Grand Vitara hybrid vs Creta petrol vs Seltos diesel comparison: Fuel for thought

With EVs on the horizon, hybrids might seem late to the party. But EVs are expensive, and with few diesels left in the market, there is a need for fuel-efficient vehicles. So, how do hybrids fair? To find out, we put the Grand Vitara strong hybrid to the test, and for some perspective, we pit it against the bestselling midsize SUV, the Hyundai Creta – with a naturally-aspirated petrol engine – and also added its cousin, the diesel-powered Kia Seltos. To keep things level, the Hyundai and the Kia are both automatics, as is the case with the Grand Vitara hybrid. So, is hybrid the new diesel, and does it make financial sense over its petrol or diesel counterparts? Before we get to the rest of the cars, let’s tackle that right away.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: powertrain 

The Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid powertrain comprises of a 92hp, 122Nm, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an 80hp, 141Nm electric motor that draws energy from a 0.74kWh Lithium-ion battery. Combined, the strong hybrid powertrain generates 116hp, which might seem par for the course, but the way it responds in the real world is quite a revelation. Having an EV mode gives it the ability to potter around using energy purely from its battery, with light throttle inputs or under light load.

However, the moment you squeeze your right foot, the petrol engine instantly kicks in, which, when combined with the electric motor’s instant torque, provides a strong surge. It does a great job to close gaps in traffic or make quick overtakes, but keep your foot pinned to the throttle and its torque delivery flattens soon after that initial spike, and you will notice a disconnect between the engine sound and the actual speed of the vehicle, akin to a regular CVT. The company says the Vitara has an e-CVT, which is actually a planetary gear system, so it’s odd to see this rubber-band effect. For the most part, this three-cylinder is refined, although you will hear it when it fires up either to power the car or recharge the depleted battery (at idle).

The Hyundai Creta’s silky smooth 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, thus, stands out and is the most refined in this comparison. You’ll barely hear it at idle and city speeds, and even when you spin the engine faster, it emits a rather sporty purr, and revs freely. This 115hp, 144Nm engine is pleasing in its character and performs very smoothly. Adding to its relaxed manners is the continuously variable transmission, which Hyundai has calls IVT (‘I’ for ‘intelligent’). Incidentally, the IVT with predefined steps lends a sporty aural experience when driven with verve, simulating gearshifts. And this is the reason why the Creta ‘feels’ fast, even though it is the slowest amongst the trio.

As far as diesels go, Kia’s 1.5-litre unit is easily among the smoothest and most refined engines out there. However, in company of the petrols, the diesel Seltos is the most audible and, at higher revs, a fair bit of clatter filters inside the cabin. But what’s nice is the ease with which this 115hp, 250Nm diesel performs its duties, and its 6-speed torque converter automatic complements the engine well by masking lag from this turbo-engine to a great extent. It is the heaviest car in this contest, but the diesel has the most torque, and as a result, it is as quick as the Vitara hybrid, taking a whisker under 13 seconds to accelerate from 0-100kph. 

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: fuel efficiency 

The hybrid’s ability to run purely from its battery under light loads is the secret to the Grand Vitara’s impressive real-world efficiency. Maruti (and its cousin, the Toyota Hyryder) claim that 50-60 percent of city commutes can be in full EV mode, so it isn’t a surprise that in urban conditions we achieved 23.77kpl, the highest we have achieved in our tests. At highway speeds, its petrol engine is active far more often and it goes into EV mode only occasionally, hence efficiency is 20.39kpl, which although lesser than its city efficiency, is still much higher than most cars. This is because its engine also runs the more efficient Atkinson Cycle, where the intake camshaft delays the closing of the valves on the compression stroke, resulting in a lower air-fuel mixture being burned inside, thus reducing fuel consumption.

