There are already so many compact SUVs in the market and now recently Honda has come up with its own offering in the same segment. Undoubtedly, Hyundai and Renault have maintained their respective position in the market but the BR-V seems to be equally competitive in all aspects. Duster is meant to be a stylish off-roader while the Creta is aimed at enticing premium crossover lovers. Moving on, the Honda BR-V is apparently a replacement for the Mobilio model and hence targets the families that travel in packs.

In spite of all these differences, their body styles, price range and mechanical configuration are quite at par with each other. Hence, it’s logical enough to undertake a comparison amongst all the three models namely, Honda BR-V vs Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster so as to get a clearer picture of the scenario. This would also help you in deciding which one is the most feasible option to be bought.

So, here goes the Honda BR-V vs Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster comparison along with all the important and relevant details about these compact SUVs.

Style & Design

BR-V is completely devoid of the SUV-ish stance, rather it looks like an MPV from most of the angles. However, it gets matte black body cladding, blackened B-pillar, alloy wheels, silver skid plate, roof rails and various other prominent elements that will remind of any other typical SUV.

Dimensionally, it is 4453 mm long, 1735mm wide, 1666mm tall with 210mm of ground clearance and 2662 mm of wheelbase. The interior is all black, yet some may opt for the beige tone as well and dull silver accents have been utilised to make it more appealing.

Creta is a well proportioned vehicle based on the company’s Fluidic 2.0 philosophy. It has been styled aggressively and there are just the right kind of lines and bulges that complete the package. The hexagonal grille has three chrome slats and is flanked by illuminated headlamps containing projector lights, turn indicators, LED DRLs as well as corner lamps. Again the goodies like body cladding, alloy rims and roof rails are there to woo the customers. Cabin is quite spacious with a black & beige ambiance carrying fine quality of plastic and upholstery in it.

Duster is a beefy and bold SUV which looks way more masculine as compared to the Creta model.

The pronounced wheel arches, faux silver skid plate at the front & rear bumpers as well as chrome coated elements are some attention seeking fitments on the outside. Further, the waterfall design of tail lamps and Duster embellishments on the roof rails are some of the highlights in its latest iteration. Moving inside, there is a black & beige layout adorned with silver accents. The boot space stands at 475 litres which can be extended to 1,064 litres while the rear seats are folded down.

Handling & Performance

The BR-V has been rolled out with both diesel and petrol variants, whereby the engine displacement is measured at 1498 cc and 1497 cc respectively. Transmission is handled by a 6-speed manual gearbox, though a CVT option can also be availed in the range. Talking about the suspension and handling, it’s a soft roader rather than an off roader, yet it absorbs most of the undulations on the road. However, the turning radius is quite large and it would require some extra effort in taking a U-turn. The steering feels light at low speeds and makes the handling pretty smooth.

Hyundai Creta is available in 2 categories of diesel engines fitted with a 1396 cc as well as a 1582 cc unit whereas the petrol variant gets packed with a 1591 cc unit. Transmission options include a 6-speed gearbox in both manual and automatic avatars. Discussing the ride and handling part, Creta is extremely impressive and stands out from other Hyundai products. The steering feels in both city as well as highway and the car behaves well even at corners. Besides, in spite of the weight, the body roll is in check.

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Renault Duster is being offered with a 1598 cc engine and a 1461 cc motor found in the petrol and diesel category respectively. Transmission duties are performed by either a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual facility, while an AMT is also available in the lineup. When it comes to handling and riding comfort, Duster is one of the best cars. It efficiently handles the uneven Indian roads and on highways it can be driven around like a boss. Its 5.2m turning radius helps in moving with ease even in the narrow paths. However, at high speeds the clutch starts feeling heavy and the wind causes disturbance inside the cabin.

Engine & Power Specifications

Starting with the Honda BR-V, it gets packed under the hood with a 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol motor that makes maximum power of 117.3Bhp at 6600rpm alongside peak torque of 145Nm at 4600rpm. Moving on, the diesel variants get a 1.5 litre i-DTEC unit that claims to generate 98.6Bhp at 3600rpm and 200Nm at 1750rpm. The mileage returned by this mechanical setup stands at 21.9 km/l and 16 km/l by the diesel and petrol variants respectively.

Hyundai Creta is available in two diesel options fitted with a 1.4 CRDI and a 1.6 CRDI unit. The former pumps out 88.7Bhp at 4000rpm and 219.7Nm at 1500-2750rpm, while the latter gives out 126.2Bhp at 4000rpm and 259.9Nm at 1900-2750rpm. In addition to these, there is a 1.6 VTVT petrol motor that can generate 121.3Bhp at 6400rpm and 151Nm at 4850rpm. Talking about the mileage, the diesel unit delivers 21.38 km/l of mileage while the fuel efficiency of the petrol category is measured at 15.29 km/l.

