Spec Comparison: Renault Duster facelift vs Hyundai Creta

Renault has updated the Duster for the Indian market and apart from giving it the cosmetics; this is now the only option to the Hyundai Creta in the segment, if someone is looking to buy a SUV without the clutch pedal. Check out the spec comparison of the two, highlighting their respective strong points.

Dimension:

Of the two, the Duster is the larger vehicle. It is longer, taller and wider at 4,315mm, 1,822mm and 1,695mm compared to the Creta that measures 4,270mm, 1,780mm and 1,630mm respectively. Even the wheelbase of the Renault SUV is more at 2,673mm compared to 2,590mm.

If ground clearance is an important aspect for off-roading, then the Duster seems to have an upper hand at 205mm. Although, the 183mm ground clearance of the Creta, isn’t too bad either for everyday use.

Equipment:

Where the Renault has an upper hand in terms of dimension, the Creta has a much longer features list. For the top-end trim, it comes with projector headlamps and DRLs, engine start/stop button, six-speaker music system and leather upholstery.

While the Duster had previously received lot of flak for the interior quality, it would probably change with the new one. It now has soft touch material for the dashboard and also more features with ergonomic design. Even the Duster now gets touch-screen system with navigation for the top-end, though it has only four speakers. 

On safety, Renault offers dual airbags, along with ABS-EBD. The Hyundai has a large safety net for the top-end variant. The Creta SX (O) gets six airbags, ABS-EBD and ESP as standard.

Engine:

The Duster is available in choice of three engines – one petrol and two diesel. The petrol engine is 1.6-litre producing 102bhp and 145Nm mated to the five-speed gearbox powering the front-wheels. The smaller diesel engine also powers the front-wheels with a five speed gearbox, delivering 85bhp and 200Nm. The more powerful version of the 1.5-litre unit delivers 110bhp and 248Nm. This engine can been either availed with six-speed manual or six-speed AMT transmission powering the front wheels. Apart from these two, the top-end Duster with the same powertrain is also available with AWD.

Hyundai does not offer AWD at all with the Creta. There are three engine options, however the SUV get a proper automatic transmission. Hyundai’s 1.6-litre petrol unit delivers lot more - 122bhp and 154Nm, to be precise, through the six-speed manual box powering the front wheels. The base diesel engine is from the 1.4-litre from the Elite i20 with power rating of 89bhp and 224Nm. The most powerful Creta has 1.6-litre diesel engine from the Elantra delivering 126bhp and 265Nm – this one is available either with six-speed manual or six-speed AT.

Price:

Renault under cuts Hyundai by almost Rs 40,000; the base price for the Duster petrol starts at Rs 8.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Even the entry-level diesel is close to Rs 50,000 cheaper compared to the Creta.

The difference towards the top-sped variants is relatively lesser. The Duster top-end costs 13.57 lakh, while the Creta is 13.98 lakh. Where the Creta comes loaded with features and high quality equipment, the Duster offers better off-roading ability with AWD.