The Creta EV will be based on the upcoming Creta facelift, which is said to debut on January 16, 2024.

Hyundai is gearing up to enter the mass-market EV segment in 2025 with the Creta EV. The electric SUV will be positioned below the Kona Electric and will compete with the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Maruti eVX.

According to the latest reports, the Creta EV could get a 45 kWh battery sourced from LG Chem. This means it is likely to get a smaller battery pack compared to its rivals. Maruti is expected to offer two battery options on the eVX: 48 kWh and 60 kWh, while the MG ZS EV uses a 50.3 kWh unit.

It has also been reported that the Creta EV will use the same electric motor that powers the Kona Electric. The front-mounted electric motor is said to produce 136 BHP and 255 Nm.

The Creta EV will be based on the upcoming Creta facelift. The latter will debut on January 16, 2024.

Source: Autocar India

The Creta is likely to borrow design cues from the Tucson and Exter.

Hyundai India has sent a ‘Block Your Date’ invitation for January 16, 2024, which has led to speculations that it could be for the unveiling of the Creta facelift.

The Hyundai Creta facelift made its debut at GIIAS 2021 in Indonesia. The SUV gets a Tucson-inspired design featuring a large Parametric Jewel grille with integrated daytime running lights and the main headlamp clusters positioned lower down on the front bumper.

The Creta is also likely to borrow design cues from the Exter. Spy images have revealed H-pattern lights similar to those on the compact SUV.

The updated Creta is likely to get several changes on the interior as well. The SUV could get a redesigned dashboard with dual 10.25-inch screens similar to the Seltos.

The Hyundai Creta facelift could carry forward the same powertrain options as the updated Kia Seltos. These include 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines along with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit.

We're considering escalating this issue to Hyundai's attention so that they can investigate with their vendor.

BHPian Col Mehta recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Alright, so a fortnight after replacing the fuel pump, our car experienced another breakdown. We are completely shocked by this development! The HASS has confirmed that it's the fuel pump failure again, and this time it happened within just two weeks. HASS appears to be clueless by this situation and is currently awaiting the arrival of the replacement part, which might take a few more days.

We're considering escalating this issue to Hyundai's attention so that they can investigate with their vendor. It's worth noting that we've consistently refueled at reputable fuel stations and never encountered any problems with them in our previous or current vehicles.

I want to believe that it's happening due to the mindless ethanol blending, but two consecutive failures have significantly shaken our confidence in Hyundai's reliability. Experts, please pitch in. Thanks!

Here's what BHPian bjims had to say on the matter:

 I really can't believe that the fuel pump failed again, that too in no time, there is certainly something wrong, either with the car, components, or the fuel.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Had it not been the facelifted Harrier with the updated ADAS, it would have been the facelifted Seltos. With top rated safety and styling, the Harrier has become a strong contender.

Tata Harrier facelift

Review Link

Kia Seltos

Review Link

Hyundai Creta

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good-quality parts
• Loved the 1.5L diesel. Will soon get the fast 1.5L turbo petrol too
• Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available
• Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
• The Creta's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
• Hyundai's competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & up to 5-years standard warranty

What you won't:

• Scored just 3 stars in the GNCAP crash tests
• Oddball love-it-or hate-it styling. We find the Creta's exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
• Firmer suspension isn't as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – is the lowest in the segment
• You get bigger SUVs and crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier)

Review Link

Mahindra XUV700

What you'll like:

• Handsome styling matched to solid build quality. Has street presence, feels robust
• Very spacious interiors with comfy seats and sorted ergonomics. 6-footer passengers welcome!
• 182 BHP turbo-diesel & 197 BHP turbo-petrol make for a potent line-up
• Smooth 6-speed torque converter Automatics available with both engines
• Sorted suspension with good road manners & high-speed stability
• AWD is available for the adventurous, unlike most FWD crossovers in the segment
• Loaded with features like radar-based driver assistance system, pop-out door handles, panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, 360-degree camera, 10.25" infotainment & instrument cluster etc.
• The 12-speaker Sony audio system is fantastic! You'll enjoy its sound quality
• Safety features include 7 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, hill descent control, driver drowsiness detection, TPMS, ISOFIX...

