Best 1600cc Cars in India in 2024 - Price, Specs & Features

When it comes to engine capacity, Cubic Centimetres or CC is the way to measure them. When someone says they have a “two litre engine”, they’re talking about the cylinder capacity (also known as volume) in each cylinder inside the motor. 

The larger the engine, the more powerful the car, and 1600cc vehicles are definitely some of the most powerful ones. In India, 1600cc engines are usually reserved for SUVs, but they can also be found in a few hatchbacks and sedans. Let’s take a closer look at the best 1600cc cars available in India today.

1. Volkswagen Taigun

While Volkswagen was previously known for the Polo, it has done a complete model revamp for the India 2.0 strategy. Among the highlights of its current lineup is the Taigun, which has made headlines for its 5-star-rated safety. The 5-seater SUV is currently available in two engine variants. 

One of these is a 1.0L Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. The other engine option is a 1.5L Turbocharged petrol unit that produces 147 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. Both the engines come with a 6-speed manual gearbox while there is also an option for a 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DSG for the 1.0L and 1.5L engines, respectively. 

Ex-showroom price- ₹11.56 - ₹18.96 Lakhs

Volkswagen Taigun Specs

Volkswagen Taigun Features

What’s Good

• European Design
• Fun to Drive
• Performance and mileage

What's Not Good

• No diesel option
• Slightly stiff ride
• Maintenance costlier than rivals

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Volkswagen Taigun Cars In India

2. Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The latest Vitara Brezza houses a 1.5L petrol engine that can generate 103 bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. Paired with the petrol engine, the Brezza can either be had with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

In terms of features, the Vitara Brezza comes with cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start/stop, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. When it comes to safety, the Vitara Brezza carries parking sensors in the rear, dual airbags in the front, and ABS with EBD.

Ex- Showroom Price: ₹7.84 - ₹11.49 Lakhs 

 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specs

 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Features

What’s Good

• Well-priced
• Decent fuel efficiency and power
• Excellent automatic transmission 

What’s Not Good

• No diesel option

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti Vitara Brezza Cars In India

3. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

As mentioned earlier, SUVs are designed to hold powerful engines and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga stands out for all the right reasons. Powering the Ertiga is a BSVI-compliant 1.5L K15 Smart Hybrid petrol engine that is capable of generating 103 bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. Mated to the engine is a 5-speed manual transmission that also comes with the option for a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Maruti also has a CNG-petrol engine option that is powered by the same 1.5L petrol engine and produces 90 bhp of power with 122Nm of torque. Some of the features found on the Ertiga include power steering and power windows, electronically adjustable seats, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. In terms of safety, the Ertiga comes with ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, dual airbags in front, and hill hold control.

Ex- Showroom Price: ₹8.35 - ₹12.79 Lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Specs

 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Features

What’s Good

• Practical
• Well-priced
• CNG Option
• Excellent automatic transmission 

What’s Not Good

• No diesel option
• Taxi car image

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti Ertiga Cars In India

4. KIA Carens

As per its carmaker, the Carens is a 'Recreational Vehicle (RV)'. Essentially, though, it is a three-row version of the Celtics. The Carens locks horns with the Maruti Ertiga as well as the Hyundai Alcazar. As one would expect, the Carens gets the same engine and transmission options as the Seltos.

This means it comes with as many as three engine options: 1.5 Petrol, 1.4 T-GDi Petrol, and 1.5 CRDi VGT Diesel and three transmission options: 6MT, 7DCT, or 6AT. In true Kia fashion, the Carens even has many safety features, including 6 airbags, Dynamic Brake Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Assist Control, Electronic Stability Control and All-Wheel Disc Brakes.

Ex-Showroom Price: ₹10.00 Lakhs - ₹18.00 Lakhs

 Kia Carens Specs

Kia Carens Features

What’s Good

• Attractively priced
• High quality cabin with many features
• Available in multiple petrol and diesel engine options

What’s Not Good

• No automatic transmission for base petrol
• Not as bold as typical SUVs

5. Nissan Kicks

Nissan is considered one of the most reliable car manufacturers in the world and the Kicks is a clear example of their reputation. There is so much to like about the Kicks from its stunning looks to its exceptional performance, and everything in between. 

The stylish SUV is powered by two different petrol engine options – a 1.5L petrol and  a 1.3L turbocharged petrol. While the larger petrol engine comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, the turbocharged motor can be had with 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT. 

