Small luxury vehicles provide the same level of design, opulent extras, cutting-edge technology, and performance as their larger counterparts, but in a more portable and cost-effective package. They are made for younger or first-time luxury buyers who want to feel like they are buying high-end without going broke. Small luxury cars still have high-quality components, safety features, panoramic roofs, and powerful engines even though they may not have the extravagance of high-end luxury cars. They might not, however, offer as much room in the back seats as their SUV counterparts due to their smaller size.

Lotus Elise Cup 250

The price of the Lotus Elise Cup 250 is Rs 40,69,765.

The Lotus brand is currently thriving despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The brand's success can be attributed to the support from Geely and the leadership of CEO Phil Popham. The Lotus Evija, the world's first all-electric British hypercar, has received a positive response globally. Additionally, Lotus has opened a specialized advanced technology center at the University of Warwick and a new dealership in Scotland, which has some of the UK's best driving roads.

The Lotus product range consists of the Elise, the Evora, and the Exige. The Elise Cup 250, unveiled in 2016, is the fastest production variant of this model and is followed up by the Cup 250 Bathurst Edition, launched in 2023 solely for the Australian market. The Cup 250 variant of the Series 3 two-seater Elise is the first Cup model to be a roadster, with a fabric roof that can be removed manually.

The Lotus Elise Cup 250 sits on the brand's lightweight aluminum extruded and bonded tub, which remains visible on the inside, and weighs only 931 kilograms. It has 243 horsepower available at 7,200 rpm, which equates to an incredible 263 hp/tonne, making it 14 kg lighter than its predecessor, the Elise Cup 220. The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 154 mph. The advanced aerodynamics generate 148 kg of downforce at maximum speed, making it an impressive vehicle.

Morgan Three Wheeler

The Morgan Super 3 price is - Rs 34,45,009

The Morgan Super 3 is a unique and unconventional vehicle that challenges traditional categorization. As other automakers are downsizing their powerplants or transitioning to electric power, Morgan has gone against the trend by upgrading its iconic 3 Wheeler with a more advanced water-cooled three-cylinder engine. While it retains its distinctive three-wheel configuration, the Super 3 is not quite a car nor a motorcycle, as it features a steering wheel, shift lever, and pedals, but lacks doors, a roof, and a windshield.

One notable change in the Super 3 is its unibody construction, which is a first in Morgan's 113-year history. Unlike previous Morgan models that featured a frame with English timber, the Super 3 utilizes welded aluminum sections to create an integrated structure. The new 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is sourced from Ford and delivers 118 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque, providing a sprightly power-to-weight ratio for its 1400-pound weight.

The Super 3 retains Morgan's distinctive aesthetic, with a modern front end, curved cowling, and fuselage-like shape. The side panels hide the radiators and feature mounting points for luggage bags and accessories, adding to the vehicle's versatility. Morgan promises a high level of configurability, allowing buyers to select exterior graphics, colors, and accessories, making each build unique.

Fiat Abarth 695 Biposto

The Abarth 695 Biposto price is - Rs 45,94,744

The Abarth 695 Biposto is a small but powerful car with a great soundtrack, fun handling, and blistering acceleration that makes it a fantastic car out on the track. It is easy to love and holds up well on public roads too, with a soft suspension that rides smoothly over uneven surfaces. However, its dog-ring gearbox is an expensive option that may not be suitable for everyone. It highlights the Biposto's most significant drawback, the high cost of fitting all the added extras that make it special.

The Biposto is considered Abarth's "halo" car and is being marketed as the world's smallest supercar, which is evident from the moment you sit in its racing seats with four-point harnesses. The car's twin active-valve exhausts howl into life, and the turbo kicks in as soon as you floor the throttle. The H-pattern gearbox with dog rings is beautifully designed and allows for lightning-quick gear changes. The car's weight has been reduced by stripping out the back seats and replacing them with a roll cage, removing xenon headlights, fog lights, air-con, and even the radio.

The Biposto's gearbox is undoubtedly its party trick. It is a work of art in its own right with polished red metal exposing the inner workings. The gear changes can be done without using the clutch, but this is best left to racing drivers, as the shifts can become quite brutal. The cost of this gearbox is £8,500, a quarter of the car's list price. While Abarth fans and hardcore racers may benefit from the unique set-up, the normal gearbox is just as fun on the track and much more practical for everyday use.

Smart Fortwo Turbo Cabrio

The Smart ForTwo Cabrio Price - Rs 10,00,000

The popular city car's convertible version, the Smart ForTwo Cabrio, provides more headroom and a distinctive open-top driving experience. The sidebars must be manually unclipped and ratcheted to the underside of the tailgate in order for the hood to fully open. Either the entire roof can be folded down, or just the middle portion can be opened up like a sunroof.

The engine choices are limited to the ones available in the regular ForTwo, ForFour, and Renault Twingo, with the 89bhp 0.9-litre turbo being the most powerful option. The optional DCT gearbox is an improvement over the previous automated manual, although it can still be a bit sluggish at times. The steering is sharp and darty, making it fun to drive in town, but not as engaging on country roads.

The ride can be firm due to the short wheelbase, and the cabin is spacious enough for a city car but has a small boot, which is further reduced when stowing the sidebars. The sat-nav may not be the best, but other features in the cabin work well and have a good appearance.

The Smart ForTwo Cabrio is recommended for those who appreciate the unique Smart styling and need a city car for urban driving. It may not be ideal for long motorway trips, but it excels in city environments with its small size and maneuverability. Prices for the Cabrio start at £13,265, which is around £2,000 more than the hard-top version, and can go higher with optional features or customization through the Brabus Tailor Made program.