Commenting on the successful culmination of the 1st edition of Bluelink Championship, Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “At Hyundai, we focus on developing technologies that are intelligent, advanced and future-ready. Hyundai is a pioneer of connected car technology in India and ‘Bluelink’ has become one of the safest and smartest ways for an individual to stay connected ‘on the go’. We will continue to adopt more and more digital initiatives with these innovative and engaging campaigns to lead the industry with thoughtful innovations for increasing customer delight. We hope to add more Bluelink customers to our family, who can be active proponents for road safety in India.”

The Bluelink Champions were identified based on parameters such as smooth driving, over-speeding, sudden braking & acceleration, distance travelled etc. The data was analyzed through the Bluelink system and the driving score of individual drivers are derived on a scale of 0 to 100 points. Hyundai’s Bluelink Championship not only provide personalized driving scores for participating customers but also offered tips to improve their driving habits.

The winners were selected region-wise according to their score. The top 3 winners in each region were awarded gift vouchers and the top 60 participants with highest scores were awarded e-trophies (Gold, Silver & Bronze). Winning customers were felicitated at their respective dealers’ workshops.

The participation of customers in the Championship was very encouraging as they were able to exhibit safe and efficient driving skills, thereby improving the performance of the vehicles as well. The weekly updates on scores also encouraged participants to improve their driving habits.HMIL plans to launch more ‘Bluelink Championships’ in future.

Mobis India, a well-entrenched player in manufacturing high-quality automotive parts, accessories, and mobility solutions for Hyundai Motors in India has showcased a host of stylish and innovative accessories for the new Hyundai i20 N Line. This comes in the wake of the company's continuous efforts to raise the bar in accessorising Hyundai cars that have become an epitome of high-performance and great looks.

Also Read: New Maruti Baleno Dual Arrow-Shaped LED DRLs Captured on VIDEO

At Hyundai Mobis the prime focus is to give a holistic driving experience to the customers. Its products are designed to give a complete makeover to the Hyundai i20 N Line with sporty and aesthetically styled accessories.

The newly introduced Hyundai i20 N Line accessories in carbon finish provide a distinctive sporty appearance to the car. From the headlamp, tail lamp, door-side moulding, bumper corner protector, mudguard, tyre valve cap, and more - the designs are all set to be playful and stylish. In addition, there are a host of floor mats to choose from like standard, designer, dual-layer, and 3D boot mats, etc., that offer comfort inside the car. Other convenience-based accessories such as cup holder, armrest cushion, seat belt cover etc., are designed to fit perfectly to suit any style.

Also Read: Auto Retail Fraternity Shocked by Ford India's Decision, Says FADA

Apart from these separate Hyundai i20 N Line accessories, Hyundai Mobis India has also introduced specially curated accessory packs for interested customers. These are called the Flamboyant Package and Athletic Package and cost INR 13,923 and INR 24,523 respectively.

So what is Hyundai's N performance brand?

Hyundai's N performance brand is fairly new but the company is thrilled with its success. Hyundai's N-badged cars are fairly popular in Germany and the UK but more importantly, it has given the brand a new identity and quite some respect. Just like Volkswagen's GTI lineup or Ford's RS models, the N-badged cars can trace back their DNA to Hyundai's World Rally Championship success. Hyundai's N performance brand is named after the carmaker's Namyang R&D centre and Hyundai’s European Technical Centre at the Nürburgring race track in Germany.

Also Read : Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.5L Diesel - Acceleration Comparison

What about the Hyundai i20 N Line?

The first N model in India will be the Hyundai i20 N-Line. Do not mistake the i20 N-Line to be full-blown i20 N that comes powered with a 204hp 1.6L turbo-petrol engine and looks like a proper hot hatch with lots of aero trickery. These 'N-Line' cars are based on the regular models but come with some suspension mods, tweaked steering and have various sporty exterior and interior embellishments. Likewise, the i20 N Line is based on the regular i20 with the 120hp 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, but gets a sportier exhaust, retuned suspension and also differentiates itself with a sportier body kit and interior theme.

The Hyundai i20 N Line test mule was reportedly doing speeds upwards of 120 kph. The standard i20 hatchback is already a pretty fast car in its turbo-petrol DCT spec, and with retuned suspension and tweaked steering, the i20 N Line could very well be the most enticing hot hatch Indians had been looking for. The fact that Hyundai's N-Line of cars do not cost a fortune, it won't have too high a premium over the regular i20. It could even be priced somewhere around INR 12 lakh (ex-showroom).

What else is in store for India?

Following the i20 N Line, Hyundai could be looking at bringing the full-blown 204hp 120 N to India as a full import under the 2,500-car quota scheme. This could however be a little expensive (around INR 25-30 lakh) on account of being an import and a proper performance car. If the market responds well to N cars in India, Hyundai could even be looking at locally assembling the more powerful N cars here. Hyundai is also likely to launch N-Line versions of the Nios, Venue and the new Elantra, some of which are already on sale in several markets abroad.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai updates and other four-wheeler news.

Hyundai offers a 1.2L, naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine and even a 1.5L turbodiesel engine with the new i20. If you are looking for a diesel premium hatchback, the i20 along with the Tata Altroz are the only two options in this class. The i20 obviously gets an old-school 1.2L, naturally aspirated petrol engine. However, if you are of the enthusiastic kind, you'd probably like the most powerful-in-class 1.0L turbo-petrol engine that takes the competition to the likes of new Tata Altroz iTurbo and the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. There's are as many as five different gearbox options with these three engines on offer.

Also Read : Hyundai i20 1.5L Diesel vs 1.2L NA Petrol - Acceleration Comparison

Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.5L Diesel - Engine Specs

With such a wide variety of powertrain options, we wanted to find out which of these might be the quickest. Here in this video, we are comparing the acceleration of the diesel Hyundai i20 in its manual guise vs the turbo-petrol variant with the DCT. A quick look at the specifications reveal that the Hyundai i20 turbo-petrol is more powerful than the diesel, but the latter has way more torque than the turbo-petrol engine. The turbo-petrol engine also comes mated to a more sophisticated 7-speed DCT gearbox while the diesel version gets a 6-speed manual unit. So let's find out how it translates to real world performance.

Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.5L Diesel - Acceleration

With either powertrains having their respective power and torque advantages, the competition was very close with only marginal differences in time. While the i20 diesel was quicker off the line and quick to get up to speed, thanks to the massive torque advantage, the i20 turbo-petrol comes back with greater power towards the mid and top range to eventually come out faster than the diesel version in all the three runs. The best run achieved with the i20 turbo-petrol was 11.00 seconds, while the best run achieved with the i20 diesel was at 11.23 seconds. Numbers aside, both versions of the i20 feel almost equally fast in the real world.