Renault Duster is available for sale in a 1.6 litre petrol motor that has the efficiency to belt out 102.53Bhp at 5750rpm and 148Nm at 3750rpm. Apart from this, there is a diesel engine in the lineup that is fitted with a 1.5 litre unit and it generates 108.45Bhp at 4000rpm and 245Nm at 1750rpm. As far as the mileage is concerned the figure stands at 19.87 km/l for the diesel and 13.06 km/l for the petrol motor.

Features

The top spec model of Honda BR-V is equipped with numerous comfort fitments like power steering, power windows, automatic climate control, rear reading lamp, cruise control, engine start/stop button, remote fuel lid opener and rear AC vents. As far as the safety is concerned, it gets packed with ABS, EBD, central locking, dual front airbags, anti-theft alarm, keyless entry, engine immobilizer and much more. However, it is devoid of some essential elements like brake assist, rear camera as well as parking sensors.

The top ranging model in the Hyundai Creta lineup is adorned with a wide range of comfort features like trunk light, automatic climate control, remote fuel lid opener, multi-function steering wheel, rear seat centre armrest, vanity mirror, cup holders, leather seats and height adjustable driving seat. Safety is ensured by a host of components like rear camera, parking sensors, anti-theft alarm, dual as well as side airbags and anti-theft device. It doesn’t get facilities like cruise control, rear reading lamp, and brake assist.

Now comes the Duster which is fitted with a wide array of essential features including leather covered multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, seat lumbar support, navigation system, rear seat headrest, glove compartment, digital odometer, ORVM turn indicators, and so on. For safety, it carries child safety locks, ABS, EBD, rear seatbelts, door ajar warning, traction control, vehicle stability control system, etc. Some features that are not present in the car include side airbags, anti-theft alarm, engine start/stop button, and rear AC vents.

Pricing & Color

Honda BR-V has 9 variants across the lineup with the price range starting from INR 8.9 Lacs (ex-showroom) and going up to INR 13.18 Lacs (ex-showroom). It has been rolled out in 6 different paint shades mentioned in the list below:

• Alabaster Silver Metallic

• Urban Titanium Metallic

• Carnelian Red Pearl

• Taffeta White

• Golden Brown Metallic

• Orchid White Pearl

Hyundai Creta is available in the market with 15 different variants in the whole range whereby the entry level model is offered at INR 9.27 Lacs (ex-showroom) and the top end model is priced at INR 14.62 Lacs (ex-showroom). The range of color options are enlisted below:

• Red Passion

• Pearl Beige

• Sleek Silver

• Star Dust

• Mystic Blue

• Phantom Black

• Polar White

Renault Duster price range starts from INR 8.65 Lacs (Ex-showroom) and the top range model is tagged at INR 13.89 Lacs (ex-showroom). The exterior paint shades that can be opted by the prospective buyers are as follows:

• Comet Grey

• Amazon Green

• Cayenne Orange

• Pearl White

• Galaxy Black

• Woodland Brown

• Moonlight Silver

Verdict

After taking on the Honda BR-V vs Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster comparison, it is quite clear that all the three SUVs have something special to offer. Discussing them one by one, we start with Honda BR-V.

BR-V is new to the Indian market, but still has a lot of potential to rule the SUV segment. The features are offered as per the price range and mechanically also everything is decent enough. The only thing that could be pointed out is the absence of some essential elements like parking sensors and rear camera. Moreover, some buyers may feel reluctant to buy it since there are already so many reliable options available in the market.

Then comes the Creta which is essentially a premium crossover reflecting the classy and stylish aspects. It’s something that can’t be considered as a rugged and off-road vehicle because of the looks and elegance it has got. It is loaded with all kinds of essential features, particularly at the safety front. Discussing about the ride and handling, it can considered to be better than the BR-V and on par with Duster.

Next in discussion is Duster which is undoubtedly the king in this segment. It has got a charm as well as all the qualities of a rough & tough UV. However since the price range is comparatively less than the above two, it doesn’t get all kinds of comfort and safety features. Yet it’s one of the most appreciated and preferred cars in India owing to the ride handling performance and list of features on the offer.

So, this was the Honda BR-V vs Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster comparison alongside all the aspects of the SUVs. If you liked it then don’t forget to mention your valuable feedback in the comments section below.

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