Fueling Your Ride: Top Performance Sedans in India (Under Rs 25 Lakh)
In India, SUVs may be dominating the roads, but stylish sedans are making a comeback. These new sedans are packed with features and compete well with similar SUVs. Sedans tend to handle better than SUVs because they sit lower to the ground and are more aerodynamic.
Here’s a look at some of the most powerful sedans you can buy in India for under 25 lakh rupees.
The Hyundai Verna offers a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that delivers 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. This engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT automatic. The Verna starts at an affordable Rs 11 lakh, but it ties in fifth place in terms of power.
Claiming the crown for the most powerful petrol sedan under Rs 25 lakh in India is the Hyundai Verna. Its heart lies in a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, the same one found in its Creta, Seltos, Carens, and Alcazar siblings. This powerhouse generates a class-leading 160 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, translating to exhilarating acceleration. The Verna offers a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission for a connected driving experience or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for a smooth ride. These turbocharged variants of the Verna come in a price range of Rs 14.87 lakh to Rs 17.42 lakh.
Both the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus offer a more powerful option with their 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Despite having the same horsepower (115hp) as the Verna, it produces a higher torque of 178 Nm, potentially improving acceleration. Both cars come with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Slavia starts slightly cheaper than the Virtus, with a price range of Rs 11.53 lakh to Rs 16.93 lakh, while the Virtus ranges from Rs 11.56 lakh to Rs 17.05 lakh.
The Honda City is fourth on this list with its 1.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. This engine generates 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. You can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience or an optional CVT automatic for a smoother ride. The City starts at an attractive price of Rs 11.82 lakh, reaching Rs 16.30 lakh for the top-of-the-line ZX variant with the CVT automatic transmission.
Stepping into the world of hybrids, the Honda City e: HEV boasts a unique powertrain. It combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric generator motor. This innovative setup delivers a combined output of 126 horsepower and an impressive 253 Nm of torque, translating to strong acceleration. The e-CVT transmission ensures a smooth and efficient driving experience. Unlike the other City variants, the e: HEV comes in a single, fully-loaded ZX variant priced at Rs 20.55 lakh. This variant packs in all the features for a luxurious ride.
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The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus turn up the power with their higher trims. Both share the same 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, pumping out a substantial 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This translates to energetic acceleration for a more thrilling driving experience. You can choose between a sporty 6-speed manual gearbox or a sophisticated 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Slavia 1.5 TSI starts at a more budget-friendly Rs 15.23 lakh, while the Volkswagen Virtus GT (1.5 TSI) begins slightly pricier at Rs 16.62 lakh.