Cartrade Comparison Test
Exterior:
Hyundai Creta’s exterior design is as impressive as it gets in the compact SUV segment, the reason being this small of an SUV seeks inspiration from Hyundai’s flagship offering, Santa Fe. Creta seeks design cues from Fluidic Scuplture 2.0 which happens to be the brand’s new design language to be seen on all modern cars. The front gets a multi slate chrome dipped radiator grille with edgy sweeping headlights. It also features high intensity projector lights with LED position strips and cornering lamps. The lower section of the front bumper is finished in contrasting matte and has vertically slotted fog lamps. The side has a strong shoulder line with darkened B-pillar and rugged cladding running by the rocker moulding. The rear gets a compact tail lid with sharp tail lights and a high positioned registration plate. The lower half again features the same matte cladding.
The Mahindra Scorpio was always one of the best looking SUVs and the main reason for that was its macho appeal and immense street presence. The new Scorpio which received world of updates has been redesigned almost completely except for the roof and doors. Inspired by international line of SUVs, it gets a radical angry face with sabre toothed radiator grille. The twin barrel headlights which look very reminiscent of the one on Dodge cars look ultra modern with projectors and cornering lamps. In addition, they also feature LED position strips which give it a ‘cool’ appeal. The bonnet too features new lines along with a scoop.
When seen along its length, it features brand new alloy wheels with an edgy design. The overall profile has been retained from the earlier model but there are modern bits nicely planted on the side like the door mirrors are new and can be electrically adjustable from inside. It also gets the model name embossed on the rear doors. The rear tail gate, when launched, features a unique appliqué which has now been missed deliberately owing to its feedback. Adding to the overall modernity are the LED tail lamps as well.
Interior:
Hyundai Creta:
The interiors of new Hyundai Creta, much like the exteriors, earn a lot of praise on various grounds. Firstly, the dashboard and the console are neatly placed and the entire arrangement doesn’t feel clustered. The interiors are done in dual shades of beige and black. In terms of comfort, the seats in the Hyundai Creta offer the best in the segment.
They are well cushioned and supported except for a minor under thigh support missing. The legroom for front and rear occupants is decent. Only the driver seat gets height adjustment. The design of the dashboard and the central console doesn’t eat up on the front passenger space which makes it rooms. Also, the overall design of the roofline makes it offer better headroom than some of its rivals. To make sure the rear occupants are in comfort too, there is a centrally located AC vent which maintains the same temperature as front. In terms of features and in typical Hyundai style, the Creta too features a 2-DIN music system with BT, USB and Aux-In connectivity options. The system also has an on-board 1GB memory storage option. Also, seen in the Creta are the numerous storage options with a generously sized boot space.
Mahindra Scorpio:
The interiors of Mahindra Scorpio were boring and dull in the previous model and Mahindra took a strong note of that. In fact, the trims, layout and materials used in the new Scorpio make it look premium compared to the earlier generation offering. The brighter dashboard, modern console, new steering wheel and everything related to them leaves a positive impression. Most importantly, the fit and finish of plastics and the built quality of knobs and buttons has improved hugely. Paired with the addition of modern equipment, the Scorpio looks the best among its rivals.
The interior space and comfort of the new Scorpio has not been altered and has been left intact like the previous model. The seats are well cushioned and score decent in terms of comfort levels. For taller passengers, the front and rear seats are adequately spaced but it is only in the third row where the major discomfort is experienced. In terms of equipment and features, it has all the modern bits of Bluetooth telephony, satellite navigation system and high end music system, all operational via a touchscreen unit.
Engine:
Hyundai Creta:
The Hyundai Creta comes with numerous engine options. The petrol motor makes use of a 1.6-litre Dual VTVT engine that produces 121 bhp of power at 6400 rpm and 154Nm of torque at 4850 rpm. The engine is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It delivers a mileage of 12.65 km/l. The diesel comes in a 1.4-litre CRDi configuration that makes 88 bhp of power at 4000 rpm and generates a torque output of 224 Nm at a band of 1500 to 2750 rpm also delivers a mileage of 21km/l. The Creta also comes with a higher displacement 1.6-litre CRDi motor that makes 126 bhp at 4000 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 1900 to 2750 rpm. In addition to a 6-speed manual, this unit comes with an optional 6-speed automatic box.
