Autocar Date : 30/07/2015

Edition : Web

Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster comparison

There are no two ways about it. If there’s one model the new

Hyundai Creta has to better it’s the huge-selling Renault Duster.

And it’s for no other reason but just how similar these SUVs are.

Both use monocoque construction, can seat five and are roughly

4.3 metres in length. A brochure-to-brochure comparison will

also reveal that each can be had with petrol and diesel engine

options and that both are available in the Rs 8.5-13.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price band. Sure, the

Hyundai Creta comes with the option of an automatic gearbox and the Renault Duster can be had in

all-wheel drive form but for this comparison, we’ve taken the most closely matched forms of both.

That is the front-wheel drive and manual gearbox versions of the Creta 1.6 diesel and Duster 110PS

1.5 diesel. Let the scoring begin.

Design and styling- We won’t go too deep into the subjective aspect of looks but a few things are

worth mentioning. While the Duster is marginally longer, taller and wider than the Creta, it’s the

Hyundai that has the more upright stance. The Duster looks more of a crossover but it’s not lacking in

appeal. Design elements like the bulging wheel arches, in particular, give the Renault great presence.

Cabin- Simply put, the Hyundai Creta’s cabin is better turned out

than the Duster’s. The dash looks smart and there are many other

interesting design elements elsewhere too; the sculpted door pads,

for instance, look great. Drivers will also like the rich-looking steering

wheel and how clear and easy to read the instruments are. Fit and

finish throughout the cabin is of a high standard as well.

Renault has spruced up the Duster’s cabin over the past year with

new instrument's binnacle, soft plastics for the dash top and a new

three-spoke steering wheel. But it still doesn’t look as special as the

Creta’s. The dashboard looks quite plain and bits like the large knobs for the air-con control system

seem very old-school. There are some ergonomic anomalies in the Duster’s cabin as well. The electric

mirror adjust control is located under the handbrake while the secondary audio controls are

positioned on the steering stalk (and hence out of view) rather than on the steering itself.

Space and comfort- The Creta scores quite well in these departments. The front seats are supportive,

wide and remain comfortable even over long journeys. Rear occupants have lots of space and even

sitting three abreast isn’t an issue thanks to the seat’s generous width and the near-flat floor. Just

wish the upswept rear windows were larger.

The Duster is marginally down on space from the Creta and that’s a surprise because it actually has

the longer wheelbase. However, there’s no shortage of legroom, headroom or shoulder room here

although the (optional) protruding rear AC vent does eat into the middle passenger’s legroom. The

flat rear seat itself is comfortable with better all-round support than what’s on offer in the Creta.

Front seat comfort on the Duster is good too but again, the cumbersome-to-use driver’s seat height

adjuster costs it points.

Engine and performance- Depress the clutch, thumb the starter and you

will realise just how refined Creta’s 1.6-litre diesel engine is. The engine is

silky smooth and vibe free. It’s a powerful motor too. This common-rail

diesel churns out a very impressive 126bhp and 26.5kgm of max pulling

power. Power delivery is pretty linear and you can barely feel the turbo

kicking in. There’s a gentle surge at around 1900rpm, followed by a strong push till the 5100rpm rev

limit. What’s also good is that the engine is fairly tractable for normal driving and you don’t have to

constantly work the smooth-shifting gearbox to make quick progress.

You may think the Duster with its 108.5bhp diesel engine would be down

on performance, but it isn’t. There’s decent power available at low revs so

you don’t have to be particularly mindful of which gear you are driving in.

Just as well because the gearbox is notchy and the clutch is also on the

heavier side. Keep the engine spinning in its 2000-4000rpm sweet spot and it will reward you with

punchy performance. Part throttle responses are also good in the mid-range, so overtaking on single-

lane roads is not much of a problem. In fact, performance on the highway is comparable, if not better

than the more powerful Creta. But where the Duster trails the Creta is in engine refinement. Idle on

the Duster is gruff and the engine also sounds strained when worked hard.

Ride and handling- The Creta’s soft suspension is ideally suited to tackling potholes and patchy bits at

slower city speeds. And here, it does its job very well, absorbing the bumps with a nice damped

feeling and more silently than what the Renault manages. But, gather some pace and the car feels

loose and the damping isn’t as consistent as it is on the Renault. While a boon in the city, the

excessively light steering wheel also has a sort of floating feel around the straight-ahead position and

this does induce a bit of nervousness at very high speeds. The Creta also doesn’t have the ultimate

stability of the Duster and it does feel a little unsettled when you’re going fast. It must be said that

although the Creta, in general, has niggles with the way it handles and rides, the dynamics are quite

acceptable for regular driving. The Duster has always impressed with the way it tackles our rough

roads and that's something that shines through today as well. It’s the SUV you can enjoy more,

thanks to fantastic grip, reasonably accurate steering and well-tuned suspension. Over any surface,

the Duster remains unfazed and the refined suspension simply goes about its job keeping you

isolated from the biggest of potholes. It’s only at low speeds that you feel some stiffness especially as

compared to the Creta.

Features and pricing- The Creta 1.6 diesel is offered in three variants. The range starts with the SX

variant (Rs 11.6 lakh - ex-showroom, Delhi) that itself is quite loaded with features. Part of standard

kit are two airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear air-con vent, reverse parking

sensors, steering-mounted audio and telephone controls, and a touchscreen for the audio system.

