Spec comparo: 2016 Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta vs Mahindra Scorpio

If you are in the market looking to buy a sub-Rs 20 lakh SUV, there are two names that stand out, the Renault Duster and the Hyundai Creta. However, the other option that has the stronger SUV credentials compared to these two is the Mahindra Scorpio. Where do these offerings stand when compared to each other? Here is our spec comparo report.

The new Renault Duster gets a revised design and an updated interior. Additionally, it now features a 6-speed AMT on the 110PS variant. Renault launched the new Duster at Rs 8.47 lakh (ex-Delhi). It was one of the first offerings in the compact SUV space and has been doing great for the Renault brand until its rivals arrived.

Last year, Hyundai launched the Creta to bank on the popularity of the compact SUV space. With a design inspired from the Santa Fe and feature rich interiors, the Creta has received over one lakh bookings since its launch in July, 2015. The only SUV with true blue credentials which competes with these two is the Mahindra Scorpio. Priced at Rs 9.95 lakh (ex-Delhi), the Mahindra Scorpio, after its facelift in 2014, features an all-new chassis and other modern additions.

Design and dimensions

All the three SUVs cater to a different set of audience. The new Renault Duster doesn't feature modern gadgetry like projector headlights and LED daytime running lamps but still has a muscular appeal. It gets a revised headlight design and a new grille. The side doesn't get any significant changes except for new 16-inch alloy wheels whereas the rear gets new LED lights. Additionally, there is a new Cayenne Orange shade.

Based on the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the Hyundai Creta draws inspiration from the much bigger Santa Fe. It gets projector lamps and daytime running lamps on the front while the side has a matte cladding with 17-inch wheels on the premium variant.  The Mahindra Scorpio facelift received a new grille, projector lights and LED position lamps. The rear too received a tweak in the form of new LED lamps.

The Mahindra Scorpio is the longest and the tallest at 4,456mm and 1,995mm followed by the Renault Duster which has a length of 4,315mm, width of 1,822mm and a height of 1,695mm. The Hyundai Creta is the most compact of them all at 4,270mm length, 1,780mm width and 1,630mm height. There is a marginal difference in the wheelbase of the Mahindra Scorpio (2,680mm) and the Renault Duster (2,673mm). However, the Renault Duster has a maximum ground clearance of 210mm while the Mahindra Scorpio gets the least at 180mm. The Creta sits in between with a ground clearance of 190mm.

Engine and performance

The 1.6-litre petrol motor in the Renault Duster makes 104PS at 5,750rpm and generates 148Nm at 3,750rpm. The diesel unit comes in two states of tunes - 85PS and 110PS. The 110PS gets an optional 6-speed AMT along with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The 85PS gets a 5-speed manual transmission. Also, Renault offers an all-wheel drive variant on the RxZ variant. We haven't driven the Renault Duster AMT yet and can comment on it only after a detailed road test review.

The Hyundai Creta is offered in 1.4l and 1.6l petrol and diesel engines. The petrol motor puts out 123PS/151Nm while the 1.4l diesel churns out 90PS/220Nm. The 1.6l diesel motor generates 128PS/260Nm. All the engines are offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard except for the 1.6l diesel which gets an optional 6-speed automatic.  We have tested the Hyundai Creta and believe that for an SUV, the ride and handling is impressive and more car like. It isn't a very heavy vehicle and doesn't feel like one around corners too. There isn't much body roll and the Creta stays well planted even at triple digit speeds. The steering isn't vague-feeling like the i20 and is well weighed, neither too heavy nor too soft, with good feedback. Check our detailed review here.

The 2.2-litre in the Mahindra Scorpio churns out 120PS/280Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Additionally, Mahindra also offers a 6-speed automatic on the Scorpio. In our Mahindra Scorpio review, we felt the turbo lag is evident but once past the 2,000rpm mark, power delivery is strong and linear. The engine produces a healthy 120PS at 4,000rpm while max torque is an impressive 280Nm produced between 1,800rpm and 2,800rpm. The body may be similar but the most important change that makes this Scorpio a true next-generation model is the all-new chassis. Read the detailed review here.

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