The top-spec Hyundai i20 diesel-manual is priced at INR 10.76 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-spec Hyundai i20 turbo-petrol DCT is priced at INR 11.34 lakh (ex-showroom).  If you are looking for something that's fast and enthusiastic, the i20 turbo-petrol makes for a compelling buy. However, if that's the only priority, you'd be better off with the Volkswagen Polo TSI. Conversely, the diesel i20 is almost equally fast, but it is also way more frugal, bringing in the inherent advantages of diesel over petrol. You, however, miss out on the convenience of an automatic gearbox with the diesel engine. Given its value factor, and with comparable performance, the Hyundai i20 diesel-MT would be our pick in this comparison.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai updates and other four-wheeler news.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs vs Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz - Styling

In terms of styling, the Hyundai i20 and the Tata Altroz clearly edge ahead of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. While styling can be subjective and different cars look more attractive from certain angles, the Baleno is the most dated here and desperately feels in need for an update. In comparison, the i20 and the Altroz look much more stylish and contemporary. The Altroz really impressed us with its styling when it was first launched, but in light of the new i20, it is the latter that comes across as most stylish.

Also Read : New Hyundai i20 Gets Dearer, INR 87,000 Costlier Than Maruti Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs vs Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz - Interior and Features

As for the interiors, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno faces the same issue as its exterior styling. It feels the most dated and is far behind in terms of features as compared to its rivals. The i20, on the other hand, feels the most techy and modern and is the best equipped as well. However, the all-black theme of the cabin robs away some aesthetics of the i20. In terms of design, it is the Altroz that has the most likeable interior. With a beautiful layered design and multiple textures and colors, the Altroz gets the upper hand here.

As for their features, the i20 is way ahead of the competition. It has the largest infotainment screen in the segment at 10.25-inches. It also gets a fully digital instrument cluster, connected car tech, ambient lighting, and much more. However, for these features, it is also the most expensive in this lot. The Altroz is next best feature loaded car in this comparison. It gets features like rain sensing wipers, semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, connected car tech, JBL sound system and much more. The ALtroz is very good value-for-money for the features it has to offer. The Baleno does not come with any standout feature but is at least equipped the essentials that's standard across all three models.

As for space in the second row, it is the i20 that is the most spacious, even for a 6-ft tall person. As shown the video, the i20 has most legroom and headroom. The Baleno comes second and the Altroz feels the most tight in terms of space in the second row. Both the i20 and Altroz get rear AC vents while the Baleno does not. As for their boot space, the Altroz has the largest boot, followed by the Baleno and then the i20.

Also Read : Kia Sonet vs Maruti Vitara Brezza - Acceleration Comparison

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs vs Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz - Engine Performance

Under the hood, the Baleno is just offered with one petrol engine option. Meanwhile, both the Altroz and the i20 are offered with as many as three engine options. The Baleno is powered by a sole 83PS 1.2L NA petrol engine. Meanwhile, the engine options on the Hyundai i20 include a 83PS 1.2L NA petrol engine, a 120PS 1.0L turbo-petrol engine and a 100PS 1.5L diesel engine. As for the Altroz, it comes with a 83PS 1.2L, three-cylinder NA petrol engine, a 110PS 1.2L three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a 90PS 1.5L diesel engine. All three cars here in the video come with the 1.2L NA petrol engine.

In terms of performance with their 1.2L engines, the Baleno feels the most spirited, primarily because it is the lightest of the lot. The i20 has decent performance and will keep most people happy. Meanwhile, the 1.2L engine on the Altroz feels really lacking. Even with its turbo-petrol engine, the Altroz still lags behind the i20 turbo. Its a similar case with the diesel engine as well. So in terms of engine and performance, it is the i20 that edges ahead.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs vs Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz - Ride and Handling

We have always loved the Altroz for its superior ride and handling balance and it remains untouched in this regard. It feels the most stable at speed and feels confident around corners. The i20 strikes a fair balance between handling and ride quality and while it does not excel in any particular front, it does nt disappoint either. As for the Baleno, although it has a good ride quality, it is very poor in terms of handling and dynamics.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs vs Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz - Price

All three models have been featured in their top-spec trims here in this video. The Baleno is most affordable of the lot at about INR 8 lakh (ex-showroom), but for that money you will have to live with a really dated car. The Tata Altroz is priced at about INR 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom) and is great value for money. The i20 is the most expensive here at about INR 10 lakh (ex-showroom) but is packaged well enough to justify its premium price tag.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such comparisons and other four-wheeler news.

As you can see from the table above, prices for the petrol Asta (O) variant of the i20 have been most affected with a hike of INR 13,000. Meanwhile, top-spec Asta and Asta (O) petrol DCT variants have had the least impact with a hike of just INR 1,000. Overall, it is the lower-spec petrol variants of the i20 that see a greater increase in their price than the top-spec variant. As for the diesel variants, prices of all trims have been hiked by just INR 1,000.

Also Read : Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz in a Classic Drag Race - NA Petrol-MT

The new Hyundai i20 is certainly an expensive hatchback with the top-end Asta(O) trim priced at INR 11.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the turbo-petrol DCT variant. That's a huge premium over the previous-gen model and it is also considerably more expensive than any of its rivals in the premium hatchback segment. Customers have however not shied away from that price tag as Hyundai had previously revealed that 85% of the bookings have been for the higher-spec trims.

Hyundai offers the new i20 in four trims - Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O) - and given the wide number of powertrain options, there are 13 different versions to choose from. In terms of features, some of the highlights of the new i20 include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, semi-digital instrument cluster, Bose sound system, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, BlueLink connected car tech, wireless charging, an air purifier and more.

There are three engine options under the hood of the new Hyundai i20 - a 83hp, 1.2L NA petrol engine, a 120hp, 1.0L turbo-petrol engine and a 100hp, 1.5L diesel engine. The base 1.2L engine is available with either a manual or a CVT gearbox. The diesel engine is solely available with a manual gearbox while the turbo-petrol engine is available with a DCT automatic or the iMT gearbox. With the new 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, the i20 is also the most powerful hatchback in its class. The i20 rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz and the Tata Altroz.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai updates and other four-wheeler news.

