What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta, and their variants for long-distance road trip lovers.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- 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 Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
Avid road-trippers crave comfort, safety, and reliability. They prioritize spacious interiors with ample legroom and boot capacity for luggage, and cutting-edge safety features like multiple airbags and stability controls for unpredictable roads.
Fuel efficiency, a robust infotainment system, and convenience features like climate control and power-adjustable seats elevate the long-drive experience. Importantly, they need high ground clearance for diverse terrains, a powerful engine for sustained highway speeds, and an ergonomic interior design to ensure comfort on those long journeys.
Why Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta Are Popular
The Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta have cemented their status among road trip aficionados, courtesy of their harmonious blend of comfort, performance, and safety. As such, both have proven to be comfortable cars for road trips in India.
Both models boast spacious cabins and significant boot capacity, accommodating passengers and luggage with ease, vital for extended travels. Ground clearance is ample, negotiating rough patches without hassle.
The Slavia impresses with its sturdy build quality and exceptional highway stability, a trademark of Skoda’s engineering. Its potent TSI engine balances power with remarkable fuel efficiency, perfect for long stretches of road. Moreover, the car’s plush interiors and state-of-the-art connectivity features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, make it a delightful companion for long journeys.
Conversely, the Hyundai Creta stands out with its versatile engine options, including the reliable diesel variant, ensuring there’s a choice for every preference. Its safety features are top-notch with a high count of airbags and advanced stability controls.
Additionally, the Creta offers an array of convenience attributes like a cooling glove box and rear AC vents, ensuring comfort in varying climates. Notably, both cars’ emphasis on ergonomic design with adjustable seating and lumbar support promises comfort, even in the longest journeys.
Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-14 Lakh Range
For Skoda Slavia, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 October 2023 |
| 1.0 TSI Ambition | ₹13,19,000 |
For Hyundai Creta, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 October 2023 |
| S | ₹13,06,000 |
| EX Diesel | ₹13,24,000 |
| SX Executive | ₹13,99,000 |
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition
The Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition is an exemplary road trip car due to its potent petrol engine and high fuel efficiency, ensuring fewer stops for gas. Its expansive boot space can handle ample luggage, while the stable high-speed performance offers peace of mind during extended drives.
Although it lacks some advanced features, its robust safety standards and spacious, comfortable interiors make it a strong contender. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Slavia with Honda City.
Hyundai Creta S
The Creta S variant, with its 6 airbags and superior ground clearance, promises safety and ease in varied terrains. Though its boot space is slightly lesser than Slavia, it compensates with a larger fuel tank and