The mid-spec SX+ (Rs 12.68 lakh) sees the addition of a rear-view camera with guide lines, keyless go

and satellite navigation. Top-spec SX(O) Cretas are quite expensive at Rs 13.6 lakh but do get six

airbags, ESP, hill start assist, 17-inch wheels and leather seats.

Renault Duster 1.5 110PS's prices start at a lower Rs 11.17 lakh for the RxL version. These cars feature

a single airbag, 16-inch steel wheels, reverse parking sensors and steering-mounted audio and

telephone controls. The higher spec RxZ Plus (Rs 12.45 lakh) brings with it dual airbags, 16-inch alloy

wheels, leather seats, cruise control and touchscreen with satellite navigation. Those who

additionally want a rear air-con vent can additionally go for the RxZ Option version that costs Rs

12.49 lakh. Points to note here are that a rear-view camera and auto climate control are not offered

on any version of the Duster, while you’ll have to opt for the pricey top-spec Creta if you want leather

seats.

Verdict- The Duster has been in huge demand ever since its launch back in 2012 and that’s something

we don’t expect to change dramatically despite the arrival of the Creta. Things that will hold the

Duster in good stead include its brilliant ride quality, confident handling and strong image. However,

when we see the Duster in light of the newer Creta, shortcomings we’d have previously glossed over

become hard to ignore. The interiors feel too basic and you just can’t miss signs that the Duster is still

a bit rough around the edges in fit and finish.

Cabin quality is one area where the Creta really trumps over the Duster. It feels a lot more premium

on the inside and in actual fact, also looks a whole lot more contemporary than the Duster. You also

get a bit more space in the Creta’s cabin and overall comfort is more than satisfactory too. It’s a car

you won’t mind spending lots of time in thanks to the high levels of refinement. All-round strong

performance is another highlight. Sure, the Creta isn’t dynamically as accomplished as the Duster, but

the fact that it’s easy to drive is likely to be of more interest to the average buyer. In effect, the Creta

does everything the Duster does, but in a more sophisticated, up-to-date and desirable manner. And

for that, it’s our pick of the two SUVs.

Carblog

Date : 05/08/2015

Edition : Web

Hyundai Creta (ix25) vs Renault Duster vs Ford Ecosport vs Maruti S-Cross

How does the Maruti S-Cross stack up against the competition? Find out here

The competition in the small SUV segment will get more intense come July with the launch of Hyundai‘s highly-anticipated Creta SUV. Aimed at the Renault Duster andFord EcoSport, the Creta will be Hyundai’s first offering in the sub-10 lakh SUV space currently dominated by the cars mentioned above. And it Creta also has to contend with Maruti’s S-Cross. First impressions suggest the Creta or, as it is known internationally the ix25, will get typical Hyundai traits like good looks and a feature-rich, high-quality cabin. The Hyundai Creta will be launching in July this year which leads us to the all-important question- Is it better than the Ford Ecosport, Renault Duster and Maruti S-Cross? Find out here in the Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster vs Ford Ecosport vs Maruti S-Cross comparison story.

Design

The cars in this segment are generally good looking and have been well received by the Indian audience. The Hyundai Creta is no different. Based on Hyundai’s Fluidic Design 2.0 language, the Creta gets enough muscle and style which make it a very attractive proposition. There are sharp headlamps up front flanking the large hexagonal grille which is very Santa Fe-like. Higher level trims are likely to get projector units and LED daytime running lights which will lend the front a very premium look. The side is characterised by a rising shoulder line and a thick C-Pillar giving the car a very aggressive stance. At the back, Hyundai has kept things simple with neat, rectangular tail lamps. The design works very well overall and should please most Indian car buyers. The Renault Duster and Ford Ecosport have been around for quite some time now and their popularity suggests the design is generally well accepted and liked by most. The Ford has a slightly oversized front grille though and the small tires on a car with a tall stance spoil the look a little. The Renault Duster is much better in terms of design with muscular wheel arched and a wide stance. The only real problem these two will face once the Hyundai Creta is officially launched will be the fact that that will be a much fresher face and will appeal a little more to car buyers, at least, initially. The Maruti S-Cross is a totally different vehicle in terms of design with its hatchback crossover looks. The S-Cross looks smart overall with a neat design, especially the rear. However, the headlamps are a tad too big and most Indian buyers will place it in the Hyundai i20 Active’s segment rather than the small SUV category which could hurt sales.

Based on the sketches released by Hyundai and the model sold internationally, the interiors of the Creta will boast of very impressive levels of quality and equipment, typical of Hyundais these days. The dashboard is nice and flowing and could come in a black and beige combo with silver accents. Top of the line variants are expected to feature a touchscreen infotainment system as well, although that might not be the case considering the Elite i20 does not get one. Space will be at par with the competition so do not expect massive legroom and a third row of seats. As far as the competition is concerned, while the Ford EcoSport is good in terms of interior quality in design, the Renault Duster feels like a budget car with low-rent interiors. Although the manufacturer has made improvements and it now comes with steering mounted controls and a touchscreen infotainment system, it still feels a notch below the rest. The S-Cross’ interiors feel very premium and upmarket. The all-black colour scheme looks classy and the simple design makes the interiors very appealing. The Ford EcoSport could very well turn out to be the smallest of the lot with the least amount of interior space. Hyundai Creta has the upper hand thanks to smart styling and fresh face. Customers are likely to find it more attractive than the Ford Ecosport, Renault Duster and Maruti S-Cross.

