Power is the key for motorists wanting to upgrade their cars with models from the Volkswagen/Audi stable topping the list of those boasting more under the bonnet than the badge may suggest.
Leading turbocharger company Turbo Dynamics reveals that turbos for the VAG group head the best selling list - although Japanese models are rated close behind with the Impreza and Evo hot on the heels of the German Volkswagen and Audis.
Everything from early Golf models right through to the current Volkswagen and Audi ranges SEAT cars and Skodas, including diesel versions, have been enhanced by Turbo Dynamics.
The south proves to be the busiest region for upgrades on German cars, while motorists in the north favour more Japanese cars with turbos for Toyota cars selling best.
"The market for turbos has changed dramatically in the last 10 years,'' said Peter Marsh, owner of Turbo Dynamics.
"We started out supplying the motorsport industry where teams were looking for that crucial edge in competition and also in niche markets but now our customers are far more varied.
"These range from company directors wanting to increase the performance of their fleet cars to motoring enthusiasts who love to customise their cars.''
The top 10 is not just confined to new models, cars such as the classic Ford Escort Cosworth are still popular and the Nissan 200SX is now making a welcome return to the best selling list thanks to 'drifting' - the new motorsport craze sweeping the UK from Japan.
"We have tuning distributors around the country and by working together we can supply our customers with unique specification turbochargers based on their exacting requirements. It seems that however powerful new cars are, owners still want more performance,'' said Peter.
"Technology in the turbo world is changing all the time and by using the very latest designs and materials we can make significant improvements to almost every model of turbocharger.''
Although the top 10 is dominated by performance cars Peter said that everything from a smart car to a Bentley Continental GT are catered for at Turbo Dynamics, and the age of the car is no barrier.
"We are still supplying hybrid turbos for the Evo I to VIII range and because we like to keep ahead of the competition we are already developing one for the brand new Evo IX,'' he said. "And it is the same with the Impreza, we can boost the power on every model which is just what customers demand.''
Petrol and diesel cars can all benefit from a hybrid turbo developed by Turbo Dynamics with the Golf TDi the most popular diesel car to modify as owners look to take the combination of economy and performance to new levels.
Top 10 turbocharged cars
1 VAG group - Audi, VW, SEAT and Skoda2 Subaru Impreza3 Mistubishi Evo4 Nissan Skyline5 Ford Cosworth 6 Vauxhall Astra7 Porsche 933/996 and GT variants8 Saab 9-3 and 9-59 Toyota Celica10 Nissan 200SX
Just outside the top 10 are the smart car and Fiat 20v coupe