Hyundai i20

In its new avatar, the Hyundai i20 comes with features loaded to the brim. It replaces the older gen Elite i20 and establishes itself as a true premium hatchback with features like Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity system that comes along with 50+ connected features along with OTA updates. The car also benefits from a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. Also on offer, on the top-spec Asta (O) trim is a digital instrument cluster, a 7 speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and much more.

But what's more important is the fact that it gets two automatic gearbox options to suit your needs, both with the 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 87 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. There's a CVT unit in four variants, while there's also a DCT gearbox for performance aficionados in 4 variants. However, if you are the one who considers the newly launched iMT (intelligent manual transmission) as an automatic gearbox, the good news is i20 also gets this gearbox in multiple variants.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The next model in our list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India is none other than the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is the best selling hatchback of India for four years in a row. Maruti recently launched the updated version of Swift, now in its third generation with changes coming in the form of a brand new engine and a handful of exterior and interior changes to keep it fresh in the portfolio. The talking point of the Swift is a brand new engine in the form of a K12 series Dual Jet Dual VVT engine with an idle start-stop function. Simply put, the same 1.2-litre engine will now return a higher fuel efficiency of 23.20-kmpl in manual transmission and 23.76-kmpl when paired with the AMT gearbox. The power figures have also bumped by 7 bhp to 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.

In terms of cosmetic changes, the 2021 Swift features a new chrome stripe on the single-piece front grille which now has a mesh pattern. Other highlights include a dual-tone exterior shade, projector headlights, LED DRLs, 15-inch precision-cut alloy wheels, floating roof effect are to be carried over from the current model. On the inside, the cabin gets silver ornamentation and a twin-pod instrument cluster with a coloured 4.2-inch TFT display. The new Swift now also ships with cruise control, idle start-stop function, and key synchronised auto-foldable ORVMs.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo has been a potent competitor in the performance and premium hatchback segment of India. Prices for the car starts at INR 6.01 lakh and goes up to INR 9.92 lakh* for the top-rung variant. While the car is known for its timeless design and driving fun, it also gets an automatic gearbox to suit the premium bunch. The car comes in four variants including the Trendline, Comfortline, Highline Plus, and GT. At its heart, the car gets an option between a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 75 PS and 95 Nm and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor making 110 PS and 175 Nm. While the former is mated to a 5-speed MT, the latter can be paired with either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT.

In terms of features, the car comes with premium features like cruise control, auto AC with rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Similarly, its safety net comes equipped with rear parking sensors and dual front airbags. In India, the car goes up against the likes of Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno/Toyota Glanza, Tata Altroz, and the Honda Jazz.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Another Hyundai on our list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India is the Grand i10 Nios, an ever-popular badge in the hatchback segment in India. Hyundai recently updated the Nios, making the package a lot more attractive with modern features and laudable powertrain options. More importantly, it ships with an AMT transmission in the car 1.2-litre petrol engine that delivers 82 bhp and 114 Nm of torque.

The i10 Nios offers first-in-segment features like a wireless phone charger, 7.9-inch touch screen infotainment system - a multi-media system equipped with smartphone connectivity - Android Auto, Apple Car Play, voice recognition function along with i-Blue smartphone app support. It also features the Arkamys Premium Sound System with four modes to choose from – Natural, Live, Lounge and Club. Safety features in the car come in the form of driver and passengers airbags and seat belt warning.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Last on the list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India is the premium hatchback Baleno from the maker of Swift - Maruti Suzuki. The Baleno can be bought in four trims – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. Under the hood, the Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol unit that generates 84 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. The engine gets a five-speed manual as standard, while there's also a CVT gearbox option. Interestingly, Baleno is the only Maruti product to get a CVT gearbox. The rest either gets AMT or AT options. The car is priced at INR 5.70 lakh* in India.

On the inside, the Baleno now gets black interiors with premium blue contrast detailing. On offers are a dual-tone seat fabric design and an upgraded next-generation Smartplay Studio connected infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The device also informs about low fuel, parking brake, etc. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and rear parking sensors are standard.

So, which of these models in our list of Top 5 Automatic Small cars in India appeals the most to you?

*Ex-showroom prices.

Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet is the brand's third offering for India and except for its signature tiger-nose grille, the Sonet is a brand-new model in terms of styling. The car is highlighted by muscular wheel arches, a connected taillight unit, gold paint, darkened C-pillar and flush door handles. If the Seltos proved anything, it was Kia’s strength in providing a car filled to the brim with features. Considering that the Venue and the Vitara Brezza have rooted themselves as the most popular contenders in the segment, the Sonet arrived with an attractive package. A few notable features from the Seltos are carried over to the Sonet which makes it the most feature-packed car in the segment.

In terms of mechanicals, the car is powered by the same engines as the Hyundai Venue. This includes a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit, a 1.5-litre petrol unit, a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel unit and a 1.2-litre petrol unit. The engine options get multiple gearbox options like a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AT, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and the IMT. Kia is offering the Sonet in 15 variants across two trim lines, 4 engine and 5 gearbox options. Prices for the base variant starts at INR 6.71 lakh*.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

A rather unconventional choice in this price bracket is the Ertiga MPV that stands as the mainstay of the 7-seater affordable space with the most sales for any MPV in India. The car's latest update is a major step up over its previous iteration. The deal has also become sweeter with features like the touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC, automatic climate control, ABS with EBS, dual airbags, and ISOFIX rear seats among others.

After the BS-VI update, the car now comes with just one engine options ie. the 1.5-litre unit that delivers 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque. Transmission options for the car come in the form of a manual as well as a torque converter. To attract a more premium customer who might consider Ertiga as a cab, there's the 6-seater XL6 sold through the Nexa dealerships and is a bit more premium, while having the same engine option and features.

Honda Amaze

If you are still the one with a heart inclined towards sedans but don't want to spend more than INR 10 lakh, the Honda Amaze becomes an obvious choice. Prices for the Amaze begins at INR 6.17 lakh and goes up to INR 9.99 lakh. The car is available across four variants: E, S, V, and VX. On offer in the new Amaze are two BS-VI engine options including 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. Both are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox along with the option of a CVT. The petrol unit is good for 90 PS and 110 Nm whereas the diesel develops 100 PS and 200 Nm. The diesel CVT, however, produces slightly less power and torque (80PS/160Nm).

Notable features in the new Amaze comes in the form of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, rear parking camera, and passive keyless entry with push-button engine start-stop. In terms of safety, the car comes with features that include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard. The car takes on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, Tata Tigor, and Ford Aspire.

