Tata Tiago JTP to Maruti Baleno RS: 10 affordable enthusiast cars of India

The Indian automotive market is among the largest in the world. However, when it comes to fun to drive cars or affordable budget cars, it is next to nil. Every now and then though some auto maker rises to help the enthusiasts and launches a car which matches both the above mentioned criteria. So here is a list of ten such cars which are both affordable and are also quite enjoyable on road.

Tata Tiago JTP

Price: Rs. 6.39 Lakh

The Tiago JTP is the cheapest performance hatchback in the country right now. However, that certainly does not mean its tame in any way. In fact it is the only hot hatch to get a reworked suspension, lowered ground clearance along with a sporty exhaust. It is powered by a three pot petrol motor which churns out 112 Bhp of power and 150 Nm torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. For just Rs. 6.39 lakhs, its about the same price as the Maruti Suzuki VXi petrol but is a worth lot more fun.

Tata Tigor JTP

Price: Rs. 7.49 Lakh 

Next in line of affordable hot cars is the Tigor JTP, which is hot compact sedan to be particular. come with visible exterior changes like sportier bumpers, larger air intakes, new fog lamp housing, blacked out headlamps and grille with JTP badging among others. This is likely to continue on the interior front as well with JTP badging all around and sportier overall theme. It is powered by the same three pot petrol motor which powers the Tiago JTP and churns out 112 Bhp of power along 150 Nm torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard.

 

Volkswagen Ameo DSG (comfortline)

Price: Rs. 7.63 Lakh

Folks at Volkswagen did a commendable job by putting a big 1.5 litre diesel engine in the Ameo. The engine churns out 109 Bhp of power along with 250 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for a 1.15 tonne car. This combines with a slick 7-speed DSG gearbox makes it fun to drive. The flat bottomed steering wheel is well weighted and it is one of the best handling cars in its segment. The ride quality is a bit on the stiffer side but that makes the car more planted, enough for a petrolhead to compromise a bit on comfort.

Ford Figo AT Petrol

Price: Rs. 8.25 Lakh

The Ford Figo AT petrol is one of those cars which took us by surprise. The regular looking hatch has a big firebreather of an engine quietly tucked away under the bonnet. The 1499 cc petrol engine produces 110 Bhp of power along with 136 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, though it’s not among the best we’ve seen. But with a kerb weight of near around 1,030 kg, the car is quick off the line, though we wish Ford made it a bit more sporty rather than comfort oriented.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

Price: Rs. 8.76 Lakh

To be precise, the Baleno RS is a souped up version of a regular Baleno. However, the changes made are a new engine and a bit of visual drama here and there. It does not get re-tuned suspension or any other such thing, which makes one wanting for more. It is powered by a three cylinder 993 cc Boosterjet petrol engine which churns out 101 Bhp of power along with 150 Nm of torque and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It has been recently updated too, which gives it a further aesthetic and other mild boosts.

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI/TDI

Price: Rs 9.39 Lakh

The Volkswagen Polo is perhaps the most hit hot hatch in the country. It is one of the best handling cars out there and gets a brilliant auto box. The diesel variant comes only with a 5-speed manual transmission while the petrol variants offer a brilliant 7 speed DSG gearbox. As already mentioned, there are two engine options to choose from. The 1498 cc diesel engine produces 108 Bhp of power along with 250 Nm of torque. The 1198 cc petrol engine puts out 103 Bhp of power along with 175 Nm of torque.

Fiat Abarth Punto

Price: Rs. 9.67 Lakh

The Fiat Abarth Punto is one of the best performance hot hatch in the country under Rs. 10 lakh. It uses a hydraulic steering system to maintain the feel while driving along with having a great ride and handling. Also, it is the fastest car among the other affordable hot hatches in the country. It gets powered by a 1368 cc petrol engines which dishes out a massive 145 Bhp of power along with 212 Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox which is one of the best in business.

Fiat Urban Cross 1.4

Price: Rs. 9.77 Lakh

Among one of the crossovers by the company, the Fiat Urban Cross 1.4 is a more modern take on the crossover concept. The Urban Cross comes with decently specced interiors along with a powerful engine. Talking of which, the car gets powered by a 1368 cc petrol engine producing 138 Bhp of power along with 210 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. Both the engine and the gearbox on this car are tried and tested units and offer pretty decent performance.

Fiat Abarth Aventura

Price: Rs. 9.89 Lakh

Despite having a high ground clearance of 205 mm, the Fiat Abarth Aventura is one powerful car. To make it tighter around the corners, it gets an anti roll bar at the rear. The Abarth Avebtura gets powered by a 1.4 litre petrol engine which produces 140 Bhp of power along with 210 Nm of torque. Mated to 5-speed gearbox, this one is a good performer.

Fiat Linea 125S

Price: Rs. 9.97 Lakh

The Fiat Linea 125S is everything a enthusiast would want. It is one of the most enjoyable car to drive and the power feels adequate, thanks to the linear delivery. Handing is quite decent too and the steering is an old school hydraulic unit. The Linea 125S offers the practicality of a sedan along with the fun of an enthusiast car. It is powered by a 1368 cc petrol engine which churns out 123 Bhp of power along with 208 Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a slick 5-speed manual gearbox, which does the job without much hassle.

 

All prices listed are ex-showroom, Delhi