Diwali is a time for celebration, lights, and, of course, rockets. While traditional rockets light up the night sky, we have our eyes on a different kind of rocket – the budget-friendly, high-speed cars that can sprint to 100kph without breaking the bank.
Diwali is synonymous with excitement, and what better way to add to the thrill than with a list of the five fastest cars under Rs 15 lakh? Autocar India has rigorously tested these speed demons, ensuring that you get both value and velocity. Whether you’re a speed enthusiast or just curious, these rockets on wheels will surely catch your eye.
1. Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI MT: 8.63s At the top of our list is the Skoda Slavia, a true speedster with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Priced under the budget at Rs 15.04 lakh for the entry-level variant, this car is a sprinter, reaching 100kph in just 8.63 seconds. While there might be a hint of lag, the turbo spools up to deliver a thrilling ride.
2. Honda City MT: 10.2s Honda’s City sedan takes the second spot with a 10.2-second sprint to 100kph. Packed with a free-revving 121hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a slick 6-speed manual gearbox, the City is priced between Rs 9.5 lakh-14.86 lakh*. It promises a genuine joy to drive, especially when pushing the engine to its limits.
3. Citroen C3 Turbo: 10.72s The Citroen C3 Turbo claims the third spot, proving that speed doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This hatchback, priced between Rs 8.28 lakh-8.92 lakh, boasts a punchy 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It’s not just affordable; it’s the quickest car under Rs 10 lakh.
4. Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI MT: 10.8s Volkswagen’s Virtus 1.0 TSI secures the fourth position, clocking in at 10.8 seconds for the 0-100kph sprint. Priced between Rs 11.48 lakh-15.23 lakh, this car shares its engine with the Skoda Slavia, promising a torquey and award-winning performance. The turbo whistle accompanies the thrilling ride as the engine approaches its redline.
5. Honda Elevate MT: 10.82s Closing our list is the Honda Elevate MT, proving that even SUVs can be quick on their feet. With a 10.82-second sprint to 100kph, powered by a high-revving 121hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, this midsize SUV is priced between Rs 11 lakh-14.9 lakh*. Its only setback is the extra weight it carries, but it’s a small compromise for the speed it offers.
This Diwali, if you’re looking for an exhilarating ride without burning a hole in your pocket, these budget rockets are the way to go. From the Skoda Slavia’s lightning-fast sprint to the Citroen C3’s budget-friendly speed, these cars deliver the perfect blend of performance and affordability.