Hyundai i20

Hatchbacks are still the single biggest selling body type in India and despite sitting at the top of hatchback tree, the premium hatchback segment is commanding tremendous sales. One such car is the new Hyundai i20, earlier called the Elite i20. In its new avatar, the i20 comes with features loaded to the brim. The car now comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity system that comes along with 50+ connected features along with OTA updates. The new version, according to Hyundai is made up of 66 per cent high-strength steel and is lighter than before.

The car benefits from a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. Also on offer, on the top-spec Asta (O) trim is a digital instrument cluster, a 7 speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and much more. In terms of safety, the car gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist, to name a few. The diesel option in question is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that is also present in the Venue. As of now, Hyundai only provides the engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox in the new i20. The unit delivers 99 bhp at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1500 rpm.

Renault Kiger

Last on our list the newly launched Renault Kiger, India's most affordable compact SUV, also the sole reason we listed it on our list among a plethora of options. On the outside, the design ethos of the Kiger somewhat falls in the common set with the Kwid, but that’s not a bad thing at all. It gets a high ground clearance at 205 mm and functional roof bars along with 16-inch alloy wheels. In terms of dimensions, the Kiger measures 3,991mm in length, 1,750mm in width, 1,600mm in terms of height and gets a 2,500mm wheelbase. The Kiger sports a high and wide centre console that is dominated by a 20.32 cm floating touch screen system that features wireless smartphone replication for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at higher trims.

The Kiger is fitted with a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, with a power output of 100 Ps and a torque of 160 Nm. It is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and an X-TRONIC automatic continuously variable transmission. The ENERGY 1.0-litre 72 Ps and 96 Nm naturally aspirated engine is available with either a five-speed manual or the EASY-R five-speed robotised gearbox AMT. The new Renault Kiger has been launched at an introductory starting price of INR 5.45 lakh*.

*Ex-showroom prices

Well, we have already put turbo-petrol versions of both the Tata Altroz and the Hyundai i20 through their paces in our in-house IAB test, comparing their 0-100 kph acceleration. You can read more about the results of that comparison by clicking here. Now, we have a new video featuring the Altroz and the i20 with their naturally aspirated petrol engines in a classic drag race to see which one comes out on top. This video has been uploaded by Arun Panwar on his official Youtube channel.

Also Read : Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.2L NA Petrol - Acceleration Comparison

Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz iTurbo - Specifications Comparison

	Hyundai i20	Tata Altroz iTurbo
Engine	1.2L 4-Cylinder Petrol Engine	1.2L 3-Cylinder Petrol Engine
Power	83hp	85hp
Torque	115Nm	113Nm
Transmission	5-speed manual gearbox	5-speed manual

Before we go ahead with the drag race, let's take a quick look at the specifications. Both the hatchbacks are powered by a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine, but the one on the Hyundai is a 4-cylinder unit while the one on the Altroz is a 3-cylinder unit. However, both engines produce almost similar levels of power and torque output. The Altroz has 2hp more than the i20, while the latter has 2Nm more than the former. That barely makes any real world differences. Both hatchback come with a 5-speed manual gearbox for this comparison.

Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz iTurbo - Drag Race

Now let's get on with the drag race. In the first run, as you can see in the video, the Altroz is quick to get off the line, but the i20 catches it soon and cruises to victory with better power delivery. The result is the same in the second run, although the Altroz was bogged by a faulty gear change. For the third and fourth runs, the driver swap cars for an even comparison and still the results are the same. While the Altroz gets off the line very well, it just does not have the grunt to keep up with the i20, with the latter cruising to victory in all four runs.

The fact of the matter is that the naturally aspirated petrol engine on the Altroz has always been its weakling. The power delivery is simply not as smooth or prompt as some of its rivals. The Tata Altroz is also considerably heavier by class standards. This was done to increase the sturdiness of the vehicle, which is what gives it that 5-star safety rating. That said, the Hyundai i20 is the clear winner in between the two in terms of performance. The engine is smooth and peppy and given the value the i20 offers with all its features, it's hard to ignore the i20 as the best all-rounded package in this segment.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai and Tata updates and other four-wheeler news.

Hyundai Creta

In its current generation, the Hyundai Creta packs a host of features. The Blue Link feature that debuted on the Venue compact SUV comes with added functionalities in the new Creta. This includes several in-car functions that can be controlled using a smartphone or a smartwatch. Functions including remotely starting the car, live tracking and real-time traffic information among others. Additional features in the car come in the form of a voice-enabled smart panoramic sunroof, drive mode select, traction control modes, Bose premium sound system packed with 8 speakers, air purifier and paddle shifters.

On the outside, the updated Creta gets a new grille, a new set of alloy wheels, and new colour options. In terms of powertrains, the new BS-VI options on the Creta include a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine that can be availed with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission. There is also a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine available with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The car comes with three driving modes (Eco, Comfort & Sport) and traction control modes (Snow, Sand & Mud) that are aimed to optimise driving across different terrains.

Honda City

There's still a big market for sedan buyers in India and one segment that people appreciate is the mid-size sedan, their entry level vehicle for chauffeur driven vehicles. After the launch of its successor, Honda also launched the fourth-gen City only in two variants: SV and V. Both the new gen and old gen models can now be bought in India basis of your need. The new gen model gets some segment first features like Alexa Voice integration among others. In India, the car takes on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Verna.

The Honda City is available with both the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options while the old City only has a petrol motor that outputs 119 PS and 145 Nm of torque through a 5-speed manual transmission. The new City also offers CVT automatic option. In terms of features, the City still stands as a worthy contender in the sedan segment with inclusions such as auto AC, touchscreen infotainment system, height-adjustable driver’s seat and power-folding ORVMs, sunroof, leather interior, and LED headlamps. Safety features in the car include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.

Kia Seltos

No arguments here as the Kia Seltos is easily one of the best looking SUVs out there. Unlike the Tata Harrier brings sheer size to the table, the Seltos sports sharp lines and crystal-like LED lighting to ground a solid road presence. The car sits on a set of 17-inch wheels, which comes with a red-brake calliper in the GT Line variant. The Korean manufacturer has built the Seltos in accordance with global standards making it feature-laden up to the brim. In addition to the standard features that are now a common thread among all SUVs, the Seltos gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-speaker Bose sound system with sound mood lighting, electric sunroof, a 7-inch LCD multi-info display (MID) in the instrument cluster, automatic climate control, ventilated seats, and reclinable second row with a USB charger.