Features

On paper, all cars are almost equally matched with all the basics one would expect from a car belonging to this segment. But there are still a few features that are present in one and not the other. The Maruti S-Cross, Renault Duster and the Hyundai Creta feature a touchscreen infotainment system with in-built GPS navigation. But the Duster misses out on other features such as push button start and keyless entry, both of which are available on the Ford Ecosport, Maruti S-Cross and the Creta as well. In terms of safety equipment, all cars feature dual front airbags and ABS, but the top of line Ecosport and Hyundai Creta get 6 airbags for occupants. One of the biggest omissions on the Duster’s equipment list, the Automatic Climate Control, is featured on the other two, the S-Cross getting a dual-zone climate control. Additionally, the Hyundai Creta and Maruti S-Cross also come with projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

The Hyundai Creta, Maruti S-Cross and Ford Ecosport are likely to be equally matched in terms of equipment. The Renault Duster lags behind slightly.

Specification

The upcoming Creta compact SUV is underpinned by the same platform as the new i20. The Creta will get the same 1.6-litre Dual VTVT petrol and U2 1.4 CRDi and 1.6 U2 CRDI VGT engines that power the Verna. The Creta also gets 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. While the Creta gets a 4wd option in various international markets, the same will NOT be offered to Indian customers.

Petrol

Hyundia Creta Ford EcoSport Renault Duster

Type 1.6 L Petrol 1.5 L Petrol 1.0 L Petrol 1.6 L Diesel

Displacement 1,591 cc 1,499 cc 999cc 1,598 cc

Power 121 bhp 109 bhp 123 bhp 102 bhp

Torque 155 Nm 120 Nm 170 Nm 145 nm

Transmission 6-speed manual 5-speed manual/6-

speed auto

5-speed manual 5-speed manual

Mileage 15.29 kpl 15.8 kpl/16.5 kpl 18.9 kpl 13.05 kpl

Diesel

Hyundia Creta Ford EcoSport Renault

Duster

Maruti S-Cross

Type 1.4 L Diesel 1.6 L Diesel 1.5 L Diesel 1.5 L Diesel 1.3 L Diesel 1.6 L Diesel

Displacement 1,396 cc 1,582cc 1,498 cc 1,461cc 1,248 cc 1,596cc

Power 89 bhp 126 bhp 89 bhp 84/108 bhp 89 bhp 118 bhp

Torque 224 Nm 259 Nm 204 Nm 200/248 Nm 200 nm 320 Nm

Transmission 6-speed

manual

6-speed MT/

6-speed AT

5-speed

manual

5-speed/6-

speed MT

5-speed

manual

6-speed

manual

Mileage 21.38 kpl 19.67/17.01

kpl

22.7 kpl 19.87/19.64 kpl 17.19 kpl 22.7 kpl

While all three cars are available with the petrol engine option, the EcoSport is miles ahead with the brilliant 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine. There is also a 1.5 litre unit mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic. The Duster is majorly sold in the diesel variant with barely any demand for the petrol and it does not get an optional automatic transmission either. However, it is the only car here to come with an optional AWD system. The Maruti S-Cross gets only two diesel engine options and no petrol. A 1.6 litre diesel which produces 120 PS power and 320 Nm torque and a 1.3 litre diesel which produces 90 PS and 200 Nm torque. While the 1.6 L is mated to a 6-speed manual, the latter only gets a 5-speed manual. The Renulat Duster is the only SUV which gets an AWD option.

Ford EcoSport gets three engine options; Two petrol and one Diesel

The Ford EcoSport with its optional EcoBoost engine and 6-speed dual clutch automatic offers the

most number of options. The Creta is the only SUV which features a diesel automatic. The Duster is

the only SUV which gets an AWD option.

Price

The Ford EcoSport is the cheapest car in its class. The pricing of the Creta is in the range of INR

8.59-13.57 lakhs (ex-showroom) while the Ford EcoSport can be had for anything in the range of INR

6.75-10.20 lakhs (ex-showroom). The prices of the Maruti S-Cross will be announced shortly, but it is

expected to cost anywhere between INR 8 to 10 lakhs. The Renault Duster is is similar in terms of

price to the Hyundai Creta with a price range of INR 8.3-13.55 lakhs. (ex-showroom). Having said

that, it will also be the largest SUV among the three.

Despite being the cheapest, the Ford EcoSport

will also be the smallest. The Hyundai Creta is

a tad too expensive especially the higher spec

diesel trims. Final word only when the S-Cross’

prices are announced

Verdict

Initial impressions suggest the car would be

very impressive in all departments and could

turn out to be the pick of the lot among the four. As for the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster,

it boils down to specific requirements and budgets. The former is more of a hatchback on stilts

rather than an SUV while the latter is more of an SUV and significantly bigger. The Duster also has

the best ride and handling of the lot and Hyundai will find it hard to match. Some might complain

about the lack of features and premium feel, something the Ford EcoSport does not suffer from and

does not plague the Hyundai Creta either. The Maruti S-Cross is a slightly different product than

these three. Although all of these vehicles are crossovers, the S-Cross looks more of a hatchback

which could keep buyers looking for SUVs away.