Ex-showroom price - ₹9.50 - ₹14.90 Lakhs

Nissan Kicks Specs

Nissan Kicks Features

What’s Good

• Price
• Ride and handling setup
• Powerful Turbo Petrol Engine

What’s not Good

• Feels Dated
• No Diesel Option

6. Mahindra Bolero

The Mahindra Bolero is dated but it’s a powerful and rugged vehicle that is the choice of many rural and suburban buyers. It is powered by a new BSVI-compliant 1.5L diesel engine that is capable of producing up to 75 bhp of power and 210Nm of torque. Mated to the diesel motor is a 5-speed manual transmission system that also features 2-Wheel-Drive for better control. 

The latest Mahindra Bolero comes with upgraded features including a new digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, AUX, and Bluetooth-enabled audio connectivity, power steering, and manual air-conditioning. With an off-road vehicle like the Mahindra Bolero, safety is extremely important, and here too we get everything from ABS with EBD to dual airbags in front. The Bolero also comes with parking sensors and a speed alert for better security and safety. The Mahindra Bolero has already got people preparing their RC transfer papers and is continuing to gain popularity as the months go on.

Ex-showroom price: ₹9.53Lakhs-₹10.48 Lakhs

Mahindra Bolero Specs 

Mahindra Bolero Features

What’s Good

• Affordable
• Rugged
• Low maintenance 

What’s Not Good

• Dated
• Lacks Features
• Poor dynamics

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Bolero Cars In India

7. Mahindra Bolero Neo

In July 2021, the TUV300 was relaunched in an updated avatar as the Bolero Neo. Under the hood, the Bolero Neo Plus features an updated version of the reliable 1.5L mHawk diesel engine that powered the TUV300. The motor comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. While the Bolero Neo comes only in the RearWheel Drive (RWD) format, it offers MLD (Mechanical Locking Differential). This makes it at least somewhat capable off the road. 

Ex-showroom price: ₹9.63 Lakhs - ₹12.14 Lakhs

Mahindra Bolero Neo Specs 

Mahindra Bolero Neo Features

What’s Good

• More modern than Bolero
• Robust
• Off-road capability from MLD

What’s not good

• No Automatic
• Looks a lot like TUV300

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Bolero Neo Cars In India

8. Mahindra XUV300

As we already know, Mahindra knows a thing or two about building durable SUVs and the XUV300 should be the perfect example of that. Powering the XUV300 is a 1.2L Turbo petrol engine that can produce 108 bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. The other engine option is a 1.5L diesel engine that is capable of generating 117Ps of power and 300Nm of torque. In terms of transmission, both engine options can either be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic setup. In terms of features, Mahindra has packed a lot into the XUV300 including a sunroof, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Safety has always been important to Mahindra and the XUV300 surely has a lot to offer including 7 airbags, parking sensors in the front and the rear, ABS with EBD, and corner braking control.

Ex-showroom price - ₹8.41 Lakhs - ₹14.14 Lakhs

Mahindra XUV300 Specs

Mahindra XUV300 Features

What’s Good

• Dynamics
• Features
• Pricing
• Safety

What’s Not Good

• Boot Space
• Fuel Efficiency 

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Xuv 300 Cars In India

9. MG Hector

Given the fact that MG entered the Indian market only two years ago, it has quickly become one of the “go-to” options in the SUV department. The Hector is their number 1 selling SUV and for good reason. Under the hood of the Hector sits either a 1.5L Turbo-petrol engine that produces 141 bhp of power and 250Nm of torque or a 2.0L diesel engine that generates 168 bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. 

The 1.5L turbo-petrol engine is also available with a 48V mild-hybrid setup which comes mated to an 8-speed CVT gearbox while the regular turbo-petrol engine can be had with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DCT, or an 8-speed CVT transmission. The diesel engine is only paired with a 6-speed manual transmission system. 

Ex- Showroom Price: ₹14.94 Lakhs–₹21.00 Lakhs

 MG Hector Specs

 MG Hector Features

What’s Good

• Availability of diesel engine option
• Spacious and feature-laden
• Good Ride Quality

What’s Not Good

• Looks exactly like regular Hector
• Not fun to drive

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mg Hector Cars In India

10. Mahindra Thar

The second-gen Mahindra Thar is one of the most popular off-road vehicles in India right now and offers one of the finest driving experiences in its segment. Apart from the stunning design, the Thar is best-known for its performance. Under the hood of this beast of a car sits either a 2.0L Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 148 bhp of power and 300Nm of torque on manual, and 148 bhp of power and 320Nm of torque on automatic, or a 2.2L diesel engine that produces 128 bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Thar comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard but it can be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission as well.