The Hyundai Creta, with its continuously variable transmission, managed 10.31kpl in the city and 13.78kpl on the highway, because the CVT is quite reactive to gentle flexes of your right foot, which takes a toll on efficiency. Kia’s diesel-auto, as expected, does a better job than the petrol-CVT, achieving 12.9kpl in the city and 17.8kpl on the highway.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: doing the math 

Having tested all three as per our road test standard and defined city and highway cycles, their average efficiency stands at 22.08kpl, 12.05kpl and 15.35kpl for the Vitara, Creta and Seltos, respectively. Hence, their average fuel cost per kilometre works out to Rs 4.38, Rs 8.03 and Rs 5.84, respectively, with the cost of petrol being Rs 96.72 per litre and diesel being Rs 89.62 per litre in Delhi at the time of the test. 

If its purchase price was at par with rivals, the Toyota hybrid would have a clear advantage, but that’s not the case. Diesels are more expensive than petrols, but hybrids are pricier still, because of the technology they pack in. The Hyundai Creta 1.5P IVT (SX O), priced at Rs 17.07 lakh, is the most affordable; the Kia Seltos 1.5D AT (GTX+) is Rs 1.28 lakh pricier; while the Grand Vitara Hybrid (Alpha+), at Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom), commands a Rs 2.42 lakh premium. 

So, when we analyse the financials from a broader perspective, despite savings every kilometre, you’ll need to drive the Grand Vitara hybrid for 66,284km and the Seltos D AT for 58,363km to recover the initial premium you’ve paid over a Creta IVT, before you even begin benefitting from lower running costs. If you don’t plan to drive much, the petrol will make better financial sense, and the Vitara hybrid will only be viable if you intend to cover distances in excess of 66,284km over your ownership. Now, we move on to other aspects of this comparison.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: dynamics 

Built on Suzuki’s Global C platform, the Vitara’s tough underpinnings showcase its mettle in the way it flattens bad roads. It drives with a certain maturity, which gives it an edge over its Korean rivals, it feels safe and secure at high speeds, and it is this driving confidence that owners will appreciate on long drives.

The Hyundai feels quite comfortable too, and it nicely smoothens out the rough at low speeds. Passengers will notice some rocking and lateral movements over bumps, and road shocks are felt more in the Creta than in the Maruti. Its high speed manners have significantly improved over the previous generation and its steering has gained some heft as well, which has made it a nicer long-distance tourer than before. However, the Vitara feels more stable and sure-footed in comparison.

Even though the Kia shares its underpinnings and most skeletal components with the Hyundai, the Seltos feels a bit sportier, thanks to a stiffer suspension set-up. While it tackles bad roads as competently as the Hyundai, road shocks and lateral movements feel a bit more pronounced in its cabin, and its steering is also heavier. It, however, feels more engaging to drive than the Creta – body roll is well-contained and direction changes feel confidence-inspiring. The Seltos’ braking performance is also the best of the lot, and in our panic braking tests from 80-0kph, it stops in the shortest distance.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: design and styling

Maruti has incorporated all the attributes that most SUV buyers seek, like an imposing front design and a tall stance, along with a long bonnet, clean lines and squared-out wheel arches. Its sloping roofline looks distinct, and its standout design features are its split head-lamps with Nexa’s new signature three-dot LED DRLs and its unique LED tail-lamp set-up. The Grand Vitara is longer than the Korean duo, but its height, width and wheelbase are similar to rivals.

Both Hyundai and Kia are the same beneath the skin, but in appearance, they’re as different as chalk and cheese. Now, while the Creta’s split headlamp set-up and front styling continue to divide opinion, it appears rather well-proportioned and conservatively styled when viewed from other angles. The Kia Seltos wears a more flamboyant suit, with a plethora of cuts, chrome touches and characterful shapes, all of which are neatly executed.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: interiors 

If you’ve been inside the new Brezza, the Grand Vitara will seem familiar, as it shares several bits with its smaller sibling. Maruti has nicely dressed the Vitara’s cabin with soft touch bits and leatherette upholstery, with tasteful copper coloured elements and a redesigned centre console, adding some much needed differentiation. Flooding its cabin with light is its unique panoramic sunroof. Why unique? Because both its panes slide backwards, thus opening up a larger area than rivals. 