Final judgement rests on the official announcement of prices of the Maruti S-Cross, but it sure looks

like Hyundai’s got another winner on its hands good enough to beat the Maruti S-Cross, Ford

EcoSport and the Renault Duster.

Another winner from Hyundai?

Motor Beam Date : 02/08/2015

Edition : Web

Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta vs Mahindra XUV500 – Shootout

Indians have always loved SUVs and although we haven’t had many options in the affordable segment, things are changing and this decade can be safely called the time of SUVs, not only in India but also in other parts of the world. The Indian market got its first real SUV in 1998 when the Tata Safari was launched, being the first locally designed and developed SUV in the country. Mahindra was quick to understand the market after seeing the positive response to the Safari and came out with the Scorpio in 2002. Post that, it was slow progress for SUVs but when Mahindra launched the XUV500

in 2011, the trend started to catch back up. Soon the Renault Duster followed and now the Hyundai Creta has also hit the market. The Korean car’s main rival is the French vehicle but with the premium price on the Creta, the XUV500 also comes in the same firing line, time for a shootout!

Motor Quest: The Mahindra XUV500 was launched in India in 2011 and was a huge success, resulting in the company opting for a lucky draw to choose customers. Renault showcased the Duster at the 2012 Auto Expo and launched the vehicle in the country in the same year, bringing out the AWD version last year and a minor update earlier this year. The Creta started off life as the ix25 in China and is the latest SUV on the block. The XUV500’s bigger size easily stands out here while the Duster looks a bit old now

Styling – The Mahindra XUV500 is the biggest car here, it’s longer, taller and wider than both the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster. The bigger dimensions of the Indian vehicle give it more presence on the road and the Mahindra is a full sized SUV while the other two are compact models. Between the Renault and Hyundai, the Duster is bigger in every dimension over the Creta and although there are some nice design bits on the French vehicle, it simply appears dated in front of the fresh new Creta. Hyundai’s styling just grows on you with time and the Creta comes across as the most attractive looking car of this bunch.

The Creta looks the most attractive with the sharp design elements, being fresh helps. The Creta’s fresh design does make it standout Some design bits on the XUV500 do come across as over the top although things have sobered a bit in the recent facelift. The Duster’s design is simple yet brawny, the flared wheel arches really standing out. The Creta looks like a mini Santa Fe from certain

angles which itself is a huge compliment because the full sized Hyundai SUV is admired by a lot of people. The Creta and XUV500 also get LED parking lights which double up as daytime running lights when you turn on your parking lights, they also get projector headlights, cornering lamps, ORVM integrated blinkers and come with nice looking wheels. The Duster has a basic interior design and is devoid of many features seen on both the Creta and XUV500

Interiors – When you get inside each of these cars one after another, you realise the Renault Duster feels sub-par in front of the Hyundai Creta and Mahindra XUV500. The problem with the Duster is it lacks not only on the equipment front but also doesn’t have the same level of quality as the Creta or even XUV500 for that matter. The small dashboard doesn’t justify the price tag of the Renault while there are also some ergonomic issues in the car (the placement of the outside rearview mirror controls and steering mounted audio controls being two very apparent examples). The Duster also has the least storage spaces in this trio and shockingly misses out on rear door pockets too. It does have a nice bright light for the glovebox which gets activated when you turn on the car’s headlight. The only unique feature in the Renault is the Eco mode. Having the best seats and best quality, the Creta impresses by offering a premium experience inside the cabin. The XUV500 simply redefines what a long list of features means!

In fact, when you go to list down the equipment present on the XUV500 and Creta, you realise the Duster is very spartan in comparison. The Mahindra and Hyundai get the following equipment which the Duster doesn’t get – projector headlights, follow me home headlamps, front seat arm rest, auto up/down driver-side window, anti-pinch driver window (even sunroof in the case of the XUV), power folding rearview mirrors, speed sensing auto door lock (offered on Duster AWD), climate control AC, rear AC vents (available as an

option on the Duster), keyless GO, push button start, six airbags and reverse parking camera. Meanwhile, the Creta misses out on distance to empty and average fuel efficiency indications, it also doesn’t get cruise control. The unique features in the Creta include a 1 GB internal storage for the audio system, cluster ioniser AC, mood change bar and two speeds for the rear wiper while the XUV500 has a long list of unique equipment such as reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, 6-way adjustable electric driver seat, automatic headlamps, rain

sensing wipers, voice messaging system, logo projection, brake energy regeneration, stop/start system, Tyretronics, mobile app, ambient lighting, rear disc brakes and sunroof. The XUV500 is the most practical vehicle here with a ton of features, terrific space and the flexibility to seat seven.