What you won't:

• Negligible boot space with the 3rd-row seat up. Either 5 on-board or 7 with a roof-top carrier
• Cramped 3rd-row seat is best suited to children only. A sliding middle row is sorely missed
• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 197 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Some cabin plastics & a few rough areas don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, full-size spare wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds...
• Concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked, complex Mahindra. We saw 2!
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• AWD is available just with the Diesel AT, and not the MT or petrol motor

Link to Review

MG Hector

Review Link

Jeep Compass

What you'll like:

• Handsome Cherokee-inspired styling & loads of character
• Solid build. Feels very robust, just as a Jeep should
• Powerful 2.0L diesel. Good driveability in the city, fast on the open road
• Mature suspension setup, nicely-tuned EPS & rock-solid stability
• Capable AWD available (unlike some competitors)
• City-friendly: Compact size, higher seating, smooth gearshift, soft clutch & low NVH
• Topnotch safety: Strong all-disc brakes, a plethora of electronic aids & 6 airbags
• We think the Compass is well-priced for what it offers. The driving experience & overall package feel premium

What you won't:

• Small size for the price! A sentiment echoed by most people who saw it in person
• Suitable for 4 adults, not 5. The boot is small too
• Inexplicably, only the AWD Diesel gets 6 airbags! All other variants have 2
• Tiny dealership network. Plus, after-sales quality & long-term reliability are unknown factors
• AWD's premium is over 2 lakh rupees on the road. Includes 4 extra airbags, but is still too much
• A turning radius of 5.65m is wide. Also, the 17º approach angle is too low

Link to Review

Jeep Compass 4x2 AT First Drive & Preview

Link to Report - The Trailhawk

Here's what BHPian Buzzy_Boy had to say on the matter:

Voted for the Seltos. The XUV 700 is not bug free yet. Over 23 years of car ownership, and over 14 lakh KMs, this is our only mainstream vehicle that has failed to start (multiple times). This is also the first vehicle where I've gotten a check engine light (also multiple times)

This is some achievement as we also owned the infamous Indica, Indigo twins at some point.

I suspect that the Harrier would also not be niggle free. Peace of mind is an important feature of car ownership.

Here's what BHPian gauravdgr8 had to say on the matter:

Had it not been the facelifted Harrier with the updated ADAS, it would have been the facelifted Seltos. With top rated safety and styling, it's gotta be the Harrier.

Why not the XUV700. Simply because I don't need the third row, and the AX5 skimps on features.

Compass, Creta - no features

Hector - Too much buzz around the company's viability in India till JSW finalizes buying a stake

Here's what BHPian Gupts007 had to say on the matter:

As much as the home grown brands have improved over the years and worked hard to give us vehicles that we would have never dreamt a few years ago that they would be able to deliver to us one day, I am still circumspect when buying any of the Tata and/or Mahindra vehicles. Their cars look good and with a generous dose of gimmicky features thrown in. However when you look deeper under the skin, a lot of it looks like makeup to me. Makeup that will come off one day during the long term vehicle ownership. A lot of them have tacky stuff and ergonomic oversights which I feel should have never overlooked in the first place.

For the lack of a better word, I feel they lack the 'finesse' that the Japanese and their Korean counterparts provide.

For these reasons, I will stick with a Toyota, Maruti and in the 2nd rung with a Kia, Hyundai or lastly a Jeep.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Overall I felt that these guys were trying to mint as much money as possible by doing the least.

