Most fun-to-drive small cars under Rs 10 lakh in India

1. Fiat Abarth Punto

Fiat Abarth Punto

Small turbo-petrol with big power? Check. Able chassis? Check. Hydraulic steering? Check. The Abarth Punto is the affordable hot hatch we’ve always wanted. Its 145hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine is an absolute firecracker, and what elevates the experience is the way the Punto lights up in the corners. It’s far from perfect in other areas, but true petrolheads are sure to see the Abarth as flawed but fabulous.
Abarth Punto price: Rs 9.67 lakh

2. E Freestyle 1.5D

Fiat Abarth Punto

From behind the wheel you wouldn’t be able to tell that Ford’s new Figo-based Freestyle cross-hatch sits on a raised suspension. It’s keen to turn in and balanced, and the 190mm ground clearance and suspension’s ability to smoothen out bumps mean you can make the most of the handling package even when the roads are far from perfect. The peppy diesel engine completes the package.
Freestyle diesel prices:
1.5 Ambiente          Rs 6.09 lakh
1.5 Trend                  Rs 6.99 lakh
1.5 Titanium            Rs 7.35 lakh
1.5 Titanium+          Rs 7.89 lakh

3. Ford Figo 1.5D Sports Edition
Ford Figo S

The Ford Figo Sports Edition is about so much more than its rear spoiler and blacked-out detailing. This version’s larger wheels, chunkier tyres and tweaked suspension make it great fun to drive. Opt for the peppy 100hp/215Nm, 1.5-litre diesel and you’ll also experience a small diesel engine done right. This is a budget hatchback that carries the ‘Sport’ suffix with aplomb.
Figo Sports Edition diesel price: Rs 7.74 lakh

4. Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

Maruti Baleno RS

The souped-up Maruti Suzuki Baleno, if you please, may be lacking in outright numbers – its 1-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 102hp and 150Nm. But factor in its sub 1-tonne weight and you’ll know why the Baleno RS is as brisk as it is. Still, it isn’t quite an all-round entertainer. The numb steering, in particular, lets the package down. What the Baleno RS does do well is blend practicality and fun in one package.
Baleno RS price: Rs 8.44 lakh

5. Volkswagen Polo GT TSI

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI

The only automatic in the list, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI has a superb Jekyll-and-Hyde ability to go from comfortable city runabout one moment, to zippy little cracker the next. Thanks to that seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine’s performance is just so easy to access that even those who aren’t all-out petrolheads will find some enjoyment in it. If only, the steering was more feelsome too.
Polo GT TSI price: Rs 9.20 lakh

Prices are ex-showroom, Delhi as on May 30, 2018.