So while the XUV500 has the most equipment on offer, it also has more seats and more space in the cabin, thanks to it having the longest wheelbase here. Rear seat legroom is more than abundant in the Mahindra while the Creta too boasts of good space, the Duster comes in last but has adequate room too. So the XUV is a 7-seater but you can either get the last row of seats or a boot but not both, also the last row is only suited to children, making the XUV a 5-seater at best. Quality levels in the Mahindra aren’t as good as the Hyundai with the Creta boasting of the most comfortable seats, the best quality and the most attractive dashboard here. But the XUV has more storage space on the inside, including twin gloveboxes and a cooled storage box under the front centre arm rest. The Duster beats the Creta in terms of boot space but the Hyundai is the only one with an alloy for the spare wheel. Hyundai leads the pack in terms of performance, the Creta is the fastest car here

Performance – The Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta come with petrol engines but the same isn’t available on the Mahindra XUV500. Both the compact SUVs are powered by a 1.6-litre gasoline mill but that’s where the similarities end. Renault never seemed interested to sell the petrol Duster in India and a vast majority of cars are powered by diesel engines. The K4M Renault mill generates 104 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque, being matched to a 5-speed gearbox, the claimed mileage is a

disappointing 13.05 km/l. Meanwhile the Dual VTVT Korean powertrain belts out 123 PS of power and 151 Nm of torque, matched to a smooth shifting 6-speed gearbox, the claimed mileage is higher at 15.29 km/l, in spite of the higher output. The Creta petrol is better than the Duster petrol in most ways, offering better performance and higher efficiency.

The XUV has the biggest diesel engine with most output here but its weight bogs it down. The Duster has the best city performance while the Creta and XUV500 shine on the highway. Diesel is the more favourable engine of choice in the SUV segment and majority of customers end up opting for an oil burner. Renault offers one engine in two states of tune, the 1.5-litre dCi powertrain generating either 85 PS/200 Nm or 110 PS/245 Nm, matched to a 5-speed gearbox in the former and a 6-speed gearbox in the latter. Meanwhile, Hyundai offers two

engines, the 1.4-litre U2 mill belting out 90 PS/220 Nm while the 1.6-litre powerplant packs quite a punch with 128 PS/260 Nm, both the engines employing a 6-speed gearbox while the latter is also offered with a segment first 6-speed automatic. The Mahindra XUV500 being the biggest car in size here, also uses a bigger 2.2-litre mHawk engine which thrusts out 140 PS/330 Nm, being paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The Creta is marginally more frugal than the Duster for both diesel engines while the XUV500 lags far behind, being 3-4 km/l lower on the mileage front (even though the Mahindra gets stop/start and regenerative braking).

The Creta and Duster leave the XUV far behind when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Renault Duster’s diesel engine outshines the other two when it comes to low-end performance as turbo lag is very well contained in the French vehicle, giving excellent tractability in the city. Meanwhile, the Creta has more turbo lag than the XUV500 but both cars pack in quite a serious mid-range punch, both cars achieving the ton in third gear while the Duster 110 takes an extra upshift to fourth, thereby robbing away crucial time in its 0-100 km/hr number. The Hyundai motor has the highest redline here, nearing 5000 RPM while it also beats its

rivals hands down in NVH levels, being terrifically refined and devoid of any vibrations. The XUV500 has the worst NVH here with the motor being quite audible, that too with the typical diesel clatter being very much present.

All cars (bigger diesels) come with 6-speed transmissions with Hyundai’s being best. The Mahindra fares quite badly when it comes to clutch and transmission too as the gearbox isn’t as smooth shifting as the Duster, with the one on the Creta being even smoother than the Duster’s. The Creta has the lightest clutch of this pack and with the diesel automatic also on offer, it’s also very hassle free to drive in stop-go conditions. When the more powerful diesel engine from Hyundai and Renault are considered and compared with the Mahindra, one realises the

extra weight of the XUV500 bogs it down in outright acceleration, the Creta being the quickest of the trio, both in terms of acceleration and top speed. Hyundai certainly knowns its engines quite well and that has given them top points in the performance department. The Duster’s handling is very engaging and the steering feedback is the best here

Driving Dynamics – These three cars are underpinned by a monocoque chassis, the Duster and XUV500 also coming with the option of All-Wheel Drive. When opted for in regular 2-wheel drive, all three cars channel power to the front-wheels. There is no denying that the XUV is taller and heavier which results in the five double-oh having the most body roll of this lot. Meanwhile, the Duster has the best body control and is also the most superior handling car of this bunch. The Renault also boasts of a more feedback rich steering wheel which the Creta can’t match although the Hyundai beats the Mahindra in both handling and steering feel.

The Duster has a better high speed ride while the Creta has a better low-speed ride. The Creta rides brilliantly, it’s the best handling Hyundai car till date. The Duster is the most stable car here (has a longer wheelbase than the Creta) while the Korean SUV isn’t that far behind as expected, the XUV500 coming last here too. When it comes to ride quality, the softer suspension on the Creta gives it the best low speed ride here while the Duster has a flatter ride at high speeds but overall the Hyundai has the

better ride of the trio as one tends to curtail speed on bad roads. The XUV’s ride is good but not in the same league as the Duster or Creta.

