Turbochargers are used to extract more power and added fuel efficiency from smaller displacement engines. This way, it is already something extra apart from the regular power unit and therefore, it does require more effort in terms of maintenance.
But again, more fuel efficiency and power is something everybody wants. Frankly, keeping that in mind, we have compiled some affordable cars in India that are powered by a turbocharged petrol engine. Want to learn more about them? Let’s take a look at the list down below.
Volkswagen Polo
The German marque is in no mood of introducing the sixth-generation Polo in India, but we would like to tell you that it is available globally.
Coming back to what’s present here. Sadly, it is the fifth-gen Polo that is available for sale with features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers, dual airbags and cruise control to name a few.
The news that’s even saddening is that Volkswagen is about to discontinue the locally assembled Polo here. Instead, they might introduce the imported version albeit in limited numbers. The carmaker also said that it is focusing more on SUVs right now to get a decent hold of the market share.
Powering the fifth-generation Polo is a potent 1.0-litre three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with overall output rated at 110PS and 175Nm. For now, it comes mated with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox that works fluently in conjunction with the setup to offer an unmatched experience. Apart from the turbocharged engine, Polo is also available with a similarly displace naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi): Rs.7.80 Lakhs to Rs.10.25 Lakhs*
Renault Kiger
If you remember, Renault has put an end to the production of Duster in India. This way, the brand is currently relying on three models, including Kwid, Triber and Kiger. The last one is definitely the most exciting product from Renault’s point of view and therefore, the French carmaker really wants it to do well.
Sold with several features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted audio control, 7-inch fully digital driver’s display and smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, even the Kiger is loaded enough to compete with rivals in the same segment.
Under the hood, Kiger is available with two engine options. However, today, we will talk about the turbocharged unit that comes with a 999cc displacement and three cylinders. Renault boasts that this unit has been fine-tuned to produce 100PS. Meanwhile, the torque output from the same stands at 160Nm.
The all-new Kiger is being offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. For added convenience, customers can opt for the CVT gearbox as well.
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi): Rs.8.33 Lakhs to Rs.10.22 Lakhs*
Tata Nexon
With a 5-star Global NCAP rating, Tata Nexon is one of the safest cars from this lot. Since it is a sub-four meter SUV, the demand for Nexon has been at its all-time high for the past few months.
Right now, it comes loaded with a floating touchscreen infotainment system, 8-speaker surround sound system, cooled glovebox, dual airbags, rear parking sensors and even an electric sunroof.
Unlike the other three that comes powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Nexon uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit. So does the added displacement helps? Well, a little bit and that can only be experienced in the real world. The overall output from this power unit is rated at 120PS and 170Nm and for transmission duties, it comes paired to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox depending upon the customer’s choice.
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi): Rs.7.42 Lakhs to Rs.12.43 Lakhs*
Nissan Magnite
The 50,000th unit of Magnite has recently made its way out from the factory. Hope that’s enough to tell you how popular this sub-four meter SUV actually is.
Available with several features such as a 7-inch fully digital driver’s display, wireless charging pad, air ioniser, ambient lighting and a large touchscreen infotainment system, the all-new Magnite feels amply loaded. Although, it isn’t tested at the Global NCAP. However, Nissan did send it for the ASEAN NCAP where this SUV managed to score a 4-star rating. Occupants’ safety on Magnite is assured by dual airbags, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system and ABS among others.
Renault-Nissan alliance is a global strategy and if talking about the all-new Magnite, it uses the exact same powertrain that we have already witnessed on the Kiger above.
Yes, it is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that churns out a decent 100PS of power and 160Nm of peak torque. Gearbox option in this compact SUV is a 5-speed manual or an automatic one.
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi): Rs.7.67 Lakhs to Rs.10.15 Lakhs*
*Note: All the prices stated above are limited to the turbocharged petrol variants only.
Do let us know your favourite car from this lot in the comment section below. And for similar updates, keep reading ‘The Indian Wire’.