From Tata Punch to Hyundai Venue, here are the top turbo-petrol cars under Rs 15 lakh in India, offering more power output with compact engines.
By Divyam Dubey

Turbo-petrol cars have changed the way enthusiasts look at performance in everyday driving. Over the past few years, this segment has grown fast in India, with buyers wanting more punch without moving to larger engines. With the launch of the Tata Punch Turbo, the compact car space gets a fresh dose of excitement. A turbocharger helps a smaller engine deliver stronger output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. This setup improves acceleration while maintaining fuel efficiency, making turbo-petrol cars suitable for both city runs and open highways. From quick overtakes to smoother high-speed cruising, these engines bring a different driving feel that naturally appeals to car lovers. With rising demand and better technology, turbo-petrol models are no longer limited to premium cars. Today, several brands offer engaging turbo options at accessible prices, making performance more achievable for Indian buyers.
Also Read: Tata Sierra First Drive Review - History Hits Refresh
In this story, we take a closer look at the top 5 turbo-petrol cars we have picked under Rs 15 lakh, ranging from the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Fronx and More. These models combine usable power, modern engineering and everyday practicality.
-1768297849232.webp)
Adding a turbocharger changes the overall positioning of the Punch in the compact car space. The Tata Punch Turbo uses a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 140Nm of torque. This setup allows the model to offer higher power figures while retaining a compact footprint. Prices for the Punch Turbo start at Rs 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Hyundai Venue turbo-petrol continues to rely on its proven 1.0-litre turbocharged GDI engine. This unit generates 120bhp and 172Nm of torque, placing it among the stronger options in its segment. The turbo setup helps the Venue maintain competitive power figures while keeping engine size small. Prices for the Hyundai Venue turbo variant start at Rs 8.80 lakh (ex-showroom).

If numbers matter, the XUV 3XO clearly stands out. Its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine generates 130 bhp and 230 Nm of torque. These figures make it one of the highest-output models in this price bracket. The turbo engine forms a major part of the SUV’s identity, allowing Mahindra to compete strongly in the compact turbo-petrol segment. Prices for the Tata Nexon start at Rs 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom).

Performance in the Nexon comes from its familiar 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor. This engine produces 120bhp and 170Nm of torque, offering steady acceleration across the rev range. Power delivery remains controlled, which helps during urban driving. On highways, the Nexon builds speed smoothly and feels stable while overtaking. The turbo setup complements the SUV’s solid road presence. Prices for the Tata Nexon start at Rs 7.32lakh (ex-showroom).

The Fronx turbo-petrol uses Maruti Suzuki’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, which produces 100bhp and 147.6Nm of torque. The turbocharged setup helps the brand offer higher performance figures without increasing engine displacement. Prices for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx start at Rs 9.71 lakh (ex-showroom).