Looking for a CVT Car Under ₹15 Lakh? These 5 Are Worth Considering

In India's evolving market, the demand for automatic transmissions has surged, especially in urban areas where stop-and-go traffic makes manual gear shifting cumbersome. Among the various automatic transmission types—such as torque converters, Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs), and Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCTs)—the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) stands out for its seamless acceleration, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. CVTs use a belt and pulley system to provide an infinite range of gear ratios, allowing the engine to operate at its most efficient RPM. 

For buyers with a budget under ₹15 lakh, several models equipped with CVT gearboxes offer a compelling mix of performance, features, and value. Here’s a look at five such vehicles. 

Hyundai i20 CVT

Price: ₹8.89 - ₹11.25 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The Hyundai i20 in its Magna and higher trims offers a CVT (branded as iVT by Hyundai) mated to a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine that produces 87 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The CVT is known for delivering linear, jerk-free acceleration. With an ARAI-tested mileage of 19.65 kmpl to 21 kmpl, the i20 balances performance and efficiency quite well. It measures 3,995 mm in length and offers a modest 311-litre boot, with 170 mm of ground clearance and a kerb weight of around 1065 kg to 1225 kg. 

The i20 is well-equipped with features like a digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED DRLs, rear AC vents, and voice-enabled controls. Safety has been a key focus for Hyundai with six airbags offered on the Sportz trim and above, along with electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Priced between ₹8.89 lakh and ₹11.25 lakh (ex-showroom), the i20 CVT is one of the most tech-loaded premium hatchbacks you can buy under ₹15 lakh.

Honda Amaze CVT

Price: ₹9.35 - ₹11.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The Honda Amaze is a subcompact sedan powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine. It produces 88 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, mated to a refined CVT gearbox. This combination returns an ARAI-certified mileage of 18.65–19.46 kmpl, making it one of the more fuel-efficient sedans in its class. Dimensionally, the Amaze measures 3,995 mm in length and offers a practical 416-litre boot. It sits 172 mm off the ground and has a kerb weight of approximately 952-986 kg.

Safety features include dual front airbags as standard, with six airbags available in higher trims. ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera enhance its usability. The Amaze CVT also comes with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, cruise control, push-button start, and paddle shifters. With prices ranging between ₹9.35 lakh and ₹11.20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Amaze CVT is a top contender for buyers seeking a refined automatic sedan within a tight budget. 

Nissan Magnite CVT

Price: ₹9.99 - ₹11.92 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The Nissan Magnite brings turbocharged performance to the sub-4-metre SUV segment. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 99 bhp and 152 Nm of torque. The CVT gearbox ensures smooth, consistent acceleration without the shift lag commonly seen in AMTs. Fuel efficiency is rated at 17.9 kmpl by ARAI. The Magnite offers decent proportions at 3,994 mm in length with a generous ground clearance of 205 mm and boot space of 336 litres. The kerb weight hovers around 1,103 kg.

Key features include an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital instrument cluster, push-button start, and a 360-degree camera in higher trims. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are standard, while higher variants add ESC and traction control. With pricing starting at ₹9.99 lakh and going up to around ₹11.92 lakh (ex-showroom), the Magnite CVT offers SUV stance, practical features, and easy drivability in a well-priced package.

Renault Kiger CVT

Price: ₹10- ₹11.23 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The Renault Kiger shares its platform and powertrain with the Nissan Magnite but positions itself with a slightly more youthful and dynamic design. The CVT variants are powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 99 bhp and 152 Nm of torque. The CVT unit provides linear acceleration and smooth gear transitions, with ARAI fuel efficiency of 17.63 kmpl. It measures 3,991 mm in length and offers an impressive 405-litre boot—among the best in class. Ground clearance stands at 205 mm. 

The Kiger’s interior is well-appointed with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and multiple drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport). Safety equipment includes four airbags (in top variants), ABS, rear camera, and hill start assist. Thanks to recent price adjustments, the Kiger CVT now starts at ₹10 lakh and tops out at ₹11.23 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it one of the most affordable turbo-petrol CVT SUVs in the country.

Honda City CVT

Price: ₹14.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The Honda City, known for its space and refinement, is available with a CVT transmission in its base V trim at ₹14.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India), while prices for higher trims exceed ₹15 lakh. It’s powered by a robust 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 119 bhp at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a smooth CVT with paddle shifters and sport mode, the City offers a premium driving experience while returning an ARAI-certified mileage of 18.4 kmpl. Measuring 4,574 mm in length, it provides a massive 506-litre boot and a ground clearance of 165 mm, with a kerb weight between 1,110 – 1,153 kg.

On the safety front, the City excels with six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera, and Honda Sensing ADAS suite in select trims, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision mitigation braking. Inside, the cabin feels upscale with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, and premium materials.