New Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs Tata Harrier: Mid-size SUV comparo

Since the Hyundai Creta was launched in 2015, it has been a strong performer, especially due to its unbeatable combination of power and comfort. At the time, it was the only car in its price bracket to offer six airbags and Electronic Stability Control along with the usual complement of ABS. In fact, the top SX (O) variant even came with Hill Start Assist Control, a feature which came (and still comes) mostly on serious SUVs, and belied its relatively mild-mannered aesthetic. Hence, it was no surprise that the Creta registered over 70,000 bookings in its first year and sold over 2,00,000 units in two years.

From the outside

The new Creta now shows off a tighter, more angular overall look, a far cry from the origins of its predecessor, and from the off, slots itself well with its SUV-focussed rivals. The combination of the altered profile, roof rails and rear spoiler, flared wheelarches and redesigned 17-inch alloys give it a more purposeful look.

Feature-packed

As mentioned, the new Creta goes up against the Kia Seltos, MG Hector and Tata Harrier, and all these rivals lose out on a crucial feature, namely paddle shifters. Yes, the Creta has done it again, introducing a first-in-class feature which isn’t a staple for SUVs even a segment above. And that’s not all, with the Creta also offering remote start in both manual as well as automatic transmission, narrowly edging out the Hector, which offers this feature only with the auto ‘box. And, on the comfort front, the new Creta also offers headrest cushions for the rear seats, something which the rivals once again miss out on. Lastly, in terms of exterior flair, the new Creta also offers a twin-tip exhaust, seen only on the Harrier. And to top it off, the Creta also offers rear disc brakes.

Under the hood

The new Creta shares its underpinnings with the Kia Seltos, offering the choice of either a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (113bhp/144Nm), a 1.5-litre diesel (113bhp/250Nm) or a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol making 138bhp and 242Nm. While the naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual and a CVT (petrol) or a 6-speed auto ‘box (diesel), the turbo-petrol gets only a 7-speed DCT.

On paper, it suffers a little when compared to the 2-litre turbo-diesel (168bhp/350Nm) on the Harrier and the Hector, as well as the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (141bhp/250), also available in hybrid guise, on the Hector. However, considering the near 1700kg kerb weight of both the Hector and the Harrier (close to 300kg more than the Creta, as compared to the outgoing model), the gap in performance may not be too wide. Then again, we’ll be able to give you specifics only when we get our hands on the new Creta which will happen soon, so watch this space.

The new Creta will be launched around March 2020 and though prices are not yet out, prospective customers can book it online through the official website https://book.hyundai.co.in or at dealerships for an amount of Rs 25,000.