Best Turbocharged Cars under 10 Lakhs in India

In 2020, we saw the introduction of the BS6 emission norms in India. These stricter emission norms have forced all domestic and international manufacturers to downsize their petrol and diesel engines, which involves tuning the units to stay abreast with the prevalent norms. While this may seem like a simple solution, manufacturers have had to devise a method to produce more power out of the new engines.

This is where the “Turbo” kicks in. In order to enhance power output, automobile manufacturers have started fitting their petrol and diesel engines with turbochargers. As a consumer, this translates to a substantial oomph of power along with better mileage and improved performance. If you are looking to buy a car that delivers an extra punch of power then we’ve compiled a list of the best turbocharged cars you can buy in India

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon is a compact SUV that combines Tata’s unique design language with capable performance. It is a definite choice for those looking for a fully featured turbocharged compact SUV under ₹10 lakhs.

Talking about performance, the Tata Nexon is a capable turbocharged compact SUV that comes with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine option. These engines are available with two transmission choices – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT. The petrol engine is capable of delivering a maximum power of 110 PS and a peak torque of 170 Nm, while the diesel motor can give you a maximum power of 110 PS and a peak torque of 260 Nm. The mileage on offer is up to 23.97 kmpl for the diesel manual while the automatics can deliver up to 21.5 kmpl and 17 kmpl for both diesel and petrol, respectively, making it a turbocharged performer. With a top speed of 180 km/h and a 0-100 time of 11.6 seconds, the turbocharged Nexon is all about power. 

With BS6 compliant engine options and an impressive oomph of the turbo, the Tata Nexon is a perfect compact SUV for those who are power hungry. With showroom prices ranging from ₹6.99 lakhs going all the way up to ₹12.7 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), there is plenty of value in owning a Tata Nexon. In the pre-owned car market, used Tata Nexon cars are highly popular where it can be yours within a budget of ₹6.30 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs.

Skoda Rapid TSI

The Skoda Rapid has carved a niche for itself thanks to its critically acclaimed performance and a simple yet feature-rich cabin. In a bid to keep this 10 year old sedan relevant in the market, Skoda now offers the Rapid with the Volkswagen group’s powerful turbocharged petrol engine.

Talking about turbo power, the Skoda Rapid comes with an efficient yet power packed 1.0-litre turbo-petrol TSI engine that makes 110 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. The turbocharged engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with an option of a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The Skoda Rapid doesn’t offer a diesel turbo, but you won’t ever feel its absence when you drive the turbo TSI which can go from 0-100 in about 9.77 seconds! This should be enough to satiate your turbo powered needs. The Skoda Rapid comes with ample safety features to keep you safe while you cruise.

The Skoda Rapid is competitively priced and can be brought home for a price ranging between ₹7.49 lakh and ₹13.49 lakh (ex-showroom) with AMT turbo variants starting from ₹9.49 lakhs, making it the most affordable AMT turbo-powered sedan. And for those looking to save some more, used Skoda Rapid cars can be found in the pre-owned market for a price ranging between ₹5.5 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs for older and non-turbo variants.

Mahindra XUV300

Mahindra’s popular compact SUV, the XUV300 already wears the crown of being one of the safest vehicles in India with a 5-star NCAP rating. The already popular vehicle has become even more power-packed with its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine. So if you are looking for a vehicle that’s safe, powerful and feature-packed then the Mahindra XUV300 is the compact SUV for you.

Speaking of turbocharged power, the Mahindra XUV300 comes with Mahindra’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that is capable of producing 110 PS of maximum power and 200 Nm of peak torque which is best in its segment. In terms of transmission, the petrol variant only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. The other unit offered is a 1.5 litre turbocharged diesel engine that returns 117 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque. The diesel unit is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. With a top speed of 160 km/h and a 0-100 time of about 12 seconds, the turbocharged XUV300 is quite capable. 

As a turbocharged compact SUV, the Mahindra XUV300 is a perfect choice for the power hungry enthusiasts. The Mahindra XUV300 can be brought home for a price that ranges between ₹7.95 lakh and ₹12.30 lakh (ex-showroom) with turbo variants starting from ₹7.94 Lakhs.

Hyundai Aura Turbo GDi

Sharing a lot with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, the new Hyundai Aura is the compact sedan iteration of the hatchback. In terms of overall package, the Hyundai Aura is futuristic, modern, and capable of delivering a comfortable ride quality with BS6 compliant engine choices and a powerful turbo variant making it a truly capable sedan. 

Coming to the power, the Hyundai Aura comes with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is capable of delivering a 100 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of maximum torque. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission the turbo petrol engine and providing a mileage of 21 kmpl, the Hyundai Aura is best suited for those who are looking for practical power. Going from 0-100 in about 10.27 seconds, the turbo petrol variant of the Aura delivers plenty of power on tap. 

As a sedan that offers 3 BS6 compliant engines, the Hyundai Aura is a versatile and cost effective turbocharged compact sedan that can be the perfect companion for your turbo infused drives. The Hyundai Aura can be brought home with a price ranging from ₹5.79 lakh to ₹9.22 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) with the turbo variant priced at ₹8.55 lakhs (ex-showroom)

Volkswagen Polo TSI

Launched back in 2009, the Volkswagen Polo is a name that resonates in homes of millions of happy customers across India. As the German Automaker’s premium sedan, the Volkswagen Polo is a complete package that offers German excellence in terms of features, performance, efficiency and safety.

When talking about power-packed turbo hatchbacks, the Volkswagen Polo always features in the list. The VW Polo TSI is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine that delivers a power-packed 110 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque, going 0-100 in only 9.97 seconds. The turbo petrol engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a 6 speed automatic transmission. Even with all that power, the VW Polo TSI manages to provide a mileage of up to 18.24 kmpl. These combine to deliver the thrill of turbocharged power and performance in a compact package.

The VW Polo TSI was and continues to be the best option for those who are looking for a hot hatchback in India. If you think the VW Polo is a suitable option for you then you can bring home this hatchback for a price range between ₹5.87 lakhs to ₹9.67 lakhs (ex-showroom). And if you are looking to save some more then you can also bring home the VW Polo in its pre-owned glory for a price as low as ₹3 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs for older and non-turbo variants.

Tata Altroz iTurbo

One of the most anticipated turbocharged petrol hatchbacks was finally announced in January 2021. The Tata Altroz iTurbo completes the Altroz lineup and introduces a powerful turbo petrol variant for those waiting for it.

Power comes courtesy of a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 110 PS and a peak torque of 140 Nm. This is the same turbo petrol engine found in the Tata Nexon, so it comes with proven performance and reliability. The Tata Altroz iTurbo only comes with a 5-speed manual transmission with an automatic transmission to come later in the year. At 18.13 kmpl, mileage figures for the Altroz iTurbo are also competitive with hatchbacks in its segment. With a 0-100 time of 12.89 seconds, this premium hatchback is a spirited performer in the city and on the highway.

The Tata Altroz has already established itself as a capable hatchback for India. The addition of a turbo petrol variant makes the Altroz an even more exciting prospect if you’re looking for a premium hatchback. The standard petrol variants of the Tata Altroz have a price range of ₹6.99 lakhs – ₹7.75 lakhs, with the turbo variants coming in at slightly higher premiums.

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