Drivers will enjoy a good view of the road with its high-set seating. Its seats, however, aren’t the comfiest, due to firm cushioning; and some might also find thigh support a bit lacking in the front. Step into its rear and while knee, legroom and width are par for the course, its darker cabin robs away the sense of space. Headroom for tall rear passengers is tight, due to its sloping roofline and panoramic sunroof, and the large central hump eats into foot room for the middle passenger.

Commendably, Maruti hasn’t skimped on safety, and all five passengers get individual, adjustable head restraints as well as three-point seat belts. With its Lithium-ion battery located in the boot, space there is just 255 litres, 100 litres less than the mild-hybrid version. That’s smaller than some premium hatchbacks in absolute capacity, and it can only accommodate a large suitcase and a soft duffle bag, with some room below the boot floor to tuck smaller items.

Coming to the Creta, clever use of bright colours and large glass area lends its cabin a roomier and airier ambience. Interior fit-finish and quality of materials is a notch better than the Maruti, and in this comparison, its seats, both at the front and rear are more comfortable; they’re broad with nice and soft cushioning, and they also offer ample support. What also wins the Creta points is its 433-litre boot, which is not only voluminous, but, because it is well-shaped, also gobbles up the most cargo.

What immediately impresses in the Kia is its richly appointed cabin, with high-quality materials and top-notch fit-finish. Kia has lent the Seltos’ GT-line interiors a sportier appeal with a dark theme, however, the all-black interiors and a small sunroof rob its cabin the sense of space, particularly at the rear. Compared to the Creta, its seats are a touch firmer, and aren’t as supportive either. All three cars get reclining rear seats, but the Seltos’ reclines in three steps, whereas the other two offer just two steps. And while the Kia’s boot boasts of the same 433 litre capacity as the Hyundai, it isn’t as deep.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: features

All three cars are quite evenly matched in terms of safety equipment, with six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitor; the Vitara goes a step forward, offering three-point seat belts and individual, adjustable head restraints for all five passengers.

They offer similar comfort and convenience features, too, like auto LED headlamps, 17-inch alloys, leatherette upholstery, front seat ventilation, auto climate control, cruise control, wireless charging and a reclining rear backseat. The Vitara and Creta get digital instrument clusters and panoramic sunroof, while the Seltos and Creta get electric driver’s seat adjustment, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Bose speakers and paddle shifters. Both, Kia and Maruti offer a head-up display and 360-degree camera, but only the Seltos gets a blind view monitor. The Vitara is the only one which boasts of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Curiously, Hyundai and Kia get wireless smartphone integration in their lower variants, which feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but their top-variants only get a wired set-up.

Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: is hybrid the new diesel?

Hybrids are incredibly fuel efficient, even more than diesels in most cases, and owners will benefit from low fuel costs per kilometre. However, like diesels, hybrids are pricier than petrols, to begin with, so you’ll need to drive greater distances to recover the initial premium, but from thereon, your savings will be proportional to the kilometres you cover. 

So, whether hybrids make financial sense over a petrol or diesel purely depends on how much you drive. If you don’t plan to clock more than 50,000km during your ownership period, a petrol will be the more sensible and relatively affordable choice. But if you drive a lot, a hybrid or a diesel would be better. Over a petrol-auto Creta, as far as the initial price premium goes, you’ll break-even driving 66,284km – if you opt for the Vitara hybrid – and 58,363km if you opt for a diesel-auto Kia Seltos, which is a negligible difference for heavy mile munchers, thus building the hybrid’s case.

Plus, apart from being staggeringly fuel efficient, hybrids are smoother and more refined than diesels. And being relatively less polluting, it gives owners a satisfying feeling of doing their bit for the environment. So, to answer the question, is hybrid the new diesel? Yes, with efficiency better than a diesel and refinement close to a petrol, we certainly think so.

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