
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Hyundai-Kia group offers the highest number of engine options
- All powertrains of the Mahindra 3X0 are turbocharged
- Tata Curvv comes with a 7-speed DCT even on the diesel variant
There are several popular or mass-market cars on sale in India that offer more than two engine options, truly catering to every type of customer. Unfortunately, apart from these, most other automakers provide just one or two powertrain choices. So, without further ado, let's take a look at all of them along with their power figures. Let's get started - and in the meantime, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to stay updated with the latest automotive news.
Also Read: E20 Fuel Pros And Cons - A Must Read For All Car Owners
Hyundai Venue/ Kia Sonet

These two cars, identical in most aspects but with different styling, offer three engine options - two petrol and one diesel. The first is a naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is the most popular choice thanks to its affordable pricing and excellent refinement. Even in this sub-4-metre segment, there aren't many cars with a 4-cylinder engine, which further adds to their appeal. Moreover, the Venue and Sonet also cater to enthusiasts with a turbo-petrol (T-GDi) engine and to long-distance travellers with a diesel option that delivers high efficiency.

Lastly, there's a small difference between the two, specifically in their turbo-petrol variants. The Sonet comes with an iMT only, which is a clutchless manual setup, while the Venue offers a 6-speed manual instead. However, both SUVs share the same DCT automatic option.
Powertrains | 1.2L Petrol | 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Diesel |
Engine Type | Naturally Aspirated | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Diesel |
Displacement | 1197 cc | 998 cc | 1493 cc |
Power | 83 PS | 120 PS | 116 PS |
Torque | 115 Nm | 172 Nm | 250 Nm |
Gearbox | 5MT | 6MT / iMT/ 7DCT | 6MT / 6AT |
Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos / Kia Carens Clavis

All three cars share the same engine options, as they belong to the same group. They're also built on the same platform, though the Carens Clavis is an MPV, while the other two are mid-size SUVs. Once again, you get a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel engine. Here too, the Seltos with the turbo-petrol engine comes with an iMT transmission, whereas the Creta offers only a 7-speed DCT. However, the Carens Clavis provides all three options - manual, iMT, and 7-speed DCT - making it the most versatile MPV in its segment.
Powertrains | 1.5L Petrol | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Diesel |
Engine Type | Naturally Aspirated | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Diesel |
Displacement | 1497 cc | 1482 cc | 1493 cc |
Power | 115 PS | 120 PS | 116 PS |
Torque | 143.8 Nm | 172 Nm | 250 Nm |
Gearbox | 6MT / CVT | 6MT / iMT/ 7DCT | 6MT / 6AT |
Mahindra XUV 3X0

This sub-compact SUV from Mahindra comes with three turbocharged engine options, making it a delight for performance enthusiasts. All three engines deliver impressive power, and there are three gearbox options available as well. In terms of driving dynamics and segment, the XUV 3X0's direct rival is the Skoda Kylaq, which offers just one engine - a 1.0L TSI. This clearly gives buyers more choices with the XUV 3X0 compared to the Skoda. Now, let's take a closer look at the figures.
Powertrains | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Diesel |
Engine Type | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Diesel |
Power | 120 PS | 116 PS | |
Torque | 200 Nm | 230 Nm | 300 Nm |
Gearbox | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6-AMT |
Tata Curvv

Another Indian SUV offering three engine options, the Curvv is known for its swanky looks. This feature-loaded mid-size SUV combines excellent driving dynamics with a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. Among the three engines, the diesel stands out for its punchy performance and impressive fuel economy. On the other hand, the petrol options feel a bit underwhelming in both refinement and performance. One unique feature is that Tata offers a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with all three engines.
Curvv | 1.2L Revotron | 1.2L Hyperion | 1.5L Kryojet |
Engine Type | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Diesel |
Displacement | 1199cc | 1199cc | 1497cc |
Power | 119 PS | 125 PS | 117 PS |
Torque | 170 Nm | 225 Nm | 260 Nm |
Gearbox | 6MT / 7DCA | 6MT / 7DCA | 6MT / 7DCA |
Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD |
Also Read: Maruti Victoris vs Tata Curvv - Coupe or Regular Design?
Verdict
When it comes to engine engineering, the Indian offerings can't quite match the Koreans in terms of refinement and power. Mahindra has done its best, but even after driving, you can still feel some extra vibrations and hear engine noise that doesn't sound particularly sporty. As for Tata, their powertrains still need improvement across the board, especially the turbo-petrol variants.