What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, it’s a battle of sorts of dual-clutch automatic variants of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos 2023. Let’s see how these variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their dual-clutch automatic variants, their performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
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 seek cars with a powerful engine, responsive handling, and swift acceleration. They value attributes like high-speed stability, minimal body roll, and a smooth power delivery system in fast cars.
A robust transmission system, preferably with multiple gears and advanced automatic options, is crucial. Turbocharging for extra power and minimal turbo lag are also key considerations.
Other desired features include a well-designed cockpit for better control and visibility, an exhilarating exhaust note, and a dynamic overall design that reflects the car’s performance capabilities.
Why Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos 2023 are Popular
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos 2023 are popular among performance enthusiasts for their balance of power, agility, and advanced technology. Both models come with turbocharged engines offering impressive power and torque, ensuring quick acceleration and a thrilling drive.
Their DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) systems provide smooth and rapid gear shifts, enhancing the driving experience. These cars also boast high-speed stability and minimal body roll, making them ideal for spirited driving.
The modern and aggressive design of these vehicles, coupled with their responsive handling and advanced safety features like traction control and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), make them appealing to performance-oriented drivers.
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos 2023 Dual-clutch Automatic Variants in Rs 15-21 Lakh Range
For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 14 November 2023 |
| X-Line Turbo DCT | ₹1,960,000 |
| GTX Plus Turbo DCT | ₹2,000,000 |
| X-Line S Turbo DCT | ₹2,030,000 |
For Hyundai Creta, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 14 November 2023 |
| S Plus DT DCT | ₹1,579,000 |
| SX Opt Turbo Dualtone | ₹1,834,000 |
| SX Opt Turbo | ₹1,834,000 |
Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT
The Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT, priced at ₹1,960,000, offers a compelling performance package. Its 157.81 BHP turbocharged petrol engine, combined with a 7-speed DCT, ensures rapid acceleration and smooth power delivery.
The car’s moderate body roll and stability at high speeds make it ideal for performance driving. Its premium interior, including a Bose audio system, enhances the overall driving experience. If you’re looking for a value for money car, you can read our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Honda Elevate.
Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT
Priced slightly higher at ₹2,000,000, the Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT shares the same engine and transmission as the X-Line variant. It offers additional features like rain-sensing wipers and a more premium interior, making it a top choice for those who seek performance without compromising on luxury.
Kia Seltos X-Line S Turbo DCT
The X-Line S variant, at ₹2,030,000, is the most expensive but offers a similar performance profile to the other Seltos variants. Its advanced features, including a high-quality audio system and a sleek interior, cater to those who appreciate both speed and sophistication.
Hyundai Creta S Plus DT DCT
The Hyundai Creta S Plus DT DCT, priced at ₹1,579,000, stands out for its value-for-money proposition. It features a 138.12 BHP turbocharged petrol engine with a 7-speed DCT, offering a blend of performance and affordability. Its stable handling and good visibility make it a strong contender. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the Creta with Honda City.
Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo Dualtone
At ₹1,834,000, the Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo Dualtone offers a similar performance to the S Plus variant but with additional features like a Bose audio system and a more luxurious interior, making it a more attractive option for tech-savvy performance enthusiasts. You can also read our guide to the best Creta variants for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo
This variant, also priced at ₹1,834,000, offers the same technical specifications as the Dualtone variant. Its appeal lies in the premium features and the overall design, which caters to those who seek a balance of performance and style.
Our Pick for the Best Dual-clutch Automatic Variant Among Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos 2023 for Performance Enthusiasts
The Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT stands out as the best option for a performance enthusiast. Priced at ₹2,000,000, it offers a perfect blend of power, handling, and luxury. The 157.81 BHP turbocharged engine, combined with the 7-speed DCT, provides exhilarating acceleration and smooth power delivery.
Its high-speed stability and minimal body roll make it ideal for spirited driving. The addition of luxury features like rain-sensing wipers and a premium Bose audio system enhance the driving experience, making it a top choice for those who value performance along with comfort and technology.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT
- Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT
- Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo Dualtone
| Attribute | Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT | Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT | Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo Dualtone |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 157.81 | 157.81 | 138.12 |
| Turbocharged Engine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – DCT | 7-speed | 7-speed | 7-speed |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Body Roll | Moderate | Moderate | Minimal |
| Audio System | Bose | Bose | Bose |
| Price (INR) | 2,000,000 | 1,960,000 | 1,834,000 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT emerges as the top choice for performance enthusiasts, offering an exceptional blend of power, handling, and luxury features.
- The Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT is a close second, providing similar performance at a slightly lower price.
- The Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo Dualtone, while less powerful, offers a balanced performance with added luxury features, making it an attractive option for those seeking a combination of speed and style.
These three variants stand out for their ability to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, appealing to the performance enthusiast’s desire for speed, agility, and sophistication.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
