3 Great Cars For Car Enthusiasts In India That Pack Small, But Punchy Engines

These 3 cars are proof that small displacement and big power don’t have to come at the cost of long-term reliability

There are cars for car enthusiasts in India that are capable enough even in their factory setting. India’s car culture is no stranger to performance vehicles, and frankly who doesn’t like a fun sport car? That said, India has rather strict laws regarding what modifications are legal and illegal. This can, sometimes, make it difficult for those looking for that extra bit of speed, missing from the equasion. That said, there are cars out there that can deliver the thrill without the need for mods or at the very least, with very subtle modifications, you might just be able to get away with

Skoda Octavia RS

When it comes to cars for car enthusiasts in India, the Skoda Octavia vRS has long been the best value for money hot hatchback in the VAG family. The fourth-generation Octavia RS is about to be launched in India, with an expected price of around ₹ 45 Lakh. The most practical hot hatch rides on the familiar bones of the VW Golf GTI, and features the same hardware under the skin. We are talking about the fourth-generation EA888 Evo 4, 2.0-liter TSI engine, which now features direct and multi-port injection. It also packs 265 horsepower, instead of the previous model’s 245, and a wet-clutch, DSG transmission. The engine is also tuner-friendly and still features a robust, cast-iron block in times when almost everyone has switched to lightweight alloys.

Mercedes AMG A45

The Mercedes AMG A45 effectively created a new segment – the super-hatchback. With its 416 horsepower (in A45 S trim), the M139 engine boasts the highest specific output of any four-cylinder engine, for road applicaitons – 208.9 horsepower per litre. That’s not even the most powerful version of this engine, as the M139 produces 469 horsepower in the hybrid Mercedes AMG C63 S E Performance. Not all cars for car enthusiasts in India are as affordable as the Octavia RS. The on-road price for the A45 S, in India, is a bit steep for a hatchback, at ₹ 1.16 Crone, but you do get near-supercar performance for the money. The pocket rocket is able to stay with more powerful, more expensive performance cars. There are worries about the long-term reliability of a small, boosted engine, but so far, the M139 hasn’t shown any major weaknesses. 

Porsche 718

With the 983-generation Porsche 718 going fully-electric, the 982 will be the last combustion-powered, mid-engine Porsche. One of the best cars for car enthusiasts in India, looking for mid-engine thrills, is the Porsche 982, which was recently removed from Porsche’s India website. With a starting price, in India, from ₹ 1.48 Cr, this is the most affordable Porsche sports car you can get. It may only have a 2.0-liter flat-four, but this is more than enough to keep up with performance vehicles that have as much as 100-more horsepower. The 2026 Toyota GR MR-2 and Toyota Celica GR Sport promsie to be worthy, cur-price alternatives to Porsche’s mid-engine sports car, but it remains to be seen whether or not they arrive in India. While the decision to fit a four-cylinder engine in the 718 was controversial, it is easy to forget some of Porsche’s most iconic models, like the 356, 550 Spyder, and even the original 718, were motivated by a flat-four engine. Despite the mixed reception, car enthusiasts in India will be happy to know that the MA2.20 engine proved reliable and tuner-friendly, easily capable of unlocking additional 80 horsepower with the most basic modifications.