Continued: Eleven affordable cars that are crazy fun and ultra practical

Ford Figo Aspire

The Aspire is also on this list for the same reason why the Figo is

Why is it fun?

The Aspire comes with the same 1.5 liter diesel engine that makes 99 Bhp and 215 Nm. It is fast and the car handles well also. There is no other compact sedan that drives as well as the Aspire.

Why is it practical?

The Aspire is a spacious sedan. It may not have the best space in the segment, but is the best mix of practicality and fun. It also has a lot of interesting features like the Mykey, SYNC system, etc. It is also the only compact sedan to offer 6 airbags thus making it safer as well.

Fiat Linea 125 S

The Linea is one of the best looking mid size sedans.

Why is it fun?

Fiat always had the Linea T-Jet on sale for enthusiasts. But to take things forward, Fiat has introduced a new 125s version o the Linea which features the same engine which now produces 125 Bhp and 210 Nm. This makes it the most powerful petrol sedan in that segment. Not only the engine, even the handling on the Linea is very good as well and is one of the best in the segment.

Why is it practical?

The Linea is good to look at and is large. It has adequate amount of space and with the recent facelift, it gets new features as well which make it a better deal.

Ford Ecosport

The Ecosport was the car that started the whole sub 4-meter SUV segment and created quite a stir.

Why is it fun?

The Ecosport versions you want to choose for fun are either the 1.0 liter Ecoboost engine which makes 124 Bhp and 170 Nm or the 1.5 liter diesel unit which makes 99 Bhp and 215 Nm. It is one of the best handling compact SUV’s in the market.

Why is it practical?

Yes, the Ecosport is the most spacious SUV in the market. But for its size, it has adequate amount of space. It also has a high ground clearance which means using it on Indian roads is easier. It offers 6 airbags on the top end variant. The Brezza will be more spacious, but if you want the added fun, you will have to opt for the Ecosport

Renault Duster AWD

The Duster was the first real success for Renault in India.

Why is it fun?

Out of all the current SUVs in this segment, the Duster is the only one to come with AWD, which means it is the gripiest of them all. Also, Renault engineers have fine tuned the suspension on the Duster to give it the best mix of comfort and ride and handling. The AWD is powered by the 1.5 liter diesel unit making 108 Bhp and 248 Nm which is adequate enough.

Why is it practical?

It is the only SUV offering an AWD version which means it will be more surefooted on the highway and when the roads disappear. The Duster is very comfortable and is large enough to be spacious on the inside. The only downside to the Duster is that it isn’t as loaded as its rival, the Creta. However, the Duster is a much more fun to drive car than the Creta and hence it is the one that has made it to this list.

Tata Safari Storme

The Safari was the car that started the whole SUV craze in India when it was launched in 1998.

Why is it fun?

The Safari is powered by the 2.2 liter engine that makes 154 Bhp and 400 Nm. Power is the most in the segment. Not only that, the Safari has the best dynamics in the segment as well. This makes it fun.

Why is it practical?

The Storme is spacious, comfortable and has high ground clearance. Yes, it may not be as feature loaded as the XUV, but if you are looking for the best mix of driving pleasure and comfort, the Storme is your best bet.

Toyota Innova Crysta

The Innova has been the most popular MPV in the country.

Why is it fun?

For the first time, we have the option of calling the Innova Crysta fun. Why you may ask? The 2.8 liter engine which does duty on the Crysta  produces a massive 172 Bhp and 360 Nm. This makes it really quick and is by far the most fun MPV.

Why is it practical?

Do we really need to explain why the Innova is so practical? It offers the most space out of all the MPVs. The current one is more luxurious and offers a lot of features as well. Since we are talking about the 2.8 liter engine, it should also be noted that the 2.8 liter engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic gearbox which means that it is easier to drive as well now.