as CVT gearboxes.

Q. Which are the popular DCT cars in India?

Popular DCT cars in India include VW Polo, VW Virtus, Hyundai i20, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, and more.