Guide to buying an automatic car

Two factors that stall most people on their way to buying an automatic are, first, that they are considered lazy versions of their manual counterparts and second, they consume more, hence fueling the mileage factor.

While the latter remains true, today's automatics cannot all be termed as lazy. Here's a look at the three that are hot favorites, where performance is concerned - the Accord V6, Mercedes C220 CDi and the Lancer INVEX.

These three cars have powerful engines which is coupled with advanced automatic transmissions, that can outpace many of their likes. While the Accord V6 does a 0-100 kms in 9.4 seconds, the Lancer 1.8 does it in 11.26 seconds and the Mercedes in 10.37 seconds. With transmissions that have responsive kick downs and trip modes, these three will not let you miss a manual transmission. However, the sore point with automatics is fuel economy - automatics do consume more than manuals.

Although, Honda automatics do have a good compromise between power and fuel economic. Another factor that does affect automatic sales is the price. Most automatics are priced at Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,30,000 more than their manual counterparts.

However, look at the flip side. Automatics are easy in the stop-go situations in our traffic and stalling is never a problem. For novice drivers, it's also an easy option where one does not have to master the clutch release. The Santro Xing, Zen and Alto are all available with automatic options and can be good for a first time car owner. There is that thing about women drivers, well at least those who dread going up a steep slope and can never master the clutch, accelerator balance, an automatic is a great option. You can't roll backwards and you don't have to shift gears!

So, these are the many reasons for buying an automatic car, or if you chose, not to buy it. But should you buy one, here are the ones that come recommended.

In the small car segment, the choice would be a toss up between the Santro Xing and the Maruti Wagon R. The reasons to go for them are, space, size and they are easy to park and manoeuvre, and both the companies have good back-up, countrywide.

In the midsize segment, the Corolla is the quickest. The Optra has the nicest interiors and goodies, but as a package in terms of performance, fuel economy and price the Honda City is the right choice.

In the luxury car segement, the Honda Accord V6 walks away with its scintillating engine, overall look and interiors and attractive pricing. The Mercedes C220 CDi is close behind the Accord V6.

The automatic is a good option for the starter level. Automatics are easier to drive, but people at that level will keep an eye on fuel economy and the additional price, so maybe the option is not so attractive.

The midsizers are where it is a sensible option. Most cars are self-driven and at this level, fuel economy is not the be all and end all criteria.

For the upper segment cars which are mostly chauffeur-driven and neither price nor fuel economy are taken into consideration, is where companies are seeing most automatic car sales.