What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What goes into making a high-performance car model? We compare the Hyundai Creta 2024 and Kia Seltos 2023, and see how their top-end variants fare in terms of their performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Hyundai Creta 2024 vs Kia Seltos 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their top-end variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts prioritize a thrilling driving experience above all else. They seek fast cars with powerful engines that deliver quick acceleration and responsive handling. A well-tuned suspension is crucial for maintaining stability and minimizing body roll during high-speed cornering.
Precise steering and a smooth transmission are also essential for an engaging drive. Additionally, performance enthusiasts appreciate features like sport seats, paddle shifters, and a sporty exhaust note that enhance the overall driving experience.
Why Hyundai Creta 2024 and Kia Seltos 2023 are Popular
The Hyundai Creta 2024 and Kia Seltos 2023 have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts due to their impressive engine options and well-balanced chassis.
Both models offer turbocharged petrol engines that deliver strong power output and quick acceleration. The Creta’s 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine produces 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque, while the Seltos’ 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine puts out 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque. These engines are paired with smooth and responsive automatic transmissions, such as a 7-speed DCT in both models.
Both cars also boast well-tuned suspensions that provide a good balance between comfort and handling. The Creta’s suspension is slightly softer, offering a more comfortable ride, while the Seltos’ suspension is firmer, resulting in better high-speed stability and cornering performance. The steering setups in both cars are precise and communicative, allowing drivers to feel connected to the road.
Performance enthusiasts also appreciate the sporty design elements in the Creta and Seltos, such as aggressive front grilles, sharp lines, and stylish alloy wheels. The interiors of both cars feature premium materials, sporty accents, and advanced infotainment systems that add to the overall driving experience.
Top-end Variants Shortlist for Hyundai Creta 2024 and Kia Seltos 2023
For Hyundai Creta 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 22 April 2024 |
| SX (O) Turbo DCT | ₹20,00,000 |
| SX (O) Diesel AT DT | ₹20,00,000 |
| SX (O) Turbo DCT DT | ₹20,15,000 |
For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 22 April 2024 |
| GTX Plus Turbo DCT | ₹19,98,000 |
| X-Line S Turbo DCT | ₹20,30,000 |
| X-Line Diesel AT | ₹20,30,000 |
Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT
This variant is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine and responsive 7-speed DCT transmission. It offers quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both city driving and occasional spirited drives. If you value a car’s design and style, you can check out our comparison of the Creta 2024 with MG Astor.
Hyundai Creta SX (O) Diesel AT DT
While diesel engines may not be the first choice for performance enthusiasts, this variant’s 1.5-liter diesel engine delivers strong torque, making it a good option for those who prioritize effortless highway cruising. The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission ensures smooth gear shifts. The dual-tone exterior adds a touch of sportiness to the overall look.
Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT DT
This variant combines the performance of the 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine with the visual appeal of a dual-tone exterior. It offers the same driving dynamics as the regular SX (O) Turbo DCT variant, with the added benefit of a more distinctive appearance. The dual-tone color scheme is sure to turn heads and appeal to performance enthusiasts who want their car to stand out. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our comparison of the Creta 2024 with Volkswagen Virtus.
Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT
The Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT is a strong contender for performance enthusiasts, featuring a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine that delivers 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque. The 7-speed DCT transmission ensures smooth and quick gear shifts. The suspension setup is slightly firmer than the Creta’s, resulting in better high-speed stability and cornering performance.
Kia Seltos X-Line S Turbo DCT
The X-Line S variant of the Seltos offers the same performance credentials as the GTX Plus, with a powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine and quick-shifting DCT transmission. It boasts additional premium features like a Bose audio system and ventilated front seats, enhancing the overall driving experience. If you’re a gadget enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Skoda Slavia.
Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT
While not as performance-oriented as the turbo petrol variants, the X-Line Diesel AT is still a good choice for those who prefer the torque and fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. The 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 115 PS and 250 Nm of torque, and is paired with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The X-Line variant also offers a premium interior with genuine leather upholstery.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Hyundai Creta 2024 and Kia Seltos 2023 for Performance Enthusiasts
After careful consideration, we recommend the Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. This variant stands out due to its powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine, which produces 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque. The engine’s strong mid-range punch and quick-revving nature make it a joy to drive. The 7-speed DCT transmission complements the engine perfectly, offering lightning-fast gear changes and smooth operation.
The Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT’s suspension setup is slightly firmer than the Creta’s, resulting in better high-speed stability and cornering performance. The car feels planted and stable at high speeds, while also offering nimble and precise handling in tight corners. The steering setup is communicative and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver.
In addition to its impressive performance credentials, the GTX Plus variant boasts a premium interior with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose audio system, and ventilated front seats. These features enhance the overall driving experience and add a touch of luxury to the cabin.
The Seltos’ sporty exterior design, with its aggressive front grille, sharp lines, and stylish alloy wheels, further appeals to performance enthusiasts. The car’s well-proportioned stance and bold design elements give it a dynamic and athletic appearance.
Overall, the Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT offers the best combination of performance, handling, technology, and design, making it the top choice for performance enthusiasts looking for an exciting driving experience in a compact SUV package.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT
- Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT
- Kia Seltos X-Line S Turbo DCT
| Attributes | Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT | Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT | Kia Seltos X-Line S Turbo DCT |
| Engine – Displacement (cc) | 1482 | 1482 | 1482 |
| Engine – Power (BHP) | 157.81 | 157.57 | 157.81 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 253 | 253 | 253 |
| Transmission – Auto Type | DCT | DCT | DCT |
| Touchscreen size | 10.25 | 10.25 | 10.25 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT and X-Line S Turbo DCT variants, along with the Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT, offer the most appealing packages for performance enthusiasts. All three variants come equipped with powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engines that deliver 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque, ensuring strong acceleration and responsive performance.
- The quick-shifting 7-speed DCT transmissions in all three variants complement the engines perfectly, providing lightning-fast gear changes and smooth operation. This combination of powerful engines and advanced transmissions ensures an engaging and exciting driving experience.
- In terms of handling, the Seltos variants have a slight edge over the Creta, thanks to their firmer suspension setups. The Seltos GTX Plus and X-Line S offer better high-speed stability and cornering performance, making them more appealing to performance enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving.
- All three variants come equipped with large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, enhancing the overall driving experience with advanced connectivity features and premium audio systems. The Seltos GTX Plus and X-Line S also offer additional features like ventilated front seats and Bose audio systems, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin.
The Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT, Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT, and Seltos X-Line S Turbo DCT offer the perfect blend of performance, features, and driving dynamics that performance enthusiasts seek in a mid-size SUV. While each variant has its own unique strengths, they all deliver an exhilarating driving experience that is sure to satisfy the needs and desires of performance-oriented buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.