Although the Mahindra is equipped with all-wheel discs, it doesn’t stop with the same confidence as the Renault or Hyundai, both of which offer powerful anchors. All cars have ample ground clearance although in terms of numbers, the XUV500 has the least (160 mm) and the Duster has the most (205 mm). The turning radius is the highest on the Mahindra. Hyundai fares well in this department with safety equipment and good after sales service

Safety and After Sales Service – The Hyundai Creta and Mahindra XUV500 come with six airbags on the top trims while the Renault Duster comes with a maximum of two airbags. All these cars also get

traction control and hill hold in the top trims. Both Hyundai and Mahindra offer ABS as standard on all variants while the XUV500 is also offered with dual front airbags as standard on all trims. The Duster’s lower variants skip on most safety tech. Hyundai’s service is the best among these brands while Renault’s is better than Mahindra. Hyundai has the most service centres here, followed by Mahindra. The Creta manages to emerge on top, leaving the XUV500 on the second spot

Verdict – While all these vehicles have a lot to offer and you can’t go wrong with either, the Duster comes in last today, it just feels over-priced for what it offers. Not only does the Renault lack in terms of quality, fit-finish, visual appeal and features, it also misses out on safety equipment. Between the XUV500 and Creta, it’s a close fight. The Mahindra might have more features and size on its side but the XUV500’s top-end W10 variant is much more expensive and mind you, we are not talking about the AWD one. In fact, the top-end Creta is cheaper than the W8 XUV but what seals the deal for Hyundai here is the fact that it offers more appeal, better quality, higher performance while also being better in ride, handling, stability and braking over the Indian vehicle. The mini Santa Fe is therefore our winner in today’s shootout.

Both the Creta and XUV500 feel a touch above the Duster in multiple ways, making the Renault feel over-priced for what it offers. Considering the size, Mahindra offers the best value here while the Creta impresses by being the best package in this SUV lot. The Hyundai Creta simply offers everything an urban SUV buyer is looking for

Testers’ Note: “From a driving perspective, there is no denying that the Renault Duster has the most charm, it goes against its ground clearance and offers a very engaging driving experience but feels a bit pricey with the basic interiors and lack of equipment when compared to rivals. The Mahindra XUV500 has such a long list of features and a spacious and comfortable cabin, it is testimony to the engineering prowess of Indians but does fall back on certain aspects which the Creta manages to cover quite well. Hyundai

has managed to offer all what buyers are looking for, making it the best all-rounder here.” – Faisal Khan, Editor, MotorBeam.

“The XUV500 has had no direct competition till now thanks to the smart positioning by Mahindra but the Creta falls in the Cheetah’s radar now. Buyers of these cars truly don’t care about driving dynamics or steering feel, if they did, they would opt for D-segment car like the Skoda Octavia or Renault Fluence instead. Thus, for the kind of requirement of buyers in this segment, the Creta impresses the most, offering the perfect urban SUV experience, the option of a diesel AT being the big icing on the cake, even for me.” – Dr. Javeid Khan, Deputy Editor, MotorBeam.

Motor Octane

Date : 05/08/2015

Edition : Web

Comparison: Hyundai Creta v/s Nissan Terrano

The options for compact SUVs in India are growing and while many manufacturers are entering this arena, customers are getting spoilt for choices. The newest to join this group is the Hyundai Creta, which was launched recently, last month. We pit the Hyundai Creta against another popular premium compact SUV, the Nissan Terrano, to let you know how they compare.

The Nissan Terrano is essentially based on the Renault Duster, which had become one of the most popular passenger vehicles in the recent past and hence the Terrano inherits robust build, well performing engines and interior space. Where the Terrano differs from the Duster is in the appeal, which means it gets a little more premium looking exteriors and interiors. The Creta, on the other hand, is an all new SUV from Hyundai that holds a lot of promise. We have compared both top of the line diesel variants of the two brands, namely the Creta 1.6 SX(O) and the Terrano XV Premium.

Exterior Design & Styling- The stance and dimensions of Terrano give it a slighly brawny look, typical of an SUV. It gets a large chrome plated front grill two vertical slats and a prominent Nissan logo in the centre, reminiscent of the Nissan family look. The headlamps fuse well with grill, tapering upwards, towards the sides. The sides have bulging out wheel arches, giving a bullish look and there are roof rails and bottom claddings. The

10 spoke 16 inch alloy wheels get a black machined finish and these definitely enhance the look of the SUV. The rear looks stylish with split tail lamps and a chrome bar.

The Creta on the other hand is a very contemporary looking SUV. It reminds one of the Santa Fe and looks more premium than the Terrano. The three slat front chrome plated grill, wrap around headlamps with projectors and vertical fog lamps are striking. From the side, the tapering roofline with an angled window line looks smart. The Creta also gets roof rails, body cladding and a shark-fin antenna on the rear portion of the roof. The 17 inch wheels have 10 spokes and a gun-metal finish that looks mean. The Creta too has split tail lamps and they wrap around, extending to the sides.

The Terrano has rugged looks and the Creta looks modern with new-age styling, following the Fluidic 2.0 design language of Hyundai. Also, while the Terrano measures up slightly bigger than the Creta, it is the latter that looks more imposing. Overall the Creta is better looking.

Interiors- The Terrano’s beige interiors are bright and make the interior look spacious. It has comfortable leather seats in beige colour and the steering also is leather wrapped. Instrumentation is basic with analogue meters. A small multifunction digital display has a tripmeter, distance to empty and tells the average fuel consumption. The centre of the dashboard has flip open storage area, rectangular AC vents and manual AC controls there is very usable cavity on the passenger side. Interior quality, fit and finish is average. The power mirror switch is awkwardly placed on the floor centre console, below the handbrake which is very annoying to use. The door panels have mock wood finish trims and it gets a rear AC vent too. The rear is quite spacious and comfortable.

