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The Hyundai Creta got off to a great start and even months later it's demand doesn’t seem to be coming down anytime soon. Needless to say, the Duster is the main competitor of the Creta in this segment, when considering volumes. Given the growing popularity of automatic transmissions in India and these two vehicles being the only ones with a diesel engine paired to an automatic transmission, we bring to you a brief look into the key differences between them.
Design </br><br> Hyundai Creta sports the South Korean carmaker's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy and hence features a sleeker and trimmed design. The lines on Creta are more rounded and there are more curves and a larger presence of different geometrical shapes. Overall, the Creta comes across as a more sophisticated vehicle against the Renault Duster. -
The recently updated Renault Duster features updates, which have added a modern touch to the masculine design of the older model. The LED tail lamps and diamond-cut alloy wheels give it a dash of flair without compromising its rugged character, which is one of the key reasons for its popularity. Being two radically different designs, these vehicles will cause very little clash in the consumers' minds as one would simply like one over the other without much confusion.
Powertrain </br><br> This is the primary differentiating area between both vehicles and both of them deliver largely different driving experiences as well. -
Hyundai Creta in its diesel variant is powered by a 1.6 l engine, developing 126 hp of peak power and 260 Nm of torque at 2,750 rpm. The engine is mated to a torque-convertor six-speed automatic transmission and the power is channeled to the front wheels only. Hyundai does not offer the Creta presently with an option of four-wheel drive, limiting the SUV's capabilities to mild off-roading.
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The Renault Duster is powered by a 1.5 L diesel engine, producing 108 hp and 248 Nm of torque. This however is where the similarities end. The six-speed transmission on the Duster is an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which is an inexpensive form of automatic transmission that provides convenience by compromising shifting speed. While the AMT version is front-wheel drive, one can opt for a four-wheel drive version with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Cabin Features </br><br> Hyundai Creta ranks high in its segment in terms of feature offering and is incidentally one of the key reasons of its success. Key features include a touch-screen with navigation, electrically-adjustable/ foldable ORVMs, climate control, rear AC vent and many more. On the safety front, the Creta is well-equipped with ABS with EBD, front-dual airbags, Hill Start Assist and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Interestingly, the manual transmission equipped variants of the Creta can be ordered with six airbags but the diesel automatic doesn't have that as an option as too. -
With the recent update, Renault too has equipped the Duster with features that match the competition. Duster's cabin now offers a touch-screen interface with navigation, cruise control, electrically-adjustable ORVMs and climate control. In terms of safety too the Duster is at par with front dual airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Assist.
Pricing </br><br> With similar equipment list and engines, one might expect both vehicles to be priced close to each other. That however isn't the case as the difference between them exceeds Rs one lakh. Hyundai Creta diesel automatic is priced at Rs 14.5 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, while the Renault Duster AMT is priced at Rs 12.87 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. A large part of this gap is attributable to the price difference between torque-convertor and AMT technologies. Since AMT only involves addition of an electro-hydraulic module on top of a regular transmission, cost increment is not much. -
Both vehicles then are within a close distance of each other when it comes to features, space and size. However their driving experience totally sets them apart. Enthusiasts will find it hard to enjoy the Duster's AMT but a family with practical reasons might find it to be perfect on the other hand. The choice in the end between these two vehicles will be determined by styling and driving preferences of potential consumers.
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