BHPian Artyom recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Update - 3rd Paid Service

• Odo Reading- 31917 Km
• Date of Service- 1st Sep, 23
• Charges- Rs 10,101

Items changed:

• Engine Oil (Shell 5W30)
• Air Filter

Observations:

• Got the Battery Health check performed and the state of health showed 90%
• There was some battery acid leak which spilled onto the transmission and caused a white deposit which upon pointing was cleaned thoroughly.
• The Service Center guys had put 0W30 engine oil instead of me specifically asking to put the 5W30 from Shell. Upon insisting they had to drain that oil and refill 5W30.
• For checking the battery health initially they used a Battery Tester and only upon insisting they performed a full battery check by using the machine.
• The OBD scan yielded no errors however displayed an ECU update which was performed
• The Service Center tried to include some items which were performed last year also. I believe it was Clutch Bleeding and Brake Bleeding and when I reported it was performed last year they removed it.

Overall this time I felt the service center was trying to mint money as much as possible by doing the least. Had I not pointed out the errors they would have easily fooled a customer by performing substandard service. Although they did give some 500 INR discount on the bill, this time I felt the quality of service was not at par. Maybe next time I will try Trident Hyundai centers.

ECU Upgrade

Battery leak on Transmission

Engine Oil before Replacement

Shell 0W30 which is now default for Fully Synthetic Engine Oil Replacement

Shell 5W30 which has been in all the previous services

Battery HC receipt

Attached Thumbnails

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The vehicle has 5 year comprehensive maintenance package along with an accessories package installed by MG.

BHPian Nonstop-driver recently shared with other enthusiasts.

Hi BHPians, I'm currently driving a 2017 Creta SX AT Diesel with the ODO reading 56,000kms. I'm currently based in National Capital Region which caps the life of diesel cars at 10 years, which means my car is due for a replacement in 2027, or about 3.5 years from now.

The original plan was to replace this one with a similar car towards end of 2026.

Yesterday, I came across a post in our society group where a 2021 MG Hector Plus Petrol CVT (6 seater) is available for sale with 17,000kms on the ODO. The vehicle has 5 year comprehensive maintenance package along with an accessories package installed by MG. Also, its very well maintained. The owner is selling the vehicle because he's moving abroad.

I have never purchased a pre-worshipped vehicle in my life. This was never the plan but this lateral upgrade opportunity got me thinking and now I'm seeking suggestions from fellow motorheads if this makes sense.

The equation:

• Buy the 2021 pre-worshipped MG Hector. Seller currently quotes 19 lakh, thinking to negotiate and bring him down to 17 lakh. Since the owner is leaving the country soon, I've some leverage here.
• Sell the 2017 Creta to Cars24/ Spinny. I did a search and it appears 8-10 lakh is a reasonable price to expect. But this can vary at the time of the actual sale.
• Pay the difference in cash. Max budget is upto 10 lakhs but I want to manage everything in 9 lakhs and keep 1 for contingencies.

What I get:

• A newer, bigger, safer vehicle. Do I need these? Not necessarily but its good to have. 6 seats are sometimes missed. 6 airbags too.
• Valid vehicle life until 2036. Current vehicle's fitness expires in 2027.
• More bells and whistles. Do I need this? Well I do miss some luxuries in the current Creta like a sunroof, 360 camera, puddle lamps, etc.

What I lose:

• Upto 10 lakh rs in cash. Although if I don't spend now, I'll end up spending 18-22 lakhs 3 years later to buy a new vehicle. The opportunity cost of the 10 lakh would be partially offset by the residual value decrease of the Creta.
• Mileage. Current Creta's running cost is about 6 rs per km while I believe for Hector Petrol it will be closer to 10rs. Although my expected run is less than 10,000km per year so this isn't a huge concern.
• Lose some peace of mind because of a used vehicle? I'm probably worrying too much about this. Can probably manage it by testing the vehicle thoroughly with MGASS and FNGs.

