5 upcoming, affordable cars for those who want performance above everything else

Snapshot – For those seeking performance on a budget, the Indian car market is opening up like never before. Before 2015 slips into 2016, there will be no fewer than five new cars that promise to thrill driving enthusiasts, at prices that bring them within reach of a wide swathe of buyers in India. CarToq profiles five upcoming cars for those who want performance above all else.

Fiat Avventura T-Jet

The Avventura T-Jet will be Fiat’s reponse to the Ford’s 1 liter turbo petrol engined Ecosport crossover. The Avventura is a Punto on stilts, and with butch make up to boot. By adding the 1.4 liter T-Jet turbo petrol engine to the equation, Fiat will make the Avventura one of the fastest cars in its segment, which includes the likes of the Hyundai i20 Active, the Volkswagen Polo Cross and the Toyota Etios Cross. While exact power and torque figures of the T-Jet motor that will soon power the Avventura remain unknown, about 113 Bhp and 207 Nm should be in the ballpark.

DC Avanti

The DC Avanti is India’s first indigenously developed and manufactured sportscar, whose launch will happen soon. The car is built at DC Design’s Talegaon factory, and aims to cater to driving enthusiasts who’re looking at a low slung, twin seat sportscar that’s priced at under 40 lakh rupees. Bookings for the Avanti are now open at DC Design dealerships across the country and deliveries will begin shortly. The price estimate for the car is pegged at the 35 lakh rupee mark. The car will use a 2 liter-4 cylinder turbo petrol motor sourced from Renault. This motor is said to be good for 250 Bhp-366 Nm. A six speed manual gearbox drives the rear wheels. The Avanti will hit an electronically limited top speed of 180 Kph.

Fiat Abarth 500 Competizione

Fiat will introduce the Abarth high performance sub-brand in India through the 500 Competizione hatchback. The car will be imported as a completely built unit. While rumours indicate a May 2015 launch, Fiat India is yet to sound out the media for an official launch. The Abarth 500 Competizione uses the 1.4 liter T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine in a high state of tune, in this case 158 Bhp-230 Nm. A 5 speed automated manual transmission handles gearbox functions. A brand builder whole and soul, the Abarth 500 will take on the Mini Cooper S. Pricing is expected to sit between 30-40 lakh rupees.

Tata Bolt Sport

The Bolt Sport will pitchfork Tata Motors into affordable performance cars. Shown at Geneva 2015 as a concept, the Bolt Sport hatchback uses the 1.2 liter REVOTRON turbo petrol motor in 120 Bhp-170 Nm state of tune, a major departure from regular Bolt’s power and torque figures. The car will also gain a close ratio gearbox, suspension tweaks to make for sharper handling, and a body kit to perk up looks. On the inside, a sportier cabin with distinctive elements in red and black awaits. The Bolt Sport is likely to be launched by the end of 2015, at a price well within 8 lakh rupees. In India, the car will square off against the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and the upcoming Fiat Punto T-Jet.

Fiat Punto T-Jet

The Punto is a heavy hatchback that could do with more shove under the hood, which is why Fiat will equip this car with the T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine. The Punto T-Jet could be sold under the Abarth sub-brand, which also means distinctive styling and other sporty tweaks to make the car a cut above its regular variants. The 1.4 liter T-Jet engine’s 113 Bhp-207 Nm base state of tune in itself should be enough for rapid progress. A higher state of tune will only make the car even more desirable. The Punto T-Jet will be the top-of-the-line hatchback from Fiat as far as the mass market is concerned. A sub-10 lakh rupee price tag will make the car accessible to driving enthusiasts.