The Creta is a departure from the Terrano in terms of interiors. The quality, fit and finish is easily the best in the segment. The layout is very modern with a black and beige interior theme. With minimal beige and more of black, this looks sportier. Instrumentation is detailed with analogue as well as digital display. The dashboard houses a start/stop button, touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control. The leather-wrapped steering has multifunction controls. The leather seats offer good support and comfort. The Creta has twin rear AC vents. The cabin is spacious and the rear seat has good legroom but the width feels less than Terrano.

Getting in and out at the rear is easier in the Creta. Also, the tapering window line may give a somewhat claustrophobic feeling to the rear passengers, as the window sill sits pretty high. Tall, large sized individuals will have no problems sitting in either cars. Boot space is adequate in both vehicles and it is the Terrano which offers more storage space at 475 litres compared to 402 litres of Creta.

Engine and Performance- The Terrano houses a 1.5 litre dCi diesel engine churning out 108bhp@3900rpm. The engine has a prominent turbo lag below 2500 rpm and hence can be termed

lazy. Once you cross the 2500rpm markup, it pulls very well. This engine has a very strong midrange and is very useful on the highway, especially while overtaking. The Terrano is a very good cruiser and it is only in city traffic conditions that it falls short. Another reason why the Terrano may get cumbersome to drive in the city is because of its heavy clutch, which can take a toll on your left leg in bumper to bumper driving conditions. The six-speed gearbox is good

but a bit notchy to use.

The Creta has a very refined 1.6 litre engine and the power of 126bhp@4000rpm is well spread out across the powerband. Turbo lag is minimal and the Creta offers seamless power delivery beyond 1500 rpm, making city as well as highway driving pleasurable. The light clutch is a boon and the

smooth slick six-speed gearbox is a breeze to use.The Creta is hence is the better SUV in the overall performance department.

Ride and Handling- This is one department where the Terrano excels. The ride is pliant, comfortable and very well suited to Indian road conditions. Suspension set up is brilliant, the way it rides over roads with bumps, craters and potholes, urges one to drive even faster on such roads. The Terrano remains very stable at high speeds and the steering feedback is precise and confidence inspiring.

The Creta has a good suspension setup and its Hydro Rebound Stoppers do a very good job in soaking up jerks on bad roads. The vehicle also remains well planted at high speeds. However, when it comes to handling, the Creta disappoints. The steering though is weighted decently, has very poor feedback and feels vague. At high speeds it can be a letdown. The edge here clearly is with the Terrano.

Features and Price- There needs to be no explanation on the equipment front, which is quite evident and the Creta beats the Terrano hands down in this department. The key features of Terrano XV Premium include Dual Airbags, ABS, Bluetooth audio with audio streaming, USB and AUX, Leather seats and steering wheel, 16 inch alloys and powered mirrors. It is priced at INR 15.58 lacs (on-road, Pune).

The Creta 1.6 SX(O) diesel is priced at INR 16.15 lacs (on-road, Pune), and has a price walk of nearly INR 60,000 over the Terrano. Now, let us see what we get for this extra amount – Six airbags (4 extra), ESP, Push Button start, Automatic climate control, Touchscreen infotainment with Navigation, Steering mounted controls, Electrically retractable ORVMS with turn indicators, Projector headlamps with LEDs and 17-inch alloy wheels, to name a few.

Conclusion- The Terrano though offers good space, fantastic ride and handling with strong engine performance and a robust build, falls short in equipment levels, styling and design, quality of fit, finish and overall refinement when compared to the Creta. Add to that a class leading 3 years / unlimited kms warranty, the Creta emerges as a better proposition and an unbeatable overall package.

Motor Trend Date : 10/08/2015

Edition : Web

Hyundai Creta vs Maruti S-Cross vs Renault Duster vs Nissan Terrano It is no secret that the top two car makers of India, Maruti and Hyundai were both working on their next big launches, S-Cross and Creta respectively. Both these SUVs have been launched in India and will battle hard to get the biggest chunk in one of the rising segments in India where they will compete with the already established players, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. We are not comparing with the Ford EcoSport here as it falls under the 4m category of SUV. So how things will be? Let us find out.

Looks- Length wise the S-Cross stands at 4300mm while the Creta comes in at 4270mm. The Duster and Terrano meanwhile are 4315mm and 4331mm. What counts a lot though is wheelbase and here

the S-Cross comes close to the top at 2600mm after the Duster and Terrano which wins with 2673mm wheelbase. The Creta has 2590mm. In terms of ground clearance the Duster/Terrano again win with 205mm on offer compared with the Creta and S-Cross (183 vs 180). As far as their visual aesthetics are concerned, S-Cross and Creta retain their family looks and have completely different styling which makes gives them unique identity in their segment. The Duster and Terrano however share many body panels hence they look slightly similar in terms of body size.

