India’s largest car maker which first introduced the cheapest automatic car in India is planning to introduce more models with AMT technology. Maruti Suzuki recently introduced the Alto K10 with AMT gear box and now plans to add an automatic gear (AMT) to the best seller Wagon R.
According to Autocar India, Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce the AMT on the Stingray model only to woo buyers from the premium hatchback segment which look for premium products.
The Stingray is powered by the same 1.0 K-litre petrol engine which does duty on the Alto K10 and on the Celerio. The engine produces max power of 68 Ps and max torque of 90 Nm. Expect similar mileage figures of 20.51 kmpl on the AMT variant unless Maruti tinkers with the engine to offer higher fuel efficiency. The Stingray AMT could be priced 30-40,000 more than the manual counter parts.
The biggest challenge for the Indian car maker is the limited number of AMT kits supplied by Magnetti Marelli. Already the Celerio AMT commands a waiting period of more than 6 months in some cities and Alto K10 AMT of about month.
The AMT technology offers a fuel efficient and low cost option automatic technology which was previously perceived as expensive and low on mileage. Tata Zest is the third car to offer this technology and is available on the diesel variant. Mahindra is also planning to launch the Quanto with AMT gear box in the Indian market soon.
