New Creta Vs Seltos Vs Hector Vs Harrier

Can the new Creta compete with its talented rivals? This is what we find out in this first look comparison.

The all-new Hyundai Creta at Auto Expo 2020, on February 6, 2020, in Greater Noida, India. (Photo by Getty Images)

New Delhi: Competition is increasing in the midsize SUV segment with each passing day and now it’s set to get even fiercer with the entry of the new Hyundai Creta. Last year saw the entry of cars like the MG Hector plus of course the Kia Seltos while this year already saw the entry of the updated Tata Harrier. The Hector won the hearts due to its sheer size plus the massive portrait-like touchscreen and a huge list of features. The Seltos meanwhile gave a new meaning to the term 'value for money' with its wide engine line-up and again new technology. The Harrier came in with its stronger diesel engine and bulletproof dynamics plus the huge presence. So can the new Creta compete with its talented rivals? This is what we find out in this first look comparison.  New Creta vs Seltos Probably the strongest competition for the Creta is nearby from the Seltos only. The Seltos changed the segment with so many features like getting the connected tech, sunroof, Bose audio, wireless charging, heads-up display, rear view monitor, air purifier etc. It is the only SUV to have a heads-up display in-fact and its crisp dynamic qualities made it the SUV to buy. The Seltos gets three engine options with the base one being the 1.5l petrol which gets both manual and automatic while the turbo petrol also gets manual and automatic. The diesel even has an automatic option. Thus the new Creta needs to compete with all this. First of all it also gets the connected tech but with even more features now and you can even talk to the car to open the sunroof or the climate control etc. Then there is a bigger panoramic sunroof, an electronic parking brake, rear seat recline with cushion, touch enabled air purifier, digital instruments, puddle lamps and importantly paddle shifters plus you can remote start the manual also. Between the Creta and Seltos the Creta has more attention to comfort while the Seltos focuses on being sporty. The Creta also gives you two petrol's and one diesel with automatics in all. In terms of efficiency the Creta is slightly more efficient. New Creta vs Hector: The Hector was called the internet car and its USP is the massive 10.4 inch touch-screen while the space is also there. In terms of features the Hector does have a few tricks like the 360 degree camera, dual powered seats and a powered tail-gate which the Creta lacks. As said earlier the Hector is huge and bigger in presence while the space inside is massive which means those who like to be driven will like the Hector as it still has more space. To drive however the Hector focuses on outright comfort with attention to the ride quality than handling. The Hector gets a turbo petrol with a DCT too along with a manual while the diesel is a manual only. In comparison however new Creta is smaller in size over the Hector and does not have the space or the portrait touch-screen but that said it is a more fun car to drive over the Hector with its tighter suspension. While the Creta lacks the dual powered seats it has features like traction control modes plus an 8-speaker Bose audio, 50 plus connected features, wireless charging, touch enabled air purifier, ventilated seats etc which the Hector lacks. Also the Creta gets you two petrol engines with automatic options while the Hector has one automatic only. New Creta vs Harrier Tata has updated the new Harrier with features like panoramic sunroof, powered driver's seat plus traction control and more with its drive modes being there too. It was much needed and the Harrier diesel also has an automatic gearbox-from Hyundai no less! Thus now the Harrier comes across as a better package. In comparison to the Creta the new Harrier is of course the biggest and looks like it with massive presence. The looks are the USP here no doubt about it. But along with that the new Harrier has the excellent ride quality with a really good suspension. The Creta has been tuned as a more city SUV while the Harrier has the off-road ready platform. As said in terms of features the Harrier now gets the sunroof plus more standard equipment too. In terms of space you will like the Harrier also but when compared with the Creta in terms of features, the Harrier lacks the connected technology, electronic handbrake, paddle shifters, ventilated seats, rear disc brakes etc. Plus unlike the Creta the Harrier does not offer any petrol engine or automatic petrol. Prices Prices for the Seltos start at Rs 9.9 lakh for the base 1.5l petrol to Rs 17.3 lakh for the top-end 1.4 turbo petrol DCT automatic. The diesel Seltos starts at Rs 10.4 lakh to Rs 17.4 lakh for the top-end diesel AT. Prices for the Harrier start at Rs 13.7 lakh for the base diesel to Rs 20 lakh for the top-end diesel automatic. The Hector from MG starts at Rs 12.8 lakh for the base turbo petrol to Rs 17.5 lakh for the top-end petrol DCT. The diesel starts from Rs 13.5 lakh for the base version to Rs 17.3 lakh for the top-end diesel manual. Now onto the Creta and it starts at Rs 9.9 lakh for the base 1.5l petrol to Rs 17.2 lakh for the top-end 1.4 turbo DCT petrol. The diesel starts at Rs 9.9 lakh for the base version manual to Rs 17.2 lakh for the automatic top-end. Verdict So which SUV to buy? Well, the Harrier is now much improved and gets an automatic but when compared to its rivals, it still does not have some important features and nor does it have a petrol engine plus it is also the most expensive. However in terms of looks, space or suspension the Harrier is still a good package and has much to recommend. Onto the Hector and like the Harrier, it looks and feels bigger over the Seltos or the Creta. Plus the portrait touchscreen is impressive as is the features list and the space. If you want to be driven around then the Hector is still the one and it still is excellent value in terms of space/comfort/features. Onto the Seltos and there is a reason for its massive success which is it being the complete package. From the design to the equipment list to the engine options; the Seltos has it all and that is why it is a favourite with the car buyers. Kia has also given a huge variant line-up to suit every wallet also. Unlike the Harrier or Hector the focus is on the road and not off it plus it is all about being a fun to drive self driven SUV with focus on performance. So what about the Creta? Well it is not the Creta you knew and it has been completely changed. Some may not like the looks but it is bold and aggressive. However the interiors is where the Creta scores. It is more premium now and also the even longer features list over the Seltos gives it a slight edge. As far as pricing goes it is neck to neck with the Seltos as the Hector or Harrier are a bit more expensive. Thus with tough competition the new Creta has what it takes to keep its crown now with the pricing and the longer list of features helping it do so.