Top 5 most powerful cars under Rs 25 lakh

The sub-compact, compact, and mid-size vehicle segment in India has intensified in the last decade. Most major carmakers now offer their best products in under these categories with different body styles, a variety of engine and transmission options, and a range of features. Have you ever wondered what are the most powerful cars under Rs 25 lakh? If you do not know and are planning to buy one of the most potent sedan or an SUV, here is the list of the top five cars.

Mahindra Scorpio-N

The Scorpio-N has been priced between Rs 13.85 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 24.54 lakh (ex-showroom). Launched in June 2022, Mahindra offers the Scorpio-N with a petrol and diesel engine options - the diesel unit comes with two different states of tunes. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine generates 203PS and 370Nm with MT or 380Nm with AT.

Then, there is a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine makes 132PS and 300Nm, while another version produces 175PS and 370Nm with MT or 400Nm with AT. Both motors are mated to a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the more powerful diesel engine is also available with an option of a four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain.

The Mahindra XUV700 also offers a similar performance figures. Powering the SUV is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor with two different versions. The former produces 200PS and 380Nm of torque, while the latter in the low-spec variants makes 155PS/360Nm, while one available with higher-spec variants delivers 185PS. The torque output is rated at 420Nm (with MT) and 450Nm (with AT). Both engines can be paired with a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmissions. Mahindra also offers an optional all-wheel drive system. Meanwhile, the XUV700 costs Rs 13.99-26.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova Hycross

The new generation Innova Hycross is available with two petrol engine options, including a strong-hybrid powertrain. First up, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol (non-hybrid) engine delivers 174PS and 205Nm of torque. This motor is coupled to a CVT automatic transmission. On the flip side, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor and a small battery pack. This engine produces 152PS/187Nm, while the motor makes 113PS/206Nm. Thier combined total output is rated at 186PS.

Unlike the petrol-only version, this strong hybrid system is mated to an e-CVT automatic transmission. The Toyota Innova Hycross prices start at Rs 19.77 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to Rs 30.98 lakh (ex-showroom). Notably, the petrol-only version tops out at Rs 21.13 lakh (ex-showroom).

MG Hector

Launched at the 2023 Auto Expo, the Hector facelift gets two engine options. There is a 2.0-litre, inline four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that makes 170PS and 350Nm and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor producing 143PS and 250Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a CVT automatic transmission. The prices of the SUV start at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to Rs 22.15 lakh (ex-showroom).

The same diesel engine is also offered with the Tata Harrier (Rs 15.49-26.44, ex-showroom), Tata Safari (Rs 16.19-27.34 lakh, ex-showroom), and Jeep Compass (Rs 20.69-32.27 lakh, ex-showroom).

Hyundai Verna

The new-gen Verna packs a range of powertrain options similar to its sibling, the Creta. However, the crux of the sedan is its new 1.5-litre, inline four-cylinder, turbocharged T-GDi petrol engine that delivers 160PS and 253Nm of torque. There is also a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor producing 115PS and 144Nm of torque.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a CVT automatic, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This sedan has been priced between Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 17.42 lakh (ex-showroom).

The same 160PS T-GDi engine is available with the Hyundai Creta N Line (Rs 16.82-20.45 lakh, ex-showroom) and Hyundai Alcazar (Rs 16.77-21.28 lakh, ex-showroom). Not only that, the Kia Seltos (Rs 10.90-20.35 lakh, ex-showroom) and Kia Carens (Rs 10.52-19.67 lakh, ex-showroom), also benefit from the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Volkswagen Virtus

Priced between Rs 11.56 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 19.41 lakh (ex-showroom), the Virtus comes powered by Volkswagen's a 1.5-litre, inline four-cylinder, turbocharged TSI Evo petrol engine that generates 150PS and 250Nm. This unit also features cylinder deactivation technology. It is coupled to a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There is also a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 115PS and 148Nm of torque. Mated to this motor is a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission.

If you are looking for the same performance in an SUV, Volkswagen offers the same engine options with the Taigun (Rs 11.70-20.00 lakh, ex-showroom). In fact, the Skoda Kushaq (Rs 11.99-20.49 lakh, ex-showroom) and Slavia (Rs 11.63-19.12 lakh, ex-showroom) also share the same powertrains.

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