Game on

Thanks to the rise in diesel costs, petrol SUVs are gaining

popularity. We pitch the Kia Seltos against its sibling the Hyundai Creta which sport common drivetrains and platform.

Let’s try to find out which one is better

of comparing the hot selling automatic turbo petrols. So here goes.

WHAT YOU CANNOT SEE

Let’s begin with the underpinnings of the two SUVs. For those who are not aware, both the

Creta and Seltos share the same platform. The suspension on paper is the same as well. However, what differs is the way they are tuned. When it comes to dimensions, the Seltos is 15mm longer, 10mm wider and 10mm taller than the Creta. However, both have the same 2,610mm wheelbase. Both ride on 17in wheels albeit the designs are very different to each other. Continuing on the sharing is caring or rather sharing is benefitting philosophy, both the SUVs are powered by the same engine and transmission combo. The

motor in question is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine churning out 140bhp and 242Nm of torque. A 7-speed DCT sends power to the front wheels. The SUVs also come with multi-drive modes and even traction control settings to play around with. However where the Creta steps up in the game is by offering paddle-shifters which in our view ups the ante.

WHAT YOU CAN SEE

While the Creta and the Seltos are nearly identical as far as underpinnings go, they are very

different vehicles up above. The Seltos is the sportier looking machine. It comes with the signature Tiger nose grille and a beautiful ‘GT’ badge on the grille. The headlamps are sleeker and are LED in nature. The DRL sweeps over the grille and in general the Seltos’ front end look is to die for. The bonnet too has been given sporty lines which add to the overall dynamic design. In profile the Seltos offers a sporty roofline and what adds to the look is the colour pattern. The rear end too continues with the youthful look and we love the sweeping tail lights and also

the use of chrome. Note that the bumper houses what seem to be twin tail pipe outlets. Another tick on the sporty overtone of the Seltos!

The Creta on the other hand is completely different in nature. There is a big grille up front which dominates the front of the SUV. Then the two-tier lights add to the rather obscure design of the Creta. The bonnet too has been given specific lines to matchup with the rest of the front end. In profile, large windows and a two-tone paintjob give the Creta its unique identity. At the back, the Creta sticks to the overall design theme and offers a two-tier LED tail light unit. Needless to say, the new generation Creta is miles away from the SUV it replaces. You might or might not like it. But you surely cannot ignore the design.

THE INSIDE STORY

While both the Seltos and Creta are closely matched as far as features are concerned, the interior décor of the two is again very different.

The Seltos comes with a more modern approach to dash design. There is a infotainment system and instrument binnacle are all formed into one. The use of coloured stitching ads to the sporty overtones and quite clearly the climate control system looks better designed than the Creta. There are ample stowage areas as well and right ahead of the gear lever sits the tractions and mode controller. The infotainment system is properly loaded and plays out of eight Bose speakers. The IP too is rather interesting and is loaded with bright colours. Red GT Line badges adorn the steering and other places too. When it comes to the features, the GTX+ variant we are driving is properly loaded. It comes with a sunroof, UVO connect features and also power-adjust seats and even ventilated seats. When it comes to space, the Seltos is pretty impressive much like the Creta. The rear section too is good for three and then one has the option of dropping the seat backs to enhance boot space. While the Seltos comes

with a sporty interior, the Creta’s interiors are best called mature. The overall layout remains very different and the infotainment system sits on the centre console. However it is a great big unit and offers good value. It also offers a host of connectivity features much like the Seltos. However the Creta now responds to voice commands as well. The instrument panel is also rather sober and comes with a rich display. It is only when you switch to sport mode that things get bright and red! The steering wheel of the new Creta looks very different but when it comes to usability it is great to hold on to. The gear lever too is larger and ergonomically sounder. Features are found aplenty and then there is a great big panoramic sunroof as well. Space too is at par with the Seltos and the boot space is identical too at 433 litres.

HOW ARE THEY TO DRIVE

Considering the fact that you are looking to buy a turbo powered SUV which is in turn mated to a sophisticated driver centric dual clutch transmission means that you will drive the vehicle yourself. Not just that you are more inclined to having a bit of fun on the go as well. So which one is the better of the two?

The touch infotainment system is inclined towards the driver. The steering wheel features a unique design. The climate control buttons could have been done better

1. The instrument panel of the Creta looks very classy and the backgrounds change along with the modes. 2. The design of the climate control system looks a bit old school in comparison. 3. The infotainment system is excellent and comes with a plethora of features. The touchscreen system is easy to use as well. 4. The massive sunroof on this top variant is a big draw. 5. Cooled seats are something which adds to the comfort level. 6. Twin AC vents for the rear passengers. There’s a digital display atop the armrest as well. 7. Space is not an issue in the Creta. Note the comfortable cushion which mounts on the headrest

Both the Creta and the Seltos utilise the same platform and are very close to each other when it comes to space within