Ex-showroom Price – ₹13.59 Lakhs - ₹16.29 Lakhs

Mahindra Thar Specs

Mahindra Thar Features

What’s Good

• Capable Off-Roader
• Powerful
• Looks

What’s Not Good

• Not practical as family car
• Expensive

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Thar Cars In India

11. Volkswagen Virtus

The only sedan available from Volkswagen in India is the Virtus, which is the replacement of the Vento and a mechanical twin of the Skoda Slavia. The Virtus not only sports an elegant design but also comes with top-tier specifications and features.  Like the Taigun, it’s available with two engine options. The smaller of these is a 1.0L Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 113 bhp of power and 178 Nm of torque. The more powerful engine is a 1.5L Turbocharged petrol unit that produces 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. Both the engines come with a 6-speed manual gearbox while there is also an option for a 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DSG for the 1.0L and 1.5L engines, respectively. Even the features are the same as those of the Taigun. 

Ex-showroom Price - ₹11.32 Lakhs - ₹18.42 Lakhs

Volkswagen Virtus Specs

Volkswagen Virtus Features

What’s Good

• European Design
• Fun to Drive
• Performance and mileage
• One of most powerful cars in its class

What's Not Good

• No diesel option
• Maintenance costlier than rivals

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Volkswagen Virtus Cars In India

12. Hyundai Alcazar

The ability to use a large 1600cc engine efficiently requires a powerful vehicle and the Hyundai Alcazar surely is perfectly designed for that. The SUV is available as a 6-seater as well as a 7-seater and is perfect for large families or for friends who enjoy going on adventures together. The Alcazar is powered by either a 2.0L petrol engine that produces 157 bhp of power and 191Nm of torque or a 1.5L diesel engine that generates 113 bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Alcazar is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Alcazar also comes with all the latest features including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10.25-inch touchscreen instrument cluster, wireless charging, ventilated seats in the front, a voice-controlled panoramic sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, BlueLink connected car technology, and a 360-degree camera. Hyundai has always made safety a big part of their production and the Alcazar is fitted with up to 6 airbags, parking sensors in the front and rear, ABS with EBD, and Electronic Stability Control.

Ex- Showroom Price: ₹15.89 Lakhs - ₹ 20.25 Lakhs

Hyundai Alcazar Specs

 Hyundai Alcazar Features 

What’s Good

1. Available in both petrol and diesel variants
2. High quality cabin with many features
3. Tried-and-tested after sales service
4. Good ride quality
5. Powerful petrol engine

What’s Not Good

1. Doesn’t look as rugged as rivals
2. No 4x4 option

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Hyundai Alcazar Cars In India

So, there you have it! A comprehensive list of some of the best 1600 cc cars in India in 2024. These cars offer a good balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability and if you choose to buy any one of these, you will definitely have made the right decision! 

FAQs

Q. Which are the top 1600 cc cars available in India for 2024?

The top 1600cc cars available in India for 2024 are Volkswagen Virtus, Kia Carens, Mahindra XUV300, Volkswagen Virtus and Hyundai Alcazar.

Q. Which are the upcoming 1600 CC cars in India for 2023?

The upcoming 1600cc cars in India for 2023 include facelifts of Kia Seltos and Hyundia Creta. 

Q. What is the price range for 1600 cc cars in India for 2024?

In 2024, the 1600cc cars in India retail in a price range of Rs 7.8 lakh to Rs 21 lakh. 

Q. How does the performance of 1600 cc cars compare to other engine sizes?

Generally, the performance of 1600  cc cars stands at par with some of the higher models, whilst being more powerful than cars of the lower segments. 

Q. What are some of the key features of 1600 cc cars that make them stand out in the Indian market?

Some of the key features of 1600cc cars are touchscreen infotainment unit, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, projector headlamps, keyless entry, push button start and Up to 6 airbags. 

Q. How do the safety ratings for 1600 cc cars compare to other car segments in India?

The safety ratings for 1600 cc cars in India stand at par with cars from segments with similar pricing.