Best IMT Cars in India 2025
In the past few years, Indian car buyers have seen a big shift in how transmissions are offered. While manual gearboxes were once the only affordable option, automatic transmissions have gained popularity. But in 2020, a new type of transmission entered the Indian market — IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission).
IMT cars give you the control of a manual gearbox without the need to press a clutch pedal. For many buyers, this offers the “best of both worlds” — affordability, better mileage compared to traditional automatics, and ease of driving in traffic.
If you’re planning to buy an IMT car in India in 2025, here’s everything you need to know — from how IMT works, the first IMT car launched in India, to a list of the best models with their price, mileage, and features.
What is IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)?
IMT is a manual gearbox without a clutch pedal. You still change gears manually using the gear lever, but the car uses sensors and actuators to engage or disengage the clutch automatically.
There are only Two Pedals at bottom. One is Accelerator and another is Brake.
👉 In short:
- No clutch pedal (only brake + accelerator).
- Gear shift is manual.
- Sensors + hydraulic actuators control the clutch.
This setup makes IMT cars much easier to drive in city traffic while keeping costs lower than fully automatic cars (like CVT, AMT, or DCT).
First IMT Car in India
The Hyundai Venue was the first car in India to be offered with an IMT gearbox. It was launched in July 2020, powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
Soon after, other brands like Kia, Hyundai, and even Mahindra started offering IMT options in their SUVs and hatchbacks.
Advantages of IMT Cars
- Affordable – cheaper than automatic variants.
- No clutch fatigue – ideal for traffic-heavy cities.
- Better mileage – more fuel-efficient than traditional automatics.
- Fun to drive – manual gear changes give better control.
- Lower maintenance compared to AMT/CVT/DCT automatics.
Top IMT Cars in India (2025) – Price, Mileage & Features
Here’s a quick look at some of the best IMT cars in India 2025 with their starting prices, mileage, and key highlights:
| Car Model | Engine Options | Mileage (Approx.) | Price Range (₹ Lakh) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Venue iMT | 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 17-18 kmpl | 9.99 – 13.50 | Sunroof, connected car tech, multiple drive modes |
| Kia Sonet iMT | 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 17-18 kmpl | 9.80 – 13.90 | Bose speakers, ventilated seats, 6 airbags |
| Hyundai i20 iMT | 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 18-20 kmpl | 9.40 – 12.70 | Premium hatch with sporty design, 10.25” touchscreen |
| Kia Seltos iMT | 1.5L Petrol / Diesel | 16-19 kmpl | 12.00 – 17.00 | Bigger SUV, advanced safety features |
| Mahindra XUV300 iMT | 1.2L Petrol | 16-17 kmpl | 9.50 – 12.50 | Strong build quality, 5-star GNCAP rating |
| Hyundai Creta iMT | 1.5L Petrol | 16-17 kmpl | 12.00 – 16.50 | Panoramic sunroof, digital cluster, ADAS features |
How Does an IMT Car Work?
The IMT gearbox works on three main components:
- Sensors – detect when the driver is about to shift gears.
- Hydraulic Actuators – automatically press/release the clutch.
- Transmission Control Unit (TCU) – acts like the brain, ensuring smooth engagement between gears and clutch.
When you move the gear lever, the system senses it and electronically manages the clutch operation. This makes it smoother than AMTs and more engaging than CVTs or DCTs.
Should Buy an IMT Car in 2025?
If you drive mostly in city traffic but still love the control of manual gear shifting, IMT is a great choice. They are:
- Cheaper than automatics
- Smoother than AMTs
- Fuel-efficient
- Easy to maintain
However, if you drive mostly on highways and want convenience, you may still prefer CVT or DCT automatics.
FAQs on IMT Cars in India
Q1: Which was the first IMT car in India?
👉 Hyundai Venue was the first IMT car launched in July 2020.
Q2: Are IMT cars fuel-efficient?
👉 Yes, IMT cars generally deliver better mileage than AMT or torque converter automatics.
Q3: Which IMT car is best under ₹10 lakh?
👉 Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet IMT are the best picks under ₹10 lakh.
Q4: Do IMT cars have a clutch?
👉 Mechanically yes, but the driver doesn’t press it — the system controls it automatically.
IMT cars in India have quickly become a popular middle ground between manual and automatic transmissions. With brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Mahindra offering multiple IMT options, buyers in 2025 can choose from SUVs, hatchbacks, and premium cars.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient, and traffic-friendly car, an IMT model could be the perfect choice for you.