The S-Cross is based on the SX4 styling and its quite prominent when you see it from the front. The headlights and front grille design of S-Cross gives it a familiar Suzuki look and makes it look more like a crossover. However to give it a tough and rugged look, company gives it a black colored cladding all around along with 16-inch wheels which adds to the sporty character of this car. Similar is the case of Hyundai Creta which shares its styling cues with the premium sibling, new gen Santa Fe. The front end with stretched back headlights and three layered front chrome grille makes it look very aerodynamic reminds you of Santa Fe. The Creta has also been designed under brands new designing scheme, Fluidic version 2 and its quite visible thanks to the flowing sharp lines all around the car. The all around black cladding is also a styling part of Creta and suits the sporty stance of car along with its 17-inch wheels. None of these SUVs carry spare wheel at the back and feature wrap around design for their tail lights.

Engine- For S-Cross, Maruti is offering two diesel engines only out of which one is the 1.6L 118bhp Multijet engine found in the international version. This engine has an utmost torque output of 320Nm which is the better than any of its rival and gives it an edge

over others. This engine only comes mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. The second will be the 1.3L 89bhp diesel engine from Ciaz with an utmost torque output of 200Nm which is served with a five speed manual gearbox. This engine will be for the entry level buyers who are more concern about fuel economy and pricing than powerful performance. There is no petrol engine and automatic gearbox on offer in S-Cross which is its biggest disadvantage and that is where the Creta excels.

The Creta will share the same set of 1.6L petrol, diesel engines and the 1.4L diesel engine which are currently doing duty in the Verna. The 1.6L petrol engine has a power output of 121 bhp while the diesel version has a slightly higher power output of 128 bhp. The 1.6L diesel engine comes with an option of 6-speed automatic gearbox making Creta the only diesel SUV in its class to feature an automatic gearbox. The 1.4L 89bhp diesel engine will be available in the entry level variants. All three engines come standard with six-speed manual gearboxes. As far as Duster and Terrano are concerned they both share the same engine line up which includes a 1.6L, 102bhp petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine.

The diesel engine comes in two states in both the cars and produce 85bhp in the lower state while it churns out a maximum power output of 108bhp in the more powerful sate. The petrol and the diesel engine in lower state come equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox while the powerful version is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Terrano, S-Cross and Creta are only available with the front wheel drive layout and Duster is the only one here to feature the 4WD and looking at the recent move from Renault to launch the

AWD variant of Duster, we can also expect S-Cross especially later to come with the AWD layout as seen in the international version.

Value for money, Features- Maruti and Hyundai are known to give the best value for money with their cars. We know that till now, Hyundai has been giving all of their cars lots of comfort, premium and safety features and we expected the same for Creta as well. However, lately, Maruti has also been chasing Hyundai quite closely in terms of providing features further enhancing the appeal of their cars as seen in the case of Ciaz and new Swift and so is the case with S-Cross which becomes the best feature equipped car of Maruti till date. Both cars share features such as automatic climate control, auto folding mirrors, rear parking camera, sensors, push button start, touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system and steering mounted controls, auto headlights, wipers, push button start, cruise control, leather upholstery, driver seat height adjuster and projector lamps.

Apart from these, the safety features will include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. The Creta also gets four additional airbags, Hill Start Assist, ESC while the S-Cross features driver and

passenger airbag as standard. However, if we compare both these SUVs with the current players, Duster and Terrano then the new rivals seem to have an upper hand with many premium features such as push button start, electrically foldable ORVMs, auto lights and wipers as Duster and Terrano only come equipped with basic comfort and safety features such as 2-Din audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted controls, dual front

airbags, rear a.c vents, ABS with EBD and brake assist, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and alloy wheels.

Verdict- Prices for all the cars are out. The Hyundai Creta diesel starts at Rs 9.5 lakh and goes till Rs 13.6 lakh. The Duster diesel starts at Rs 9 lakh while the top-spec AWD diesel is Rs 13.6 lakh. Terrano prices start at Rs 10.1 lakh till Rs 12.9 lakh for the top-spec trim level. S-Cross range starts at Rs 8.3 lakh for the 1.3 diesel while the top-spec 1.6 diesel will cost you Rs 13.8 lakh. All except the S-Cross are available with petrol engines but clearly demand is not there as till now a large amount of bookings for the Creta are diesel only. For starters lets get this clear, hardcore SUV lovers would love the Duster AWD and it does not have any rival here. It has tougher SUV stance and AWD version has impressed us a lot, so much so its our choice over the Scorpio too. AWD aside both Terrano and Duster offer better off-road ability plus the dynamics are top-notch but they both lack the features, style and ease of driving that the Creta offers. The Creta is the best looking of this bunch plus has lots of features and is the best Hyundai we have driven which makes it a great all-rounder.

The S-Cross in essence is not a true Creta rival as its a crossover but actually will turn out to be its biggest rival as people will compare the two before buying. Both are feature loaded and possibly the best cars both car-makers have launched. Maruti is betting big with S-Cross as its also launching its new sales channel called as Nexa. Its a close fight but we think the S-Cross is a sportier, compact crossover for those who do not want a premium hatch but also not a full-blown SUV. The Creta is a SUV but also with a crossover bent. Both will appeal to different sets of

customers i.e. either a proper SUV or a crossover. The S-Cross is better than the current set of crossovers, without doubt whereas the Creta amongst the SUVs is also our choice. Depending on your priorities take a good look at them both before you buy!