The dilemma:

• I'm not in the market looking for pre-worshipped cars. I am not comparing this option with other pre-worshipped cars as it is very important for me that the vehicle should be from a trusted source. I'm looking at this opportunity as it came and purely as a financially wise decision. There could be an argument that a similar/ better opportunity might come up in the near future, but you never know, right? My dilemma are:
• Are the financial numbers making sense? Valuation of both cars and am I paying the right price?
• Am I getting into an unnecessary upgrade just because there is a potentially good deal available?

Thank you motorheads for reading my dilemma and sharing your thoughts.

Here's what BHPian yedukrishnan199 had to say on the matter:

An MG Hector Plus CVT 2021 model which has run for 17,000 km @ 17-18 lakhs is a good deal, provided the car is in good condition, you will surely get 8 to 10 lakhs on your Creta if you are patient and wait for the right buyer,as I have seen even Spinny and Cars24 offer around 8 lakhs for your model.

A few things to consider are the fact that the MG Hector Plus CVT is quite a bulky car running on a 1451 cc engine producing just 141 hp and 250 nm of torque which might feel a bit underpowered considering the fact that you are coming from a lighter Creta which produced 126 hp and 265 nm of torque.

The MG isn't frugal at all and would return mileage mostly in single digits. If you can live with these facts, then going for the MG Hector Plus CVT would be a good decision.

Here's what Sufficient-shop had to say on the matter:

Adding to what Yedukrishnan mentioned above, the desire to sell the 2017 Creta sounds good considering you are in NCR. Its value will only depreciate faster as years pass by.

But not sure about pre-owned (or pre-worshipped as you mention) cars. Unless it's someone whom you can trust, I'd suggest you stay away from spending 8+ lakhs, especially for a Hector.

Considering you have an overall budget of ~20L, why not look at new cars in the same segment like the new 2023 Seltos or just wait a bit for the Creta facelift expected to come in Jan 2024?

Here's what BHPian bijims had to say on the matter:

If you are in the market for a 6/7 seater SUV under 30 lakhs, there are hardly a handful of options to choose from, with the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus, your only options.

If you are planning to go with petrol, all of the above are fuel guzzlers, and if you like the overall looks, performance, and feature set of the MG Hector Plus, there is nothing to worry about, follow your heart and go for it. If you get it for 17 lakhs, I personally think it is a good price for the model, provided it is in good condition.

Here's what BHPian mayannk had to say on the matter:

As you said, mileage is not in the equation. In that case, the hector would be a good buy.

Additionally, since it's not really fixable outside, you can easily check for issues logged with MG for your specific car. The ownership is very peaceful, and the lack of power is only evident for about the first few days. But it's such a luxurious and comfortable place to be in, you'll soon forget about everything else that may be lacking. Mainly the kmpl and the looks. In any case, the plus looks better than the 1st gen 5 seater.

Here's what BHPian rnair had to say on the matter:

To me this is a no brainer. I really don't see a problem in you upgrading from a 2017 model Creta to a 2021 Hector. Its both economically viable and also sensible. Though I am not a big fan of Hector, I feel it is definitely an upgrade from a 2017 Creta. Buying a pre owned car is no longer a big matter of concern provided you buy it from a known source. Moreover the car you are mentioning will also be in warranty. Pre owned cars are the flavour of the season. You can see this from the insane resale values these days compared to a couple of years ago. If you've seen the car and you like it, you should go ahead and move it to your garage!

Note: I am saying this keeping the Hector as the only option!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I'm beginning to think that fuel pump failures may not be strongly tied to the engine type

BHPian Col Mehta recently shared this wi6th other enthusiasts.

I'm struggling to find the right words, but my trust in NA engines being dependable has been shaken. Here’s why:

Our 1.5 NA IVT unexpectedly experienced a breakdown while we were on the road. It began with significant juddering, ultimately leading to the car stalling. Fortunately, the traffic was heavy, and we were moving at a speed of no more than 10kmph, preventing any accidents. However, if this had happened at a higher speed, the outcome could have been much more dangerous. This situation raises serious safety concerns!

