Hyundai Creta 1.4 diesel: First Review

Just like the Verna, Hyundai has introduced the Creta with three engine variants – a 1.6-litre petrol, a 1.4- diesel and the range topping 1.6-litre diesel. We have already reviewed the 1.6-litre diesel and compared it with arch rivals Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and the Mahindra Scorpio. Needless to say, the 1.4-litre diesel though, makes less power and torque than the 1.6-litre engine. Here’s what we feel about the car...

1.) Engine: Now this 1.4-litre diesel is the same one that we have already seen on the Elite i20 and the i20 Active before the Creta. It makes 90PS of power and 220Nm of torque and comes mated to a 6-speed transmission as well. In the Elite i20, the engine has proven to be extremely refined and smooth. However, the hatch weighs just below 1,000kg while the Creta being the larger car tips the scale at 1,144kg, and that has bound to reflect in the car’s overall performance. Surprisingly though, the efficiency hasn’t changed by much. The Creta with three 1.4-litre engine claims an efficiency of 21.38kmpl.  

2.) Variants: The Creta 1.4 is on sale in three variants – base, S and the S Plus. All three variants come with ABS and EBD as standard equipment but airbags are offered only in the S Plus variant. Needless to say the base variant is the least equipped of the lot. While it does get Day/Night inside mirror, power windows all round, a 2 DIN audio system with USB, AUX, iPod and MP3 connectivity. It also gets body colour ORVMs and door handles. The mid-spec variant comes slightly more equipped with Electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear power outlet, height adjustable driver seat,   touchscreen audio with Bluetooth connectivity, fog lamps, rear defogger, front and rear silver skid plates and roof rails. Over and above all these features, the highest S Plus trim also gets 16-inch Silver Alloy wheels, rear parking camera, shark fin antenna, touchscreen infotainment with navigation. 

3.) Price and Competitors: The Creta 1.4 ranges from Rs 9.46 lakh for the base variant to Rs 11.45 lakh for the S Plus variant. The mid-sped S variant costs Rs 10.42 lakh. The Creta 1.4 directly competes against the 85PS variant of the Renault Duster. However, the 85PS Duster ranges from Rs 9.06 lakh to Rs 10.79 lakh. Interestingly, the lowest variant of the 110PS Duster is priced at Rs 11.10 lakh, which too is cheaper than the top-sped Creta 1.4. The Nissan Terrano however is priced higher ranging from Rs 10.13 lakh to Rs 11.45 lakh for the 85PS variant. All prices ex-showroom Delhi.