Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta go head to head
The Creta and Kia Seltos are two siblings who are going head to head in the highly competitive yet lucrative compact SUV segment.
Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are strong sellers for their respective sister brands in the SUV segment. Which one should you pick?
Aesthetics
Subjectivity cannot be ignored in the design department. The new Seltos and Creta are radically different by way of their looks. The Seltos has a sporty and signature look while Hyundai has come up with a polarizing design template in turn. The new design language has the big cascade grille and low positioned headlamps with DRLs on top. The LEDs are shaped like the previous facelift Creta model. The Creta looks radical and slightly oversize. The tailgate proportions are rather unique with the split tail lamp and curve on the lip. The Seltos is better proportioned with the signature Tiger Nose grille lending flair to the front while the sides are sculpted and look attractive.
Engine Choices
Specifications |
Hyundai Creta 1.4 Turbo |
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Petrol |
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Diesel |
---|---|---|---|
Engine |
1,353 cc |
1,497 cc |
1,493 cc |
Max Output |
138 bhp @ 6,000 rpm |
113.4 bhp @ 6,300 rpm |
113.4 bhp @ 4,000 rpm |
Peak Torque |
242 Nm @ 1,500-3,200 rpm |
144 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
250 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm |
Transmission |
7-speed DCT |
6-speed MT/IVT |
6-speed MT/6-speed AT |
Mileage |
16.8 kmpl |
16.8 kmpl/16.9 kmpl |
21.4 kmpl/18.5 kmpl |
Specifications |
Kia Seltos 1.4 Turbo |
Kia Seltos 1.5 Petrol |
Kia Seltos 1.5 Diesel |
---|---|---|---|
Engine |
1,353 cc |
1,497 cc |
1,493 cc |
Max Output |
138 bhp @ 6,000 rpm |
113.4 bhp @ 6,300 rpm |
113.4 bhp @ 4,000 rpm |
Peak Torque |
242 Nm @ 1,500-3,200 rpm |
144 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
250 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm |
Transmission |
7-speed DCT/6-speed MT |
6-speed MT/IVT |
6-speed MT/6-speed AT |
Mileage |
16.5 kmpl/16.1 kmpl |
16.5 kmpl/16.8 kmpl |
21 kmpl/18 kmpl |
Both cars have the same 1.5 litre petrol and diesel engines along with 1.4 litre turbo petrol engines. The gearbox options include 6-speed manual and automatic transmission choices while the 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine has a 7-speed DCT unit for the Creta and Seltos alike with a 6-speed manual transmission system too for the latter.
Comfort and convenience
Both the Seltos and Creta come with a huge line-up of features covering comfort, convenience and connectivity. The Creta has a massive panoramic sunroof along with paddle shifters for the 1.4 turbo petrol model. There are several functions like the electric parking brake and auto-hold while the Seltos has offerings like 360 degree camera view, front parking sensors, blind spot camera view on both sides and mood lighting along with telescopic and tilt adjustment for the steering. These are not present for the Creta. The Seltos has a nice 10.25 inch screen with better finishing for the dashboard and instrument cluster. The premium feel is present which the Creta lacks albeit slightly.
Dimensions |
Hyundai Creta |
Kia Seltos |
---|---|---|
Length |
4,300 mm |
4,315 mm |
Width |
1,790 mm |
1,800 mm |
Height |
1,635 mm |
1,645 mm |
Wheelbase |
2,610 mm |
2,610 mm |
Bootspace |
433 litres |
433 litres |
The Seltos is longer than the Creta (15 mm) although the same 2,610 mm wheelbase exists for both models. The Seltos is also a little taller and wider than the Creta although both SUVs have 433 litres of boot space. Both SUVs get ventilated front seats, air purifiers, wireless phone charging, AC vents at the rear, electrically adjustable driver seat, connected car tech (BlueLink for the Creta and UVO Connect for the Seltos), almost identical safety features like six airbags for the top variants and so on. Base and mid-range variants have 2 airbags for both models along with rear parking sensors and anti-lock brakes. Comfort levels are higher for the Creta although slightly. The Seltos has firmer seats. The Seltos however has a headrest for the middle passenger which is missing in the Creta.
Driving Experience
The Creta feels bigger and the seating position is pretty neat. However, there is ample body roll and handling could have been improved too. Ride quality is good on the Creta however with the suspension setup being the one used for the Seltos itself in a different avatar. The Creta is smoother and more comfortable at the back while the Seltos is more fun to drive but dynamic. The handling and dynamics feel superior for the Seltos with a stiffer steering and more feedback.
Verdict
The Seltos has been super successful for Kia Motors in India although the new Creta will give it close competition. Both models offer good performance, features and decent ride quality. If a narrow finish was expected, then the Seltos would just about pip the Creta to the post. But only just!
Source - Carandbike