Like the BLuelink in Hyundai Venue, the Kia Seltos ships with UVO connect that works with the help of an e-SIM embedded in the infotainment unit enabling features such as starting the SUV remotely with the help of a smartphone, start the AC, track the car’s location, set geofencing, time-fence, speed, valet and idle. The Kia Seltos comes with a wide range of engine and transmission options. There is a 1.5-litre petrol engine that comes mated to a CVT, a diesel engine outputting through a 6-speed torque converter. The company is also offering a 6-speed manual with all the 1.5-litre offerings, both in petrol as well as diesel. In addition to this, the ace of the deck is the new 1.4-litre Turbo GDI petrol motor that is offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Hyundai i20

If you are looking for a fully loaded and powerful smaller car under INR 15 lakh, the new i20 is your best bet. In its new avatar, the i20 comes with features loaded to the brim. The car now comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity system that comes along with 50+ connected features along with OTA updates. The new version gets 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. Also on offer are 7 speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and much more.

In terms of safety, the car gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist, to name a few. The diesel option in question is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that is also present in the Venue. As of now, Hyundai only provides the engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox in the new i20. The unit delivers 99 bhp at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1500 rpm. In terms of petrol powertrain, the car gets a 1.2-litre 82 bhp at 6000 rpm and 115 Nm at 4200 rpm. However, there's also a more exciting 1.0-litre turbo engine to avail as well.

Mahindra Thar

Mahindra launched the second-gen Thar to an eager crowd. In its second generation, the new Thar comes with two engine options – a 2.0-litre mStallion TGDi Petrol engine and a 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel engine. These will be available with the choice of a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission mated to an authentic manual shift-on-the-fly 4x4 transfer case. Mahindra has also come out with three roof options that include a Hard Top, a first-in-class Convertible Top and an optional Soft Top. In addition to this, one can have the Mahindra Thar in two seating options - 4 front-facing seats and 2+4 side-facing seat configuration.

In an attempt to make the car a bit more appealing to a wider audience, the Thar has been updated with modern features like a drizzle-resistant 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Thar will also come with cruise control, roof-mounted speakers and adventure statistics displays. It has got an update in terms of safety too as it gets things like ABS with EBD, dual airbags, ESP with rollover mitigation, hill-hold and hill descent control. There are a total of 13 variants to choose from, depending on engine, gearbox, roof type and features. Designed and engineered in India and manufactured out of Mahindra’s Nashik Plant, the all-new Thar is available in 6 colour options - Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, Galaxy Grey and Rocky Beige.

It's surely worth a mention here that Kohli has become the highest-scoring captain in T20Is and has even outclassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to hit the highest number of 50s as a captain in the short-format series. In the final showdown, Kohli it an unbeaten 80 and led India to a huge total of 224-2. The captain was the opening batsman after England captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and chose to field.

Speaking on the win, Virat Kohli, Man of the Series, commented, "It was a complete game for us. Totally outplayed the opposition. Even with so much dew coming in, like last game we've defended the total again. Despite Rishabh and Iyer not getting a chance we put on 225. Testimony to our batting depth. Today Rohit and me were both positive in our intent. We knew we could trust each other and one of us can play second fiddle if one takes off. Today it was classic Rohit Sharma. And then Surya coming in at three and taking the game even further away. Then Hardik finishing it."

Launched here in November last year, the third-gen Hyundai i20 is on sale in a price bracket of INR 6.79-11.32 lakh. The B2-segment small car is on sale in three engine variants. The Turbo variant features a 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol mill that outputs 120PS and 171Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT. Other powertrain options include an 83PS-114Nm 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor and a 100PS-240Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged oil-burner. The former is available with a 5-speed MT and an IVT (available in an 88PS guise), while the latter comes paired with a 6-speed MT.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai updates and other four-wheeler news.

This Hyundai i20 has been modified by N1Concepts from Kochin. At first glance, it may just look like a regular aftermarket body kit thrown onto the i20, but there's more under the skin. But let's start with the exterior modifications first. This second-gen Hyundai i20 comes painted in all-black shade that really looks sinister on this car. Even the Hyundai logo has been blacked out. Moving on, this i20 comes with custom flared wheel arches which have been made out of metal and not fibre.

Also Read : Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.2L NA Petrol - Acceleration Comparison

What's commendable about the flared wheel arches is that it blends beautifully with the body work and does not stick out disgracefully. In profile, this i20 also features side skirts and in combination with the wheel arches, they give the car a very hunkered down and low slung look. There's also a spoiler that has been mounted over the rear tailgate and it looks pretty cool too. Lastly, the 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels definitely deserve a mention and they contrast beautifully with the black body shade.

However, the biggest modification on this second-gen i20 is the addition of air suspension. That's right! Opening the hatch of this i20, you can see the entire air suspension mechanism that has been neatly incorporated in the boot of the car. At first glance, it may even look like an aftermarket sound setup, but when you look closer, you realize its an actual air suspension system. And with that, comes the dual advantage of this system - increase the ride height when you want a comfortable ride quality, and drop it when you are in the mood to tackle some corners.

The controls for the air suspension has been incorporated into the center console. The front and rear suspension height can be adjusted individually and there's even a display to show you the exact setting. There's also a button which drops the ride height to its absolute minimum at all four corners. When viewed from the outside with the air suspension at its lowest setting, this Hyundai i20 looks very mean indeed. And we are sure there's not another one like this in our country.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such interesting modifications and other four-wheeler news.

Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz which is the first name in the list of best diesel hatchbacks under 10 lakh, was introduced as the brand’s first-ever premium hatchback that goes against players like the Hyundai i20, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and its twin, the Toyota Glanza; and not to mention, the Honda Jazz. Tata Altroz gets many segment-first innovations like 90-degree opening doors for easy ingress and egress and is also the most value-for-money offering in the segment with prices starting at INR 5.69 lakh*. The starting price of the Altroz diesel range is at Rs 6.99 Lakh.

In terms of powertrain options, the car gets petrol, a turbo petrol as well as a diesel engine. The diesel unit is a 1.5-litre engine that delivers 89 bhp and 200Nm of torque. Tata is offering a sole manual transmission option throughout the range. In terms of features, the top-of-the-line XZ trim gets keyless entry and start, electric ORVMs, and cruise control. Also on offer are flat-bottom, tilt-adjustable steering with controls for audio and voice commands. The driver’s seat is height adjustable. There’s a single zone digital climate control system with rear AC vents along with a Harman touchscreen multimedia system complete with Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The i10 has been an ever-popular badge in the hatchback segment in India and with its latest update, Hyundai has made the package a lot more attractive with modern features and laudable powertrain options. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios offers first-in-segment features like a wireless phone charger, 7.9-inch touch screen infotainment system - a multi-media system equipped with smartphone connectivity - Android Auto, Apple Car Play, voice recognition function along with i-Blue smartphone app support. It also features the Arkamys Premium Sound System with four modes to choose from – Natural, Live, Lounge and Club. Safety features in the car come in the form of driver and passengers airbags and seat belt warning.

