New Delhi: There are two major trends emerging in the current Indian automobile market and that is largely centered around the fact that SUVs sell and also SUVs with petrol engines. In the past SUVs used to come with diesel engines only as it fitted with the notion that SUV owners drive them more and also to handle the extra weight of an SUV, a torque rich diesel would only fit. Plus for those long journeys a diesel will give more efficiency and a longer range. Now SUVs are still in demand but diesel, while still being preferred by a certain section of buyers, is losing in majority to petrols. Now mostly the standard petrol engine is not suited to a large SUV since an SUV needs the diesel torque and also then a naturally aspirated petrol will not be as efficient. The solution? A turbo petrol engine. Over the past two years SUVs with turbo petrols have flooded in and they have fixed the above issues with more torque along with better fuel efficiency. If not driven hard, a turbo petrol is quite efficient even if still not as good as a diesel though. Hence to check this trend we have brought together the new Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster turbo petrol. The Creta with the turbo petrol has been a popular choice while the just-launched Duster has thrown away its popular diesel engine for a powerful turbo petrol.

Also READ: New Land Rover Defender First Look Review



Let us start with the new Creta and here it shows how far SUVs in this class have come in terms of dynamics. The new Creta highlight has to be its new 1.4l turbo petrol with a 7-speed DCT with special drive modes too. It makes 140 bhp and 242Nm. A turbo petrol is a much better bet in the city at low speeds where the DCT and the engine make progress at slow speeds easy plus it is also responsive. The DCT here in the Creta felt smooth while the power delivery is very linear too. To get the maximum performance out of this, you need to put it in Sport and also use the steering paddles where the engine tone gets stronger and performance is harder. The engine gets vocal for sure but performance is strong and that is something not even a larger displacement naturally aspirated petrol engine can match. By that we mean the 1.4 turbo on the Creta is way better even if Hyundai has put in a 1.6l petrol without a turbo. Drive carefully and you will get near the 17 kmpl official figure too! Hence at Rs 17 lakh the Creta is a turbo petrol SUV with all the tech and a sophisticated gearbox and shows how SUVs have changed.

Onto the Duster and Renault have taken a different route. The Duster is known for its rugged abilities and suspension plus the diesel engine. Now it has a 1.3l turbo petrol with the most power at 156 bhp and 254Nm. That is a lot and here we have the 6-speed manual- the one to buy at Rs 11.9 lakh (a pricier CVT is also there), you cannot get more power for the money! The Duster is an old school proper turbo petrol as with a manual you get the turbo rush more. It is a lot powerful and feels like it. With a manual you are involved and once past the slight lag, the Duster flies and is really quick. The outright performance is impressive plus the manual is nice to use as well plus it has so much torque that you hardly need to shift a lot in the city. What is also impressive is the ride and handling where the Duster feels tough and goes upto high speeds with ease. However the steering is at odds and is not as fitted to handle the power of the engine. You will get around 10kmpl also and not more.



However at Rs 11.9 lakh, you also cannot get more power for this money and it is cheaper than many compact SUVs! The Duster Turbo is a bargain in that way provided you can live with the lack of features or the interior which is showing its age. It is fun in an old school way and for those who want something different and rugged. The Creta is the opposite end and at Rs 17 lakh it gives you a sophisticated driving experience coupled with a feature rich interior and everything you can ask for. The Creta is the sportier modern day SUV for the urban jungle with a fast turbo petrol while the Duster is a SUV that is more for the rough terrain but also fitted with a fast turbo petrol. Thus it depends on if you want the long feature list and the modern feel along with a slick DCT auto or the rugged old school but also fun turbo rush that the Duster gives. Either way these two show how much capable and fun to drive modern turbo petrol SUVs have become! Diesel is no longer the norm for SUVs now!



Hyundai Creta Turbo

We like- quality, features, DCT automatic, engine, space

We do not- a bit expensive, slight firm ride

Renault Duster Turbo

We like- Value for money, engine power, suspension

We do not-lacks features, interior is old now

Car loan Information:

Calculate Car Loan EMI