Five turbo petrol compact SUVs with up to 128bhp, priced from Rs 7.52 lakh

For buyers considering a compact SUV with a turbo petrol engine, five models are on the market that are powerful and also suit daily use. Engine power goes up to 128bhp.

The Hyundai Venue is popular for its looks and turbo engine. It has a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 118bhp and 172Nm of torque, with a choice of a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The turbo Venue starts at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Its design, features and engine are liked, but the price feels a little high, the rear seat is less comfortable and space is limited.

Some buyers do not much like the design of the Kia Sonet, yet it is liked for its features and engine. It has a 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo petrol engine producing 118bhp and 172Nm of torque, and also comes with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The price starts at Rs 9.19 lakh. Its strengths are design, features and engine. Its weaknesses are listed as a high price, a rear seat that does not sit well, and nothing new in the design and interior.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO, the company's smallest SUV, is genuinely powerful, with good space and features. It has a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine producing 128bhp and 230Nm of torque, which makes the car quite quick. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox and starts at Rs 7.99 lakh. At that price it looks like value for money. Its only drawback is that the rear design has nothing new.

The Tata Nexon is also a powerful SUV with good space and features. It has a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine producing 118bhp and 270Nm of torque. The higher torque makes the car feel strong on pick-up. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox and starts at Rs 8.99 lakh. Its shortcomings are that nothing is new in the design and driving is slightly less smooth.

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx appeals to many people for its stylish design and looks distinct and modern. It has a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine producing 99bhp and 148Nm of torque, with 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes. The price starts at Rs 7.52 lakh. Design, features, a powerful engine and space count in its favour, while the body feels slightly light.

So which one to pick? For more power, the XUV 3XO and the Nexon are the best. For features and style, the Venue and the Sonet can be considered. For a smaller budget with mileage and style, the Fronx is a good choice.