While there's a petrol and turbo petrol option available at your disposable, there's also a diesel option, which is a 1.2-litre engine that outputs 74 bhp at 4000 rpm and 190 Nm at 1750 rpm. The diesel engine comes mated to both a manual and an AMT gearbox, making it an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable diesel automatic as well. Prices for the diesel variants of the car begins at INR 7.12 lakh* for the Magna CRDi variant and goes up to INR 8.27 lakh* for the Sportz variant and it competes against the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ford Figo.

Ford Figo

The Ford Figo has a firm ground among the competent hatchbacks in India. Ahead of its transition to BS-VI emission norms, the car had undergone a midlife facelift that made the offering more appealing. Instead of substantial changes, Ford decided to give the car small updates that made the car look fresher and more modern. The changes came in the front with a new grille that is more protruding than before and makes the front look a bit bolder. At the sides, ford has retained the silhouette and was largely similar except for the new chiselled bumper.

On the inside, the car comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, it is not the Sync3 unit that you will find on the Freestyle and the Aspire. While this does not prove to be a deal-breaker, it should be noted that phone mirroring features, which means no Android Auto, no Apple CarPlay and no mirror link either. Mechanically, the diesel powertrain is a 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers 99 bhp and 215 Nm of torque. The transmission option is a sole 5-speed manual gearbox. More than anything, the Ford Figo comes with a best-in-class 6 airbags on the top variant. Currently, Ford is positioning the Figo at around Rs 5.64 - 8.19 Lakh* in India with the diesel range starting from Rs 7.74 Lakh*.

Hyundai i20

Like i10, the Hyundai i20 has been a popular name in the premium hatchback segment of India and its new avatar, the i20 comes with features loaded to the brim. The car now comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity system that comes along with 50+ connected features along with OTA updates. The new version, according to Hyundai is made up of 66 per cent high-strength steel and is lighter than before. The car benefits from a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. Also on offer, on the top-spec Asta (O) trim is a digital instrument cluster, a 7 speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and much more.

In terms of safety, the car gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist, to name a few. The diesel option in question is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that is also present in the Venue. As of now, Hyundai only provides the engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox in the new i20. The unit delivers 99 bhp at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1500 rpm. There's also a petrol and a turbo petrol engine to opt for. Be it a popular diesel hatchback car under 10 lakh, the Hyundai i20 Diesel is going on sale within Rs 8.19 - 9.14 Lakh*.

Ford Freestyle

Last on our list of best diesel hatchbacks under 10 lakh is the Ford Freestyle, Ford Figo based CUV or utility hatchback that is being offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. While the petrol-powered Freestyle is available in five variants: Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, Titanium+, and Flair, the diesel-powered Freestyle comes in four: Trend, Titanium, Titanium+, and Flair. At its heart, the diesel powertrain is a 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers 99 bhp and 215 Nm of torque. The transmission option is a sole 5-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of safety, the Freestyle gets up to six airbags, auto headlamps, auto-dimming IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, Active Rollover Protection, and ABS with EBD among others. In terms of features, it gets the Ford Pass connected car tech, push-button start/stop, and more. In the domestic market, the Freestyle goes up against the likes of Renault Triber, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and Ford Figo. The prices of the Ford Freestyle diesel is at around 8.19 - 8.84 Lakh*, making it one of the good diesel hatchbacks under 10 Lakh in India.

*Ex-showroom prices

Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet, undoubtedly, is the complete package for anyone looking to buy a sub-compact SUV below INR 10 Lakh, a segment that has witnessed the maximum growth in recent years. In many ways, the Kia Sonet has created a benchmark for sub-compact SUVs in India. One of the reasons for the Sonet's success is the fact that the car borrows a good deal of features from the Seltos and packs it in a comprehensive package that is hard to overlook at its price point. It competes against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300.

Sonet gets multiple engine and gearbox options including a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit, two 1.5-litre diesel units with different state of tunes and a 1.2-litre petrol unit. The gearbox options includes a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AT, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and an iMT gearbox. In terms of features, it gets 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, built-in eSIM for UVO car connectivity, automatic climate control, wireless charger, electric sunroof, and much more. Prices for the base variant with the petrol powertrain start at INR 6.71 lakh*, which goes up to INR 12.99 lakh* for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol GTX+ version with the 7-speed DCT.

Hyundai I20

Next in the line is our preferred hatchback choice - the Hyundai i20, one of the most popular premium hatchbacks in India. Just so you know, the third-gen model has been renamed the i20, unlike Elite i20 badge given to the second-gen model. In terms of design and styling, the car now falls in line with Hyundai’s current design language, bearing strking similarities with cars like the Verna and the Elantra. In terms of features, it now gets BlueLink connectivity system, touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, sunroof, wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and much more.

In terms of powertrain options, the car gets two petrol and one diesel option. The petrol units include a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol and the diesel option in question is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that is also present in the Venue. As for the transmission options, the new i20 gets a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox, while the 1.0-litre unit will come with a 7-seed DCT gearbox. The i20 competes with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz among others.

Also Read : Top 10 Torque-iest Cars Under INR 12 Lakh in India - IAB Picks

Honda Amaze

Although the charm of sedans is slowing diminishing, owing to the practicality and pricing bit, the compact sedans are still holding their ground in India. One such sedan which is doing wonders for the brand, and for the segment itself is the Honda Amaze. While the car offers nothing extraordinary and is yet to receive a facelift with latest updates, it gets class leading cabin and boot space along with incredible mileage numbers. Honda Amaze goes up against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura in India.

In terms of features, the Honda Amaze gets latest Honda infotainment system with touchscreen, automatic climate control, and many other features. Engine wise, the Honda Amaze gets a 1.2-litre petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel unit, both of which either gets a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT gearbox, again a first in the segment. Prices for the Honda Amaze starts at INR 6.22* lakh and goes upto INR 9.99* Lakh for the top spec model.

