What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Honda Elevate, MG Astor and Skoda Slavia. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Honda Elevate vs MG Astor vs Skoda Slavia – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts prioritize driving dynamics, engine performance, and handling when selecting a car. They seek vehicles with responsive engines, minimal turbo lag, and linear power delivery for an engaging driving experience. Agile handling, minimal body roll, and precise steering are crucial for tackling twisty roads with confidence.
Well-tuned suspensions strike a balance between sportiness and comfort. Additionally, performance enthusiasts appreciate features like advanced transmissions, sport modes, and driver-centric cockpits that enhance the overall driving experience.
Why Honda Elevate, MG Astor and Skoda Slavia are Popular
The Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and Skoda Slavia have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts for their distinct characteristics.
The Honda Elevate offers a refined and responsive driving experience with its 1.5-liter engine and CVT transmission. Its well-tuned suspension and agile handling make it a joy to drive on winding roads.
The MG Astor appeals to enthusiasts with its sporty design, agile handling, and feature-rich interior. Its 1.5-liter engine delivers linear power, while the CVT transmission ensures smooth acceleration.
The Skoda Slavia, with its TSI engines and advanced transmissions, provides an engaging driving experience. Its precise steering, minimal body roll, and well-balanced suspension cater to the preferences of performance enthusiasts.
Honda Elevate, MG Astor and Skoda Slavia Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range
For Honda Elevate, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 April 2024 |
| V CVT | ₹1,341,000 |
| VX CVT | 1,480,000 |
For MG Astor, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 April 2024 |
| Select CVT | ₹1,398,000 |
| Sharp Pro | ₹1,441,000 |
For Skoda Slavia, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 April 2024 |
| 1.0 TSI Ambition | ₹1,343,000 |
| 1.0 TSI Ambition AT | ₹1,473,000 |
Honda Elevate V CVT
- Pros: Advanced CVT transmission, good visibility, hill hold assist, LED headlights
- Cons: Steel wheels, lack of cruise control and 360-degree camera
If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best Elevate variants for you.
Honda Elevate VX CVT
- Pros: Advanced CVT transmission, good visibility, hill hold assist, LED headlights, alloy wheels
- Cons: Only 2 airbags, lack of cruise control and 360-degree camera
MG Astor Select CVT
- Pros: Agile handling, minimal body roll, linear power delivery, advanced CVT transmission
- Cons: Laggy transmission response, lack of ventilated seats and wireless charging
If you’re a gadget enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Astor with Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate.
MG Astor Sharp Pro
- Pros: Agile handling, minimal body roll, linear power delivery, smooth manual transmission, cruise control
- Cons: Lack of ventilated seats and wireless charging
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition
- Pros: Agile handling, minimal body roll, linear power delivery, smooth manual transmission, turbocharger
- Cons: Halogen headlights, lack of wireless charging
If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Slavia with Hyundai Verna.
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT
- Pros: Agile handling, minimal body roll, linear power delivery, responsive advanced automatic transmission, turbocharger
- Cons: Halogen headlights, lack of wireless charging
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Honda Elevate, MG Astor and Skoda Slavia for Performance Enthusiasts
After careful consideration, we recommend the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT offers a perfect blend of performance, handling, and advanced features. Its 1.0-liter TSI engine, equipped with a turbocharger, delivers linear power delivery and quick acceleration. The responsive advanced automatic transmission ensures smooth and seamless gear shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT excels in terms of driving dynamics. Its agile handling and minimal body roll make it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The precise steering provides excellent feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. The well-tuned suspension strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort, offering a firm yet compliant ride.
In terms of features, the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT comes equipped with essential amenities that performance enthusiasts appreciate. It offers cruise control, which allows for relaxed highway driving. The automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers add convenience, while the rear parking camera and sensors assist in easy maneuverability. The touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated controls and smartphone connectivity keeps the driver entertained and informed.
While the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT misses out on a few features like wireless charging and LED headlights, its overall package makes it the top choice for performance enthusiasts. Its engaging driving dynamics, responsive engine, and advanced transmission set it apart from the competition.
The Top 3 Choices
- Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT
- MG Astor Sharp Pro
- Honda Elevate VX CVT
| Attribute | Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT | MG Astor Sharp Pro |
|
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | No | No | Yes |
| Parking Assistance | Yes | No | No |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Headlights | No | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT stands out with its agile handling, responsive engine, and advanced automatic transmission.
- The MG Astor Sharp Pro impresses with its sporty design, smooth manual transmission, and cruise control.
- The Honda Elevate VX CVT offers a refined driving experience with its advanced CVT transmission and good visibility.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s priorities and driving style, but these three variants provide exciting options for performance enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.