Introduction
In 2015, Hyundai introduced the Creta to the Indian market, and it quickly became a household name, dominating the mid-size SUV segment. With over 10 lakh units sold in just over eight years, the Creta continues to reign supreme. Hyundai claims that a Creta is sold every five minutes in India, underscoring its immense popularity. Let’s dive into the comparison of Creta vs Seltos to see which one comes out on top.
Yet, staying at the top is often harder than reaching it. The Creta faces stiff competition from within its family, the Kia Seltos, a formidable rival that matches it in almost every aspect. The Creta and Seltos share the same platform, engines, and many features but deliver unique driving experiences.
Design: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Hyundai Creta
The 2024 Hyundai Creta has received a significant facelift, resulting in a fresh and contemporary appearance. The new squared-off front end replaces the unconventional look of the outgoing model, giving it a more modern yet familiar vibe. The side profile remains mostly unchanged, with redesigned 17-inch alloys as the only notable update. At the rear, a seamless light bar adds sophistication, albeit with a hint of resemblance to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The new dark green metallic paint is particularly striking.
Kia Seltos
On the other hand, the Kia Seltos stands out with its aggressive design language. Parked side by side, the Seltos commands more attention, thanks to its bold and youthful styling. Despite having the same wheelbase as the Creta, the Seltos appears larger due to its slightly greater width, height, and length. The top-trim GTX+ / X-Line variants come with larger 18-inch alloys, enhancing its visual appeal. In terms of aesthetics, the Seltos is undeniably more striking.
Engine and Performance: Power Play
Both the Creta and Seltos offer identical powertrains, including 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol, diesel, and turbo-petrol engines. However, there are some differences in transmission options. The Creta offers a 6-speed manual in diesel versions, while the Seltos features a 6-speed iMT (clutch-pedal-less manual). Common options include DCT (turbo-petrol), torque converter (diesel), and CVT and MT (NA petrol).
1.5 NA Petrol Engine
This engine, producing 113bhp and 144Nm, is the backbone of the petrol range for both SUVs. It’s smooth, adequately powerful, and perfect for daily driving, though it loses steam at high rpm.
Turbo-Petrol Engine
The turbocharged petrol unit, offering 158bhp and 253Nm, is a different beast. It’s a brisk performer with a strong mid-range and an even stronger top-end. Paired with a quick-shifting DCT gearbox, it delivers an engaging driving experience. However, it is thirsty, returning around 9km/l compared to the 11km/l of the NA version, and comes with a hefty price premium.
Creta vs Seltos Features and Equipment: Loaded to the Brim
Common Features
Both the Creta and Seltos are well-equipped, especially in their top-spec trims. They feature dual screens, dual-zone air conditioning, panoramic sunroofs, ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS suites, electrically adjustable driver seats, electric parking brakes, 8-speaker Bose sound systems, 360-degree cameras, six airbags, and all-disc brakes.
Kia Seltos Extras
The Seltos, however, has a few extra goodies, like a head-up display in the X-Line trim and rain-sensing wipers. It also offers five upholstery options across different trims, whereas the Creta is available with just one light grey/white option with copper accents.
Hyundai Creta Extras
The Creta, in contrast, feels more premium and spacious at the back, thanks to its slightly more upright seating and cushiony head pillows. However, it lacks a headrest for the middle passenger, which the Seltos provides.
Creta vs Seltos Ride and Handling: Comfort vs. Sportiness
Hyundai Creta
When it comes to ride quality and comfort, the Creta takes the lead. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, effortlessly absorbing rough surfaces. This makes it a better choice for long drives and city commutes.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos, with its stiffer suspension and larger wheels, offers a sportier ride. It handles better around corners and feels more confident on winding roads. However, the ride can be jittery on rough surfaces, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Pricing: Bang for Your Buck
Hyundai’s clever sales strategy positions the Creta as a better value proposition, especially in lower trims. The top-end DCT-turbo variants of the Seltos are more feature-loaded, but the Creta offers more choices and better value lower down the variant chain. For example, the top-end SX (O) variant of the Creta is available with every engine and transmission option, while the Seltos reserves its top-spec variants for the turbo-DCT and diesel-AT versions only.
Verdict: The Final Word
Choosing between the Creta and Seltos ultimately depends on what you prioritize in an SUV.
Hyundai Creta
If you want an all-rounder that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious and practical interior, and a wide range of variants to choose from, the Creta is the better option. Its broad appeal and Hyundai’s extensive dealership network make it a reliable and accessible choice.
Kia Seltos
If you prioritize sporty design, a more engaging driving experience, and a slightly higher level of features and technology, the Seltos is the way to go. Its bold styling and youthful appeal make it a favorite among style-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
In the battle of Creta vs Seltos, both SUVs have their strengths and cater to different tastes and preferences. The Creta continues to be the king of the hill, thanks to its versatility and broader appeal. Meanwhile, the Seltos stands out with its sporty design and engaging driving experience. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a top-notch mid-size SUV that excels in its segment.
FAQs
- Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Creta or the Seltos? Both SUVs have similar fuel efficiency figures for their respective engines, but the naturally aspirated petrol versions tend to be more fuel-efficient than the turbo-petrol variants.
- Do the Creta and Seltos offer the same safety features? Yes, both the Creta and Seltos come with similar safety features, including six airbags, ABS, EBD, and a Level 2 ADAS suite in their top-spec trims.
- Which SUV has a better resale value? Historically, Hyundai vehicles, including the Creta, have had strong resale values. The Seltos, being relatively newer, also shows promising resale value trends.
- Is the Kia Seltos more expensive than the Hyundai Creta? The top-end variants of the Seltos are more expensive due to their additional features, but lower and mid-range variants of the Creta offer better value for money.
- Which SUV is more comfortable for long drives? The Hyundai Creta, with its softer suspension and comfortable seating, is generally considered better for long drives.
By understanding your priorities and preferences, you can make an informed decision between the Creta and Seltos. Both are excellent choices in the mid-size SUV segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and features that cater to a wide range of buyers.
Also Read: Exploring the Toyota Taisor CNG: A Comprehensive Review
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