Tata Nexon

If you are still looking for a compact SUV to buy and don’t want to go for Kia Sonet, the Tata Nexon is your next safe pick. Nexon has been crowned as the India’s safest compact SUV (As per Global NCAP crash test rating) and has become the best-selling Tata car crossing 9000 units last month. One of the reasons for the Nexon’s success is its multitude of variant options with engine and gearbox combinations.

The Tata Nexon is being offered with a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit and both the engines either gets a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, making it value-for-money. The prices for the Tata Nexon starts at INR INR 7.09 lakh* and goes upto INR 12.80 lakh* for the top spec variant and there are at least 25-30 variants to choose from, highest among all the cars available in India. Apart from that, feature wise, it gets a floating dashtop mounted infotainment system, Harman surround sound audio system among other features.

Also Read : Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy in India: Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and More

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Last on our list is the  Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, a MPV with a 7-seater cabin (also 6-seater cabin with  XL6). The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the best-selling MPV in India and promises a value-for-money package for anyone looking to buy an affordable sub-INR 10 Lakh car with maximum seating capacity. It gets features like the touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC, automatic climate control, ABS with EBS, dual air-bags, and ISOFIX rear seats among others.

After the BS-VI update, the car now comes with just one engine options which is a 1.5-litre petrol unit that delivers 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque. Transmission options for the car come in the form of a manual as well as a torque converter. Prices for the Maruti Eritga starts at INR 7.69 Lakh* and goes upto INR 10.47 Lakh* for the top-spec variant.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such listicles and latest four-wheeler news.

*Ex-showroom prices

Hyundai offers a 1.2L, naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine and even a 1.5L turbodiesel engine with the new i20. If you are looking for a diesel premium hatchback, the i20 along with the Tata Altroz are the only two options in this class. The i20 obviously gets an old-school 1.2L, naturally aspirated petrol engine. However, if you are of the enthusiastic kind, you'd probably like the most powerful-in-class 1.0L turbo-petrol engine that takes the competition to the likes of new Tata Altroz iTurbo and the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. There's are as many as five different gearbox options with these three engines on offer.

Also Read : Hyundai i20 1.5L Diesel vs 1.2L NA Petrol - Acceleration Comparison

Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.2L NA Petrol Engine - Specs

With such a wide variety of powertrain options, we wanted to find out which of these might be the quickest. Here in this video, we are comparing the acceleration of the naturally aspirated Hyundai i20 petrol MT vs the i20 turbo-petrol DCT. A quick look at the specifications reveal that the Hyundai i20 turbo-petrol is both more powerful and has more torque than the NA petrol engine. The turbo-petrol engine also comes with a more sophisticated 7-speed DCT gearbox while the petrol version gets a 5-speed manual unit. So let's find out how it translates to real world performance.

Hyundai i20 1.0L Turbo-Petrol vs 1.2L NA Petrol Engine - Acceleration 

Unsurprisingly, the Hyundai i20 turbo-petrol DCT is clearly faster of the two and its advantage on paper translates quite well into real world performance. The best run achieved with the i2o turbo-petrol was 11.00 seconds, while the best run achieved with the i20 1.2L petrol was at 13.32 seconds. That's a difference of over two second. In fact, the i20 turbo-petrol actually feels quite a lot faster than the naturally aspirated petrol version of the hatchback.

The top-spec Hyundai i20 turbo-petrol DCT is priced at INR 11.32 lakh* while the top-spec Hyundai i20 1.2L petrol-manual is priced at INR 10.63 lakh*. If you are looking for something that's fast, the i20 turbo-petrol makes for a compelling buy. However, if that's the only priority, you'd be better off with the Volkswagen Polo TSI. The turbo-petrol engine is however more exciting than the NA engine. That said, the NA petrol i20 is also adequate in terms of performance and will get your job done just fine in most cases.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai updates and other four-wheeler news.

Mahindra XUV300 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.7 lakh*

The Mahindra XUV300 diesel is not only the most powerful car in the segment but also has the maximum torque output which makes it an extremely fun-to-drive and capable machine. It gets a 1.5L oil burner which can deliver 116.6 PS of max power while the peak torque output happens to be 300 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Having said that, the XUV300 also remains one of the best cars in the market under INR 20 lakh* in terms of overall comfort and driving dynamics.

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 11.64 lakh*

A 1.5L diesel motor powers the Mahindra Marazzo. This engine churns out 122 PS and 300 Nm of peak torque output. With the ex-showroom price of the car starting from just INR 11.64 lakh, the Marazzo is definitely a value for money product which comes with an extremely practical and useful package. It also happens to be the only 7-seater SUV in our list.

Tata Nexon Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.45 lakh*

The Tata Nexon is currently one of the safest Made In India cars. It is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that puts out 110 PS and 260 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the buyers can also opt for the optional AMT unit. The car also comes with multiple drive modes to make it more suitable for different driving conditions.

Also Read : Top 10 Most Powerful Cars In India Under INR 12 Lakh - IAB Picks

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.87 lakh*

With the launch of the Renault Duster BS6, the brand introduced the new 1.3L turbo petrol engine which delivers 156 PS while the torque output is claimed to be 254 Nm. The power and torque output figures make the Duster one of the most powerful turbo cars available in the market under INR 20 lakh* bracket.

Kia Sonet Diesel

Starting Price: INR 10.39 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment and is offered with four different engine options which also include a 1.5L WGT diesel unit. This engine churns out 115 PS. The peak torque output on the other hand happens to be 250 Nm. The Kia Sonet boasts a premium in-cabin experience and is also available with several features which give it a clear edge over its rivals.

Hyundai Venue Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.28 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is one of the best selling SUVs in the market and comes with an extensive feature list in addition to powerful and refined engine options. The Venue diesel is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that churns out 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai i20 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Hyundai launched the new i20 in the market a few months ago and the car is now offered with many upgrades which make it a great package. The i20 diesel variant is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine which also powers the Venue and is claimed to produce 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has a strong mid-range which makes it a dependable highway companion.

Ford Ecosport Diesel

Starting price: INR 9.99 lakh*

For those who are looking for a well-built and a fun-to-drive car, the Ford Ecosport will be a great option. The car is powered by the tried and tested 1.5L TDCi motor which boasts supreme driveability and long term reliability. This engine delivers 100 PS while the maximum torque output stands at 215 Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox comes mated to this engine and there is no automatic on offer.

Also Read : Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Ford Figo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 7.74 lakh*

Just like the Ecosport, the Figo is also powered by the same 1.5L TDCi engine that puts up 100 PS and 215 Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Ford Figo is not only one of the most affordable diesel cars in the market right now but is also one of the most practical and fun-to-drive cars on sale in India. It has superior driving dynamics to most of the other cars and delivers a claimed fuel economy of 25 kmpl which makes it a practical choice in our list.