The noise levels inside the Hyundai Creta are very well contained as there is no unnecessary noise seeping inside the cabin. The credit to this feature goes to the impressive manufacturing technology that Hyundai uses to make sure the vehicle is put together in the best way possible. The power delivery varies with the engines as the petrol seem well spirited for shorter dash but then runs out of breath on highways while for the diesel, the performance gets impressive as it enter longer and empty stretches of road and not the most suggested to be driven inside the city. The automatic box helps greatly in removing the woes of multiple shifts.
Mahindra Scorpio:
The new Scorpio comes in two different tunes of engines. Firstly, there is a 2523 cc m2DICR four-cylinder, Turbo Charged, Direct Injection, Common Rail Diesel Engine that makes 75 bhp of power at 3200 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at between 1400 to 2200 rpm. This motor, since basic, only powers the entre level S2 variant. Other variants make use of a powerful 2.2-litre engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger. This one makes 120 bhp of power at 4000 rpm and generates a torque output of 280 Nm at between 1800 to 2800 rpm. Both these motors are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, the top end S10AT variant comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Along with giving it a new face and refurnishing the inside, the motor has been tuned for a smoother delivery. The transmission too has been improved but is still not the best when it comes to quick shifting. The clutch travel has been worked upon to make it more effective without the extra effort to engage. The high note of the new Scorpio has to be its torquey delivery which comes extremely hand on highways. The constant need to shift gears while overtaking has completely gone away.
Ride and Handling:
Hyundai Creta:
The Hyundai Creta does fit in the SUV category with its bulging exteriors and tall stance but none of that come across as an obstacle when it comes to tackling city traffic or swallowing long miles on the highway. The driving dynamics is similar to any hatchback as the steering is extremely light making it easy to drive in tight situations. The suspensions setup does a good job in making the Creta drive over surfaces with great ease. The front is powered by a McPherson Strut with Coil Spring suspension while the rear is equipped with a Coupled Torsion Beam with Coil Spring. Collectively, they do a great job in making the ride feel confident and comfortable at the same time.
Mahindra Scorpio:
Importantly, Mahindra has effectively used the feedback from the earlier generation Scorpio customers and improved it to a great extent in the new Scorpio. The platform has been modified and the overall weight has been brought down to fight the sluggish performance. To make this beasty looking SUV more convenient in city driving conditions, the front and rear tracks have been widened as to make it easily manoeuvrable with a better turning radius.
The body roll, as experienced in the earlier Scorpio, has been removed to a great percentage by applying anti-roll bar on the rear suspension. Even the damper settings have been tweaked to make sure they nullify the disturbances caused on harsh roads. Helping the same are larger profile tyres. The NVH levels have got better in the new Scorpio as the ride is a lot smoother than before.
Value for Money:
Hyundai Creta :
The prices of Hyudai Creta petrol variants lie between Rs 9.01 lakhs to Rs 11.74 lakhs while that of diesel variants vary between Rs 9.93 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs. The more powerful 1.6L diesel variants are priced between Rs 12.16 lakhs to Rs 14.23 lakhs. Hyundai Creta offers the best of design, feel and performance and is also one of the best options in the segment.
Mahindra Scorpio:
Even though the overall vehicle has not been given a new generation makeover, the new Scorpio has got better with the new altering done on the suspensions, engine, design and interiors front. Mahindras have also worked on getting the fit and finish right and a big reason for that is the entry of many foreign players in this lucrative segment. The Indian utility vehicle manufacturer had to get its act right with the new version and it has done justice to the upgrade. The Mahindra Scorpio is priced between Rs 8.53 lakhs for the S2 variant to Rs 13.94 lakhs for the S10 4WD variant.
Hyundai Creta Vs Mahindra Scorpio:
Mahindra’s popular offering, the Scorpio scores more in terms of a larger engine and also a true rugged SUV which can go on territories where the Hyundai Creta can’t but the overall package and features of Hyundai Creta make it more appealing over the Mahindra Scorpio.
![Hyundai Creta [2020-2023]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/41564/hyundai-creta-right-front-three-quarter9.jpeg?q=80 "Hyundai Creta [2020-2023]")