We tried cranking it couple of times, but to no avail. Called RSA via Bluelink and it connected us with a representative almost immediately. A technician was allotted to inspect the car who reached at the spot within 30 min. After inspection, he declared fuel pump failure, exactly what we were dreading!! The car was towed to a HASS and now awaiting fuel pump to be replaced which will take a few days time.

Witnessing our car being towed away in this manner was truly disheartening. With over four decades of driving experience, including some highly unreliable vehicles, this is a situation I've never encountered before. I'm deeply disappointed, but uncertain about where to place the blame – whether it's the ethanol-blended fuel, the product quality of Hyundai, or a combination of both. Even the manager at the HASS couldn't provide an explanation for why this occurred.

I'm beginning to think that fuel pump failures may not be strongly tied to the engine type, as we've seen both NA and turbo engines experience these issues. The uncertainty surrounding ethanol blending, whether it's E10 or E20, is also concerning. It's frustrating for us car owners to endure the consequences of unclear policies and their inconsistent implementation, alongside the declining quality of modern vehicles. One would expect that with advancing technology, cars should become more reliable, but the reality seems to be quite the opposite. While advanced technology can bring complexity, being stranded on the road is unacceptable. Perhaps it's a result of cost-cutting and the choice of cheaper components for manufacturing. Whatever the cause, it's a deeply unsatisfactory consumer experience, leading to a loss of confidence in both modern cars and blended fuel technology.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Other cars in this comparison include the Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Tata Harrier, MG Astor and Hector.

BHPian RahulNagaraj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Honda Elevate

What you'll like:

• Smart styling with the right amount of muscle and clean lines
• Reliable and proven 1.5L i-VTEC engine is rev-happy & delivers adequate performance
• Pick between a slick 6-speed MT for some engagement or a super-smooth CVT Automatic for effortless urban commuting
• Superbly tuned suspension! Comfortable ride quality with sorted handling
• Clean interior design with good cabin space. Has a big 458L boot too
• Honda's proven reliability and after-sales service should ensure a fuss-free ownership experience
• Safety features include ADAS Level 2 tech, 6 airbags, hill start assist, lane watch assist, ISOFIX and ESP

What you won't:

• 1.5L NA offers satisfactory performance, but the competition offers way more powerful turbo-petrol and faster dual-clutch automatics
• CVT is great for urban commuting but out on the open roads, it's more suited to a sedate driving style
• No diesel or hybrid powertrains on offer. The competition offers both for those with high running. We can't figure out why the City's wonderful Hybrid system wasn't adapted for the Elevate
• Lots of missing features by current standards. You don't get auto wipers, ICE with a subwoofer, a 360-degree camera, a powered driver seat, ambient lighting and more
• Lacks the feeling of "contemporariness" or the "wow" factor, be it in styling, powertrain, features & technology
• The Honda Sensing ADAS system is intrusive at times on the highway; requires the driver to adapt to it and be comfortable using it

Review Link

Kia Seltos Facelift

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
• We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
• Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
• Loved the 1.5L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel
• Both the automatics - Diesel AT & Petrol DCT - are simply fantastic!
• Mature on-road behaviour, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
• Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
• Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, TPMS, rear parking sensors, 3-point seatbelts for all, etc.
• Impressive kit (ADAS Level-2, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, wireless charger with cooling function, cooled seats, UV cut glass, & loads more)

What you won't:

• Turbo-petrol are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – is the lowest in the segment
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread!
• You get bigger SUVs and crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV700)

Review Link

Hyundai Creta

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good-quality parts
• Loved the 1.5L diesel. Will soon get the fast 1.5L turbo petrol too
• Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available
• Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
• The Creta's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
• Hyundai's competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & up to 5-years standard warranty

What you won't:

• Scored just 3 stars in the GNCAP crash tests
• Oddball love-it-or hate-it styling. We find the Creta's exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
• Firmer suspension isn't as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – is the lowest in the segment
• You get bigger SUVs and crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier)

Review Link

Volkswagen Taigun

What you'll like:

• Has its own fresh, European character and complements its cousin (the Skoda Kushaq) nicely in a segment dominated by Indian, Korean and Chinese SUVs
• Unmistakably VW styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Taigun one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment!
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ESC (all variants), 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• Advantages over the Kushaq = design that stands out more, cabin 'feels' better, fabric seats are executed in a nicer manner...
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating

What you won't:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre
• Narrow cabin width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• Interior colour scheme and quality don't feel up to traditional VW standards. Some polarising details too (chrome outside, painted plastics inside...)
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors
• VW’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. Many VW owners find it expensive too
• Missing some now-expected features such as a subwoofer, driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver's seat adjustment & rear window blinds
• Turbo-petrol are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
• Kushaq's 'clever' touches are missing = no spot on top of the dashboard to place a deity, no smartphone holders on the front seatbacks, no ticket clip on the windshield, no elastic band in the door pad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the door pads

Review Link

Skoda Kushaq

What you'll like:

• A breath of fresh (European) air in a sea of Korean, Chinese & Indian SUVs
• Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages available
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating

What you won't:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre
• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India
• Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
• At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L)
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors
• Skoda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories
• Missing some now expected features such as driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric driver's seat adjustment & regular USB ports
• Turbo-petrol are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard

Review Link

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

What you'll like:

• A competent hybrid car for the mass market
• 20+ km/l FE in city driving conditions makes the Grand Vitara cheaper to run than a diesel!
• Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
• Toyota’s reliability & expertise in hybrid systems is very reassuring in the Maruti
• Seamless Hybrid system that makes driving a breeze. A car you will enjoy driving in traffic
• Maruti's AWD system provides impressive soft-roading capabilities. Can get you out of tricky situations when touring
• Compliant ride quality coupled with balanced driving dynamics
• Well-equipped with features such as driving modes, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging, connected car features, wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay and more
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

What you won't:

• Practicality is compromised due to reduced boot space in the full-hybrid variant
• Interior quality and fit & finish are underwhelming at this price point
• AllGrip AWD is only available in a single MT trim. Missed opportunity to market a USP
• Interior is narrow and doesn't feel as roomy as some competitors. Rear seat is best for 2 adults
• Lacks the outright performance of the competition. Runs out of steam above 110 km/h
• Not as engaging to drive as the German competitors or the Creta / Seltos turbo-petrol
• NVH levels from the drivetrain are surprisingly poor for a hybrid. Sounds from the 3-cylinder engine, electric motor and brake vacuum pump filter into the cabin
• The Honda City’s Hybrid system is smoother, more sophisticated & more refined
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, premium audio + subwoofer, electric seats, electric parking brake, LED interior lighting, etc.
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

Review Link

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

What you'll like:

• Very good attempt at making a mass-market hybrid car
• 20+ km/l FE in city driving conditions makes the Hyryder cheaper to run than a diesel!
• Seamless hybrid system that makes driving a breeze. A car you will enjoy driving in the city
• Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
• Toyota’s reliability & expertise in hybrid systems is very reassuring
• Compliant ride quality coupled with balanced driving dynamics
• Well-equipped with features such as driving modes, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging, connected car features, wireless Android Auto + Apple Carplay and more
• Only Crossover in this segment to provide AWD capability
• Toyota’s after-sales quality is usually regarded as top-notch by owners
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

What you won't:

• Practicality is compromised due to reduced boot space in the full-hybrid variant
• Quality of interior plastics feels more “Maruti” than Toyota. Frankly, the S-Cross cabin feels better in quality
• Interior is narrow and doesn't feel as roomy as some competitors. Rear seat is best for 2 adults
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, premium audio + subwoofer, electric seats, electric parking brake, LED interior lighting, etc.
• Lacks the outright performance of the competition. Runs out of steam above 110 km/h
• Not as engaging to drive as the German competitors or the Creta / Seltos turbo-petrol
• NVH levels from the drivetrain are surprisingly poor for a hybrid. Sounds from the 3-cylinder engine, electric motor and brake vacuum pump filter into the cabin
• AWD available only on the MT (not the AT) and the mild-hybrid (not full-hybrid)
• The Honda City’s Hybrid system is smoother, more sophisticated & more refined
• Does most things well, but doesn’t excel in any particular area (other than fuel economy)

Review Link

MG Astor

Review Link

MG Hector

What you'll like:

• Big size & lots of bling for the money! We find the Hector to be well-priced
• A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587-litre boot too
• Refined 1.5L petrol is mated to a smooth CVT
• Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic
• Compliant ride quality. The suspension is tuned for comfort
• Lots of kits (panoramic sunroof, ADAS tech, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.)
• ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality
• 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more

What you won't:

• Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles
• Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer
• The turbo-petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Nothing for enthusiasts here
• Petrol CVT combination is a gas guzzler. Realistically, you can expect ~10 km/l
• No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, Harrier, Compass and XUV700 offer this combination, which we love)
• Some annoyances like the ~6-meter turning radius, strange rpm meter (digital)…
• Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns
• Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car

Review Link

Tata Harrier

What you'll like:

• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
• Well-priced for the package on offer
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
• Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
• The 168BHP, 2.0L diesel offers good performance
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• 205 mm of ground clearance + terrain response system. the latter will make monsoon driving safer
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

What you won't:

• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Few customers have reported problems
• Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking/u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
• Although improved, the Harrier's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
• The diesel engine does get loud at 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
• Harrier AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
• Service visit every 6 months / 7500 km (12-months is the norm today)
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble

Review Link

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I could really feel the cabin to be hot since I have an open parking at office.

BHPian naveen.raju recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Accessory Update - Sunfilms:

After some highway drives when I got the car, we noticed the cabin did get hot especially due to the direct sunlight from the front. Got Garware Silver 70 installed on all windows except the front. After installing this, the cabin felt relatively cooler. But the mid-day drives were hot thanks to the lack of film on the front windshield. After adding the magnetic shades, it felt better but the idea of adding film on the windshield was still undecided.

Fast forward to August 2023 - I could really feel the cabin to be hot since I have an open parking at office. It tends to get so hot that the phone holder gets dislodged due to the heat. That’s when I decided to get films for the windshield. The obvious choice was 3M but have heard some issues with Fastag not being detected and to be frank, I didn’t research on it a lot. Couple of my friends got Saint Gobain SolarGard installed and they were happy with it. I saw the cars and it was almost transparent.

I had two options:

• 70% visibility, 85% IR heat rejection, TSER - 40%
• 70% visibility, 92% IR heat rejection, TSER - 45%

Decided to go with the second option which was the “Ultra Performance Plus 80”. Confirmed with the shop owner and decided to remove my old films, get the new films installed on all windows (Side, rear and front).

Initial impressions:

• A lot lighter than Garware
• I had parked the car outside over the weekend right after installation and found the cabin was a lot cooler than before. I have now removed the magnetic shades.
• After driving against direct sunlight, felt it to be tolerable.
• On multiple occasions, I had to park in direct sunlight for few hours and never felt the need to adjust the temperature to its lowest setting.

Here are some pictures of the sunfilm:

The old Garware films:

The new films:

Drive - Pondicherry:

The real test came few weeks later in the form of a drive to Pondicherry (More on the sun film later on). We decided to leave on Sunday to beat the weekend rush in Pondicherry and it was a good decision. Started at 4.30am from Cochin, took the usual route and reached Pondicherry at around 12.30pm. Traffic in Kerala was heavy for a 4.30am start. Cochin to Salem was an easy drive but found Salem to Pondicherry a bit tiring. Although the road conditions were good, found it to be bumpy and those single lane roads were a pain with those plastic barricade sort of thing preventing you from overtaking. Also the last stretch to Pondicherry (around 10-15kms) was super crowded and the roads were not that great. Traffic inside Pondicherry was really bad with two wheelers coming from all directions. The cops were least bothered as well. We stayed near Heritage Town as our main agenda was to explore the eateries in and around White Town.

Here are some of the restaurants that we tried:

• Mel Whisks
• Promenade
• Coromandel Cafe
• Villa Shanti
• Le Dupleix
• La Villa
• Tanto
• Bay of Buddha at the Promenade
• GMT Ice cream
• Baker street
• French Bakery at Auroville

We started back on a weekday at 9.30am and reached Cochin at night after numerous breaks. Coming back to the sun films - It was a great addition. Normally we could feel the heat when we go to Bangalore and always had the ACC set at 22 degrees min. This time, it was 24 degrees throughout the journey and few times, my wife asked me to switch it off as well during our drive back to Cochin. Completed the trip with half tank to spare.

A parting picture:

Odo stands at around 883XX kms.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The taking apart of the front bumper by these installers isn't a very happy scene.

BHPian Roark recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I recently installed the IPH Bi-Led 3 Colour Projector Fog Lights.

If I understand it correctly, there are 2 ways one can install a Projector Fog Lights in the new Creta. When I had a long discussion with Amit Sawhney from Blaze he send me the below photo of how a projector Fog Light could be integrated in the Fog Light Housing:

But then that required a lot of running around on my part to get the install done. Also, was not too sure, if that would have kept the warranty intact. If I am not mistaken, OEM halogen bulb and the reflector housing would have to be taken apart and there would have been some cutting and chopping of the Fog Light Housing involved. I just wasn't ready for that.

Not to mention the person Amit Sawhney had indicated in Mumbai was located at Mira Road and he just wasn't willing to quote a figure for the job.

So thought of going for the simple solution of just replacing the Fog Halogen Bulbs with DHC F75 LED Headlamps - 75W. Got the pair for 5,900/- all inclusive. Perhaps 150W is a bit of an overkill but then as of yet not tested the lights out - just installed it in the evening. So lets see. Hopefully it would brighten up the road at nights!!

Next, I wasn't too sure, now how to go about installing the IPH Projector Fog Lights. Post a lot of deliberation and discussion internally (within myself and with the missus) thought of going ahead and doing it in a traditional way. Cutting out a recess at the bottom of the front bumper and setting up a completely separate wiring and a button inside - so as to not mess around with the OEM wiring and install.

Boy, but was it difficult to see a brand new car being taken apart in this way and then summarily cut and mutilated. The taking apart of the front bumper by these installers isn't a very happy scene. The pulling, tugging and yanking of the front bumper and the heart was pounding away. I just felt that one wrong tug here or a strong pull there and the entire front bumper might just deform if not tear and then not fit properly. Thankfully nothing of that sort happened (though the front bumper has been attached well and seemingly there are no gaps within the panels but then post a long drive only will get to know if the panels are attached perfectly)

The installer then took out a round file and then a flat file and went about creating a recess - cutting, chopping, scratching away to glory. Whew! Seriously, it's a new car - not even a month old:

Anyways, post cutting the recess, he fitted the two projectors neatly in to the holes cut - and fastened then at one end by a pair of screws and the other end by mechanics-and-installers-fastening-weapon-of-choice i.e. zip ties:

Well, to be honest, the projectors were quite sturdily in place and didn't seem like they would move. The wiring etc and the button inside (simple tick tock one) was quite well done. This entire install costed me about 1,700/- or so

So this is how the install looks like. Just had it done in the evening, so am not too sure how the results look like or how the throw/quality of the lights are. Also, will have to check the levelling too. All in good time over the next month or so:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.