Ford Freestyle Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 100 PS and 215 Nm respectively, the Ford Freestyle is a practical and capable vehicle. In addition to great build quality, the Freestyle is also offered with a spacious and comfortable cabin while the beefed-up suspension makes it suitable for rough usage as well.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and latest four-wheeler news.

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 11.14 lakh*

The new Renault Duster comes with a 1.3-L turbocharged petrol engine which makes 156 PS and 254 Nm of maximum torque. This engine can be had with a manual as well as a CVT gearbox and has a strong mid-range, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the segment. Being a turbocharged engine, this engine does struggle at low RPMs but as the tachometer climbs, the surge in the power delivery is commendable.

Ford Ecosport Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Powering the Ford Ecosport is the 1.5-L three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine, which is not just refined and smooth, but is also one of the most powerful engines in the segment. This engine has impressed us with its supreme low-end power delivery and highway performance, hence making it a great choice for those who are looking for a practical and a fun to drive compact SUV. For those wondering, the peak power output from this engine stands at 122 PS while the peak torque output is 149 Nm. This engine can be had with a 5-speed manual while the buyers can also opt for the optional 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 12.03 lakh*

We have a limited range of products in the MPV segment and the Mahindra Marazzo is definitely one of the most capable and affordable cars in the market. The car gets a 1.5-L diesel engine producing 122 Ps and 300 Nm of peak torque output, making it a powerful highway companion. This engine is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In addition to this, the Marazzo is the only car in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under Rs 12 Lakh which comes with three rows of seating.

Honda City 5th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.99 lakh*

Honda introduced the new DOHC 1.5-L i-VTEC engine in the new Honda City which delivers 121 Ps while the torque output remains similar to the outgoing model at 145 Nm. This naturally aspirated engine not only has a high power output but also provides a great combination of efficiency and practicality to the buyers. On the downside though, the new City petrol struggles with poor low-end and healthy power output only available after you hit the mid-range.

Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.79 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment which also has cars like the Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300, etc and is offered as an attractive and a feature rich product. The Sonet can be had with a turbo petrol engine that delivers 120 Ps and 172 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a DCT and iMT gearbox. The buyers can alternatively buy the 115 PS diesel version of the car as well if the monthly usage is high.

Hyundai Venue Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.73 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is the most affordable SUV in the Korean carmaker’s line-up and is offered as a VFM product with a long and extensive features list as well as powerful engine options. The turbocharged petrol engine powering the Venue produces 120 Ps of maximum power output. The peak torque on the other hand stands at around 171 Nm while the gearboxes on offer include manual as well as a DCT automatic gearbox. The powerful car looks funky and fresh and is a great product for those who need a practical urban car.

Also Read: Best Budget Hyundai Cars In India With The Highest Diesel Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai i20 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.81 lakh*

The new Hyundai i20 boasts phenomenal driving dynamics when compared to the outgoing model and is now offered as a much better package. The brand is also offering a more powerful version of the car which gets a 1.0-L t-GDi motor that puts out 120 Ps and 171 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with manual as well as with a DCT gearbox.

Tata Nexon Turbo Petrol

Starting price: INR 7.19 lakh*

With a safety crash test rating of five stars out of five, the Tata Nexon is a great choice for buyers looking for a comfortable and a safe vehicle for everyday usage. The turbo petrol powering the Nexon churns out 120 Ps while the peak torque output stands at 170 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual as well with an AMT gearbox. While the power delivery from this engine is decent, it is the refinement that could have been improved with the launch of the new facelift model.

Honda City 4th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.29 lakh*

The 4^th gen City is still on sale in the Indian market and can only be had with the 1.5-L i-VTEC engine that delivers 119 PS and 145 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and is considered to be a great choice for hardcore driving enthusiasts.

Mahindra XUV300 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 7.95 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 122 Ps and 149 Nm respectively, the Mahindra XUV300 left me impressed with its supreme driving dynamics and comfortable ride quality. The XUV300 is also the safest made in India car and has a GNCAP rating of 5 stars. Mahindra also recently launched an automatic gearbox option with the petrol engine of the XUV300.

With this being said, what do you think about the cars in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under INR 12 lakh*? Do let us know in the comments box below.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and the latest four-wheeler news.

Hyundai's N performance brand is fairly new but the company is thrilled with its success. Hyundai's N-badged cars are fairly popular in Germany and the UK but more importantly, it has given the brand a new identity and quite some respect. Just like Volkswagen's GTI lineup or Ford's RS models, the N-badged cars can trace back their DNA to Hyundai's World Rally Championship success. Hyundai's N performance brand is named after the carmaker's Namyang R&D centre and Hyundai’s European Technical Centre at the Nürburgring race track in Germany.

Also Read : Upcoming i20-Based Hyundai Bayon SUV Images Leaked Ahead of Global Debut

So what's really in store for India? Well, Hyundai is likely to start off with their N-Line of cars from the N sub-brand in India. These 'N-Line cars' are based on regular Hyundai models but come with a more powerful engine, some suspension mods and have various sporty exterior and interior embellishments. Following that, Hyundai could bring some fully blown N-cars to India which have a considerably more powerful engine, a stiffened chassis, better brakes, upgraded springs and dampers and improved steering, essentially a proper performance car. But that's only at a later stage.

Hyundai is pretty confident about their N cars due to its experience in WRC as it helps them in designing a lighter, stronger and safer frame. The first N model in India will likely be the Hyundai i20 N-Line. It is based on the regular i20 with a 120hp 1.0L turbo-petrol engine but gets a sportier exhaust, retuned suspension and a few exterior and interior embellishments. We could be looking at a mid-2021 debut for the i20 N-Line in India but the fact that Hyundai's N-Line of cars do not cost a fortune, it won't have too high a premium over the regular i20. It could even be priced somewhere around INR 12 lakh.

Following that, Hyundai could be looking at bringing the full-blown 204hp 120 N to India as a full import under the 2,500-car quota scheme. This could however be a little expensive (around INR 25-30 lakh) on account of being an import and a proper performance car. If the market responds well to N cars in India, Hyundai could even be looking at local assembly of the more powerful N cars here. Hyundai is also likely to launch N-Line versions of the Nios, Venue and the new Elantra, some of which are already on sale in several markets abroad.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Hyundai and Tata updates and other four-wheeler news.

[News Source - Autocar India]