2020 Hyundai Creta: Which variant to buy?

The second-generation Hyundai Creta is here, and like the original, it holds appeal for buyers looking for a smart and well-equipped urban SUV. The Creta's prices range between Rs 9.89 and 17.20 lakh (ex-showroom India) but with three engines, five gearbox options and five trims, choosing the right version can be an intimidating task. We’ve simplified matters by going through the Creta line-up and guiding you to the best version for your needs.

Which engine-transmission combination to pick?

The new Creta is available with three engines – a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.4 turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The 1.5-petrol is available with a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic, while the turbo petrol only gets a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The diesel gets the option of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

If your running is mainly within the city, the 1.5-litre petrol is the one for you. It delivers adequate performance and does the job as an urban commuter rather well. We’d only recommend the more expensive 1.4-litre turbo-petrol version if sporty performance is your absolute priority. Those who cover longer distances often may opt for the smooth and refined 1.5-litre diesel engine which is Rs 1.05-1.50 lakh pricier than the comparable 1.5 petrol variant.

The petrol CVT (auto) and diesel automatic are available only in the higher variants, and are priced nearly Rs 1.50 lakh over their manual counterparts. So if its convenience you seek, this is a premium you will have to pay.

What are the variants on offer?

The E variant is the entry level model, which is only available with the 1.5-litre diesel-manual. Despite being a base variant, it’s rather decently equipped with kit like ABS with EBD, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, projector headlamps, remote key entry, central locking, speed-sensing door locks, electric mirror adjustment, rear ac vents, four power windows, tyre pressure indicator, glovebox cooling and height-adjustable driver’s seat.

The Creta EX is next in the diesel line-up and is priced Rs 1.50 lakh higher than the E. For the 1.5-litre petrol-manual, however, EX is the entry-level version. This variant carries forward all the kit from the E, and additionally gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, six speakers tuned by Arkamys and steering-mounted controls.

‘S’ is the mid-level variant and it’s available with the petrol- and diesel-manual version. It is around Rs 1.30 lakh and Rs 1.70 lakh pricier than the respective diesel EX and petrol EX variants. For the money, it packs in a rear-view camera, front fog lamps, rear wiper, washer and defogger, auto headlamps, LED tail-lights, parcel shelf, rear window sunshades, cruise control, smart key with start/stop button, and climate control.

The top-most variant for the 1.5-litre petrol-manual version is the SX, but it’s the entry-level version for the automatics with all three engines; it’s also available with the diesel-manual. It offers a lot of kit for the money including rear disc brakes, ESC, hill-start assist, child seat mounts, security alarm, 17-inch alloys, LED headlamps with DRLs, panoramic sunroof, auto-folding mirrors, rear armrest, rear-seat 60:40 fold and recline, 10-inch touchscreen with SIM-based connectivity features and wireless charging. The automatic versions also get paddleshifters, an air purifier, driving modes and electronic parking brake with auto hold.

‘SX (O)’ is the fully loaded variant available with all but the 1.5-litre petrol-manual combination. It’s Rs 1.05-1.25 lakh pricier than the comparable SX variant, and the extra cash gets you side and curtain airbags, auto-dimming inside mirror, ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, advanced MID with tyre pressure monitor, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.

Which is the variant for you?

If you are on a tight budget, the EX variant for the petrol is a great value buy with a sub-10 lakh price tag. In the diesel’s case, however, the EX appears rather pricey costing Rs 1.50 lakh over the base ‘E’ variant and the only key additions being the factory-fitted touchscreen and steering controls.

And if you are flexible with your budget, go for the Creta SX. Not only does it get the requisite amount of premium kit that you’d expect at this price, it’s equipped with better safety features and it also gets a massive panoramic sunroof which further lifts the experience in the cabin. And, if you want an automatic transmission paired with any of the engines, you will have to opt for the SX as this is the entry-level variant for the automatic range.

Also see:

2020 Hyundai Creta review

2020 Hyundai Creta video review

2020 Hyundai Creta interior: your questions answered