2012 PMI Populo 1300 Super ST2 1.0

PMI Populo is known for its small and sensible city and micro cars. But this one, the 1300 Super ST2 is a bit of an exception. Tuned in-house by PMI, we've turned the mundane 2010 Populo Micro (µ) into a pocket track car. Stripped of all but the bare necessities and with ample use of composite materials next to the base partial aluminium panels, the ST2 weighs only 888kg.

The engine is in essence the same as the standard car, a 16 valve 1368cc four cylinder, but with a turbo attached. Still sensibly tuned and with a 3300-7700 rpm power band - rather than the same engine that is also tuned very high strung for the formula PMI series - it produces 192 horsepower and 242 Nm of torque.

Underneath the car has semi slicks and 205mm wide tires. Suspension setup is tuned for a hard and stable ride, but the stock macpherson struts and torsion beam are still there. Track times are around the 2:15 mark, which is enough to beat a number of tested specially-built touring class cars.