10 Well-Engineered Cars In India [PART3]

It’s always interesting to see and drive cars that stand out from the cars that are mundane. And for sure designing and manufacturing these cars will be even more captivating. That said, over the year the Indian automotive market has seen some cars that are well-engineered and offer a little more than common cars. So, today we count down 10 more cars that take innovation a little too seriously.

1. Citroen C5 Aircross (The Sophisticated Import)
   

   

   A good first impression should always be paramount. Entering the Indian market, Citroen C5 Aircross is the company’s first offering for us. And when talking about the first impression, Citroen has checked the right boxes. Well, supporting almost all the latest technology Citroen C5 Aircross is a gem of a vehicle.

   

   If you are not aware, the C5 Aircross comes in the market via CKD unit. Hence being a euro spec car, it offers a refined and powerful powertrain with no compromise on luxury. In fact, the company also claims it’s more of a luxury soft-roader than a rugged off-roader.

2. Skoda Kushaq (A Mouthwatering Deal)
   

   

   The only car on this list we are still waiting for is the Skoda Kushaq. But this doesn’t mean we are clueless. After the global unveils, we know the new Skoda Kushaq is not here just for the name same. This made in India SUV offer many goodies on the inside as well as under the hood.

   

   Speaking of the inside, Skoda Kushaq follows the company’s all-new interior design scheme that also includes a two scope steering. With that, the car will come powered via a couple of turbo petrol engines, a 1.0-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI. So, considering all the details, the Skoda Kushaq can be a mouthwatering deal. Moreover, Skoda will launch the car on 28th June.

3. Maruti Suzuki Swift (Tuning Moster)
   

   

   We Indians never get bored of a car from Maruti Suzuki. One of the cars that are still going strong in our market is the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The reason behind selling in larger numbers is not just efficiency but trust and fuel efficiency. In addition to that, some people in the car community go a little further and order some JDM parts straight from Japan.

   

   For those who are not aware, JDM stands for the Japanese domestic market and these parts give an extra oomph to otherwise mileage focused cars. In India, Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the cheapest but effective vehicle. Kudos, to engineers at Suzuki in making Swift a Tuner friendly vehicle.

4. Hyundai i20 (The Tech Geek)
   

   

   Cars from the Korean carmaker are known to have all the latest gadgets and gizmos, shouting the same is the newly launched Hyundai i20. From an all-digital instrument cluster to a Bose premium sound system i20 stands true to its ground.

   

   Moving on, even the interior looks and feel top-notch. Well, an interesting fact is that the new Hyundai i20 shares major components on the inside and outside from the international spec i20. Hence the quality of the hatchback is justified.

5. Skoda Superb (A V6 With AWD)
   

   

   Another vehicle from Skoda to enter the list of well-engineered cars in the Superb. This is not the daily driving Superb we are after. If you are not aware, back in the last 2010s Skoda launched Superb in India with a 3.6-litre V6 engine.

   

   That’s not all, the car was among the cheapest AWD sedans you could buy at that time. This motor is capable of generating 260hp of max power and 350Nm of peak torque. Adding to the fun was the AWD drivetrain.

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6. Skoda Octavia RS245 (FWD Rocket)
   

   

   The German-owned Czech carmaker is known for manufacturing some of the best drivers cars in India. Adding to that list is the Skoda Octavia RS245 or vRS. The super sedan in India has seen a couple of updates and also is popular in the car community. The chief aspect of this vehicle is its engine and dynamics.

   

   When compared to the regular Octavia, the RS is a lot more powerful and sits a little lower to the ground. This lends the saloon a lower centre of gravity enhancing the dynamics of the vehicle. Moving on, the Skoda Octavia RS245 in India comes with a 1.0-litre TSI motor that generates 241bhp and 370Nm torque. Setting the front wheels on fire is a 7-speed DSG box.

7. Mitsubishi Cedia (Rally Moster)
   

   

   The vehicle we wish could be among us is the Mitsubishi Cedia. After the Mitsubishi Lancer, it was Cedia that continued the tail of performance saloons in India. Not just that, Lancer was rebadged as Cedia for India. Again, as it is a part of the JDM community this vehicle can also be customized for specific use, especially rally racing.

   

   Back when Mitsubishi Cedia was new it came powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. And when considering the current scenario, the price this sedan was available at was a total bargain. Talking about this engine, it is capable of generating 115ps of max power and 175Nm of peak torque. And Cedia was available at a base price of less than ₹10 Lakhs.

8. Fiat Abarth Punto (Time Attack Demon)
   

   

   Not all small cars are boring. Having said that, one perfect example of a pocket rocket is the Abarth Punto. The Punto launched under the Fiat’s sub-brand Abarth was a hatch for hooligans. the vehicle was based on the conventional Punto but had a monster under its hood. Launched in 2015, this hatchback came with a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbo petrol engine.

   

   The Abarth Punto was launched into the market to rival the likes of the hot hatches in India (Volkswagen Polo GT TSI). Discussing the Punto’s USP, this turbo petrol engine was capable of generating 145bhp and about 212Nm of peak torque. This powertrain made the hatch *THE* most powerful hatchback in its segment and many cars sitting above it. With some minor mods, the Abarth Punto can be the right weapon for time attack events.

9. Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS (with forced induction)
   

   

   From 2015 to 2020 many carmakers in India shifted the focus in introducing a turbo petrol engine in their vehicles. Then, why should Maruti Suzuki settle for less. Hence in 2017 MSL (Maruti Suzuki LTD.) India launched its hatchback Baleno with a turbo petrol engine.

   

   This was one of the company’s shot lived stunt and didn’t see the daylight for long. Nevertheless, the Baleno RS came with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. This motor was capable of generating 102hp of max power and 150Nm of peak torque. Although the figures were not class-leading the RS was way more fun to drive than the NA version.

10. Tata Tiago JTP (St tu tu tu)
    

    

    Another example of a short-lived stunt in India was the Tata Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP. Well, The Tiago JTP is one of a kind. Tata aced the design, but the JTP engine ensures it stays true to its hot hatch DNA. This Tiago JTP is powered by a 1199cc MPI turbocharged engine producing a hefty 112 bhp power at 6000 RPM.

    

    The name ‘JTP’ comes from the collaboration Tata entered into with Coimbatore based Jayem Automotive. Jayem Automotive has a history of making fast cars. Fun fact, when revving the motor hard, you could hear the BOV (Blow-Off Valve) work.