Mahindra XUV300 Vs Hyundai Creta: Clash Of Segments

Mahindra’s latest sub-compact SUV packs segment-first features. But how does it fare against the Hyundai Creta, the undisputed leader of a segment above?

The Mahindra XUV300 sub-compact SUV was launched on February 14 with the prices ranging between Rs 7.90 lakh to Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is offered with various segment-first features and is one of the more premium offerings in its segment, which consists of cars like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Honda WR-V. The XUV300 has proportions and specifications that can even compete with the likes of compact SUVs from a segment above, such as the Hyundai Creta.

Hence we thought it best to pit similarly priced variants of the XUV300 and the Creta against each other to see which of them offer better value for money (purely on the basis of features on offer at a given price).

Dimensions

• The XUV300 is wider by 41mm and has a wheelbase that is 10mm longer.

• The Creta is longer and taller overall. It also has a significantly more voluminous boot.

Engines

Petrol

• Mahindra’s new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is significantly torquier than all its segment rivals as well as the Creta.

• Hyundai’s bigger, but non-turbocharged petrol unit produces an extra 13PS of power over the Mahindra and also comes with an automatic gearbox in certain variants.

Diesel

• The XUV300 shares its diesel engine with the Marazzo MPV and has more torque than the Creta.

• Hyundai offers the Creta with two diesel engines. The larger 1.6-litre unit produces an additional 13PS of power over the XUV300 diesel and is also available with an automatic transmission. The Creta’s 1.4-litre unit produces 25PS lesser than the Mahindra’s 1.5-litre motor and is only available with a 6-speed manual on the entry-level variants.

Prices (of comparable variants. Detailed prices at the end of the story)

Disclaimer: For the purpose of this comparison, we will be considering ex-showroom Delhi prices of both models and  keep a budget restriction of Rs 50,000 between variants compared.

Mahindra XUV300 W8 Vs Hyundai Creta E+ (Petrol Variants)

Common Features:

Safety: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, day/night IRVM, auto door lock, front seatbelts with pretensioner, speed alert system, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlamps.

Exterior: LED turn indicators on ORVMs.

Comfort: Height adjustable driver seat, electrically adjustable ORVMs, steering-mounted audio controls.

Infotainment: Touchscreen display for the media system, Bluetooth connectivity.

What Mahindra XUV300 W8 offers over Hyundai Creta E+: The top-spec variant of the XUV300 is much better equipped than the lower-spec Creta with features like LED DRLs, 17-inch alloys, dual-tone dashboard, ESP with rollover mitigation, hill hold assist, corner braking control, disc brakes on all four wheels, front and rear fog lamps, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also gets a larger 7-inch display for the infotainment system that has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with sat nav. Additionally, it gets dual zone auto AC, electrically folding ORVMs, multi-mode steering, 3.5-inch TFT screen MID, projector headlamps, cruise control, 60:40 split folding rear seats and a rear camera with adaptive guidelines. There are a few more bits that this variant of the XUV300 gets over the Creta E+, but we’ve only mentioned the most  significant ones here.

What Hyundai Creta E+ offers over Mahindra XUV300 W8: Rear AC vents.

Verdict: For the price, the XUV300 offers far more than the Creta in every aspect, be it safety, comfort, tech or features. The new sub-compact Mahindra XUV300 is our pick at this price point.

Mahindra XUV300 W8(O) Vs Hyundai Creta S (Diesel Variants)

Common Features (over previous variants):

Safety: Rear camera with adaptive guidelines, front fog lamps, rear defogger.

Exterior: Alloy wheels, LED DRLs, roof rails.

Comfort: Height adjustable rear headrest.

What Mahindra XUV300 W8(O) offers over Hyundai Creta S: The top-spec variant of the XUV300 is much better equipped than the lower-spec Creta with features like seven airbags, ESP with rollover mitigation, hill hold assist, corner braking control, disc brakes on all four wheels, heated ORVMs, front parking sensors, rear fog lamps and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also gets a sunroof, a larger 7-inch display for the infotainment system that packs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with sat nav. It also gets dual-zone auto AC, electrically folding ORVMs, multi-mode steering, 3.5-inch TFT screen MID, cruise control, 60:40 split folding rear seats and an auto-dimming IRVM. There are a few more comfort features available on this variant of the XUV300 that the Creta S doesn’t get, but we’ve mentioned the most significant ones here.

What Hyundai Creta S offers over Mahindra XUV300 W8(O): Rear AC vents and rear power outlet.

Verdict: Once again, the Mahindra wins this round by offering far more value for your money. Between the variants compared here, we’d pick the XUV300 over the Creta hands down.

Full price list

Read More on : XUV300 on road price