Turbocharged petrol cars, SUVs for under Rs 10 lakh

If you’re looking at something that’s value for money then the Nissan Magnite will definitely stand out. The Magnite is spacious, comfortable and well equipped. Its 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offers brisk performance, regardless of whether the unit is paired with the manual or CVT gearbox. At its starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh, the Magnite is the most affordable turbo-petrol on sale. Even prices for the fully-loaded automatic fall under the Rs 10 lakh mark.

Tata Nexon

Tata’s compact SUV got a 10hp power boost with its upgrade to BS6 emission norms. The Nexon petrol’s new 120hp output makes it one of the most powerful options on this list. The compact SUV is available in seven variants under Rs 10 lakh, including a 6-speed AMT (automatic) version that packs in ESP, traction control and hill-start assist. As an added plus, the Tata Nexon is a Global NCAP-rated 5 star car.

Tata Altroz

The Altroz iTurbo is a fair step up over its naturally aspirated sibling, as far as performance goes. However, the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit isn’t the most high-tech one around nor is it the most powerful. The iTurbo carries forward all the strengths of the standard Tata Altroz with its spacious cabin, well sorted ride and handling, and striking looks. Priced from Rs 7.73 lakh to Rs 8.85 lakh, it’s the most affordable turbo-petrol premium hatchback.

Skoda Rapid

With an aggressive starting price of Rs 7.79 lakh, the updated Skoda Rapid is a proper three-box midsize sedan. There’s been no stinting in the engine compartment though, with the Rapid now powered by a new-age direct-injection, turbo-petrol engine. The 110hp engine offers ample performance and makes the Rapid a more entertaining drive. As ever, the Skoda Rapid’s strong build and practical nature hold appeal. Read our review here.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai has spiced up the well-packaged hatchback’s appeal by plonking in a 100hp turbo-petrol engine under its bonnet. The Grand i10 Nios Turbo’s power figure helps it achieve the title of quickest sub-Rs 10 lakh car in the 0-100kph sprint. What makes the little Hyundai’s case even stronger is its impressive ARAI fuel economy figure of 20.3kpl. Available only in mid-spec form, the Turbo is about Rs 1.23 lakh pricier than a comparable 1.2-litre petrol variant.

Mahindra XUV300

Powered by Mahindra’s first-ever turbo-petrol engine, the XUV300 gets its fundamentals right, and strikes the right balance between comfort and sportiness. The 1.2 petrol isn’t a high-revving engine, but it offers the most pulling power; its 200Nm figure is highest among cars on this list. The Mahindra XUV300 is the only car equipped with all-wheel disc brakes and you’d also be happy to know that it is the highest scoring, 5-star rated Indian car under per Global NCAP’s safety test. Read our review here.

Volkswagen Polo

Out goes the old 1.2-litre TSI and in comes the new 1.0-litre TSI. The good news? The drop in displacement hasn’t been accompanied by a drop in power. The 1.0’s 110hp power figure is actually 5hp up on the old 1.2 TSI unit while peak torque is unchanged at 175Nm. A 6-speed manual is standard fit and you also have the option of a 6-speed torque converter (automatic). The Polo 1.0 TSI is entertaining to drive and feels well put together, but isn’t the best-equipped or most spacious car for the money.  

Hyundai Venue

Venue ushered in Hyundai’s turbo-petrol push and today the 120hp, 1.0 Turbo GDI variant accounts for a major portion of the compact SUV’s total petrol volumes. Producing 120hp, the engine sure has the right headline number and can be had with three gearbox options. For Rs 10 lakh, you can get a Venue Turbo with a manual or iMT clutchless manual in the higher SX trim that gets a sunroof. For the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, though you will have to settle for the lower S trim. 

Hyundai Aura

Powered by the same 100hp engine as the Grand i10 Nios Turbo, the Aura is the only turbo-petrol compact sedan in the market. A derivative of the hatchback, the Aura shares most of the strengths and features of the Grand i10 Nios, but it goes a step further in practicality by offering a large 402-litre boot. The Turbo commands a premium of Rs 1.29 lakh over a comparable Aura 1.2-litre petrol SX variant. Read our review here.

Hyundai i20

Sharing its 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with the Venue, the Hyundai i20 turbo-petrol sits on the pricier end of the premium hatchback segment with just two variants under the Rs 10 lakh mark. The turbo-petrol offers strong performance, though at this price range it’s only available with the brand’s iMT clutchless manual gearbox which, while adding convenience for everyday use, doesn’t quite match up to the DCT-equipped model in terms of performance.

Volkswagen Vento

The Volkswagen Vento uses the same TSI engine as the updated Polo and Rapid. Only two of the updated Vento’s six variants are priced under Rs 10 lakh, both of which come with 6-speed manual transmissions. Despite its decade-old underpinnings, the Vento remains one of the nicest cars to drive in its segment. As ever, it’s solid build is what appeals to buyers.

Kia Sonet

The cousin to the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Sonet shares the same engines and platform as the former, though with its own distinctive design. The high-tech 120hp, 1.0-litre T-GDi engine offers strong performance, though within the Rs 10 lakh budget you can only have it with a 6-speed clutchless manual gearbox – there’s no conventional manual gearbox – with the DCT model priced over Rs 10 lakh.

Also see:

India’s most fuel-efficient BS6 diesel cars

India’s most fuel-efficient BS6 petrol cars