A new entrant in the Indian car market, the Kia Seltos is not just any compact mid-sized SUV. It is one that has been seeing great success — taking on rivals such as Hyundai Creta, which is similar in size, price and even personality. However, if you had to pick one of the two, which one would that be?
If you ask experts, then they will tell you to go for the Kia. Consumers seem to agree: according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers or SIAM, the Seltos sold about 230 units more than the Creta this August. This way, the former seems to have beaten the latter in its own game; after all, the Seltos follows the very same formula is made the Creta such a blockbuster hit in India.
Just like the Creta, the Seltos is an urban SUV that happens to be easy to drive around, in stark contrast to the rugged appeal of both cars. Though Kia and Hyundai are sister brands that come under the broad umbrella of the Hyundai Motor Company, their rivalry is known globally.
Interestingly, the two have a lot less in common when it comes to their hardware. The Seltos is actually a generation newer than the Creta. Kia has built it on a new platform and debuted a new range of engines too.
What lies on the outside?
Both the vehicles have very little difference in size. The Seltos is marginally longer but the Creta is a wee bit taller. The two are similar in silhouette as well, boasting the upright shape Indian buyers prefer. But when you look at both the cars, you will not need more than a glance to tell straight which is the newer SUV on the road.
The Seltos’ detailing on the exterior makes it smart and attractive. There is certainly a bejewelled look to its headlights, and a dose of bling is added to the front, courtesy the unique LED strip that lines the top of the grille. Once you take a close look, you will certainly notice a very premium knurled finish on the grille’s chrome surround.
On the other hand, the Creta is down on flash value but it is still a neat-looking SUV. The facelift launched last year has brought a larger grille that links it to the latest Hyundais, and the new bumpers have worked-out well too. LED headlights would have added much to the look but the company is already working on the next-generation Creta, which is about to be launched.
What lies on the inside?
Just like the exterior, the interior of the Seltos is sophisticated and shines with rich details. The neat dashboard positions the infotainment screen at a comfortable height and, in general, all the controls and buttons are in easy reach. But what elevates the Seltos cabin is the pervasive sense of quality. Right from the knurled buttons on the steering to the padded panel on the dash, everything adds up to give riders the impression of being in an expensive car. The fit and finish is reminiscent of costly cars.
On the other hand, the Creta might lack the richness of the Seltos cabin, but it is still a very welcoming vehicle to be in. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid-out, the larger materials on the dash have a nice texture to them, and you will not find any ill-fitting panels in the cabin either.
While front seat comfort is good on both SUVs, obviously there are some differences when talking of the rear seat experience. Neither SUV is as roomy as an MG Hector or a Tata Harrier but you really cannot complain about the space on offer.
However, by any account, it is the Seltos that feels a bit more spacious, even if rear legroom is just slightly more than what you get on the Creta. The Seltos’ larger windows help the cabin feel airier and what is also nice is that Kia has included retractable sunblinds at the back.
Also, an adjustable backrest is unique to the Seltos. Where the Seltos rear seat loses points is in the inadequate thigh support on offer. In comparison, the Creta’s rear seat feels more supportive, but what takes away from the experience at the back is that you are sitting low and do not get a typical SUV-like view of the world outside.
What lies in the core?
The Seltos is powered by the latest-generation 1.5-litre BS-6-norm-compliant diesel engine from the Hyundai-Kia combine. This engine will not only find use in the next-gen Creta but will also go on to power other Hyundai models like the Venue and Verna soon.
Though the Seltos’ 115HP power and 250Nm torque figures are down compared with the Creta 1.6 diesel’s 128HP and 260Nm, after driving both you will still prefer the Seltos engine for the performance.
Where should your loyalties lie?
Though the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos are user friendly SUVs, offering comfort and convenient features, the Seltos has an edge over the Creta.
Also at '15.67 lakh (Delhi showroom), the Creta 1.6 diesel in SX(O) executive trim is pricier compared to the new Seltos in diesel HTX+ form (tagged at '14.99 lakh).
When you add up everything, it is the Kia that makes for more value of money.
