Skip advert
Advertisement

Small Turbos Group Test

Turbo engines are more popular than ever, but are they any better than standard units? We try three of the best of each

Small Turbos Group Test

Think turbo, and you’re more likely to imagine a flame- spitting racing car or high-performance road machine than an economical hatchback. But times are changing.

What used to be a favourite way of boosting performance for sporty models is fast becoming the norm for ordinary variants instead. The thinking behind this is simple. Small turbocharged petrol engines are supposed to provide the best of both worlds – the pace of a bigger normally aspirated unit with the emissions and economy of a smaller one.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And they’re cropping up in a variety of sectors, as manufacturers scramble to launch new engines. To find out if the latest turbo models live up to the claims, we’ve chosen three of the best and put them up against more conventional rivals.

The latest firm to hop on the turbo bandwagon is Vauxhall. Its Insignia family car is now available with a 177bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine. Up against it is another fresh face in the large family car market, but the 2.0-litre Toyota Avensis is designed to maximise economy rather than pace. Will it be blown away by the powerful Vauxhall? We try estate versions of both.

In our compact family car match-up, Volkswagen’s latest Golf renews its rivalry with the Honda Civic. But will the VW’s 1.4-litre TSI be able to live with the British-built hatch’s high-revving i-VTEC engine?

In our final head-to-head, the Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet Sporting faces Suzuki’s 1.6-litre Swift Sport. Given the Italians’ reputation for producing racy small cars, you’d expect the turbocharged Grande Punto to be in pole position – but does it take the chequered flag?

Our pairings highlight a major difference in philosophy between manufacturers from the East and West, as European firms have been the quickest on the turbo uptake. Let’s find out if they’re good enough to see off their Japanese rivals...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £14,495
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,640 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,712
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025