Over the past few years, the compact SUV segment has taken off like a shot in India. Not only have SUV’s grown by well over 20% in the past year, they have also eaten into the share of passenger cars. Preferred for their bulk, ground clearance and the power, which are all fitted in a city-friendly body. Keepin this in mind, Hyundai has recently launched its 2018 Creta facelift edition, giving the brand an upgraded exterior as well as the interior. Since the Creta is priced between Rs 9.44 lakh to 15.04 lakh (ex-showroom), you will find other players in the market as well, including the Honda BR-V and the Nissan Terrano. So today, we will be comparing these three compact SUV, to help you choose you the most suitable sports utility vehicle for yourself.
Before we start, we should clarify that in this analysis we will only be comparing the diesel variants of the SUVs with manual transmission and too with similar ex-showroom pricing (approximately). The trims which are considered in this comparison battle are Hyundai Creta 1.6 SX Option Diesel, which is priced at Rs 15.04 Lakh, Honda BRV i-DTEC VX MT trim at Rs 13.39 Lakh and the Nissan Terrano XV D Pre which is tagged for Rs 13.95 Lakh.
Design
The 2018 Creta facelift features a new heavier looking hexagonal grille supported by three chrome-lined outer grills, which are slicker than the previous model. It also comes with the revamped front and rear bumpers with the new skid plate and fog lamps housed in front . Further, the Creta’s side profile remains the same, with a little-redesigned roof rail.
In terms of physical appearance, the Hyundai Creta is a machine, which carries a look of a modern, aerodynamic SUV with added styling to it. However, in case of Honda, though the BR-V comes in a compact SUV category, it might give you a feel of a crossover from the front and an MUV from its side profile. While, Nissan on the other hand, will give you a much more traditional aggressive look of an SUV.
Engine Specifications and Fuel Efficiency
The specifications of the 2018 Creta remains the same as the SUV is available in three engine variants same as the current model, including the 1.6-Litre Petrol (123 hp, 151 Nm), 1.4-litre diesel (90 hp, 220 Nm) and the 1.6-litre diesel (126 hp, 260 Nm). For transmission, the motors are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.6-litre Petrol and Diesel are available in an automatic transmission as well.
However, the Honda is available in an option of 1498 cc Diesel and 1497cc Petrol engine. The former generates the power of 98.6 bhp with the torque of 200 Nm, while the later clocks the maximum power of 119 bhp and peak torque of 145 Nm. The motors are mated to an available option of 6-speed manual transmission and automatic.
Further, the Nissan Terrano is also available in machine options of 1598 cc petrol which is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1461 diesel gets an option of 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic as well. The petrol variant has the power of 104 bhp with 148 Nm of torque and the diesel trim generates 108.4 bhp of power and 245 Nm of torque.
Further, in terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda BRV claims to deliver a mileage of 21.9 kmpl for the diesel trim and 15.4 kmpl for the petrol engine, while the Nissan claims its Terrano to run 19.01 kmpl with the diesel engine and 13.9 kmpl for the petrol motor. Moving to the Hyundai Creta, the brand promises to deliver fuel economy of 19.67 kmpl, 21 kmpl and 15 kmpl for 1.6-litre diesel, 1.4-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol.
Dimensions
In terms of dimensions all the three SUVs stand stretch beyond the 4-meter length, the BRV measures 4456 mm, Creta is 4270 mm while the Terrano is 4331 mm. Talking about the width, Terrano wins the race with 1822 mm, the Creta is 42 mm narrower than the Nissan at 1780 mm and Xcent is 45 mm tighter than the Hyundai with 1735 mm.
Further, on the basis of Height, wheelbase and the ground clearance of the Creta is shortest among all. With the seating capacity of 7, the BRV has boot space of 222-litre, while the Hyundai and Nissan accommodate 5 passengers with the boot of 400-litre and 475-litre respectively.
Features
Starting with the safety, Honda, Nissan and the Hyundai are all equipped with the basic features likes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Engine Immobilizer, Central locking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Fog Lamps, Airbags and passenger airbags. However, Creta gets the additional upgrade of total 6 six airbags, Brake Assist, and sunroof, while the Follow me home headlamps and cruise control are both available in Honda and Hyundai, not in Nissan
Under the comfort section, the sedans come with the Automatic Climate Control AC system, Heater, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Rear parking sensors, Infotainment system, Speakers, Radio, USB and Bluetooth Support and GPS Navigation. Further, the Creta and BRV come with the support of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Conclusion
The 2018 Hyundai Creta is the recently launched model, while the Honda BR-V and Nissan Terrano still run on their traditional design which is probably due for a facelift. If you want to accommodate 7 passengers together, then the Creta is your SUV, otherwise for a family of four Hyundai and Nissan are the better option with larger boot space. Further, the Creta comes with the additional option of Sunroof and Brake Assist, the car surely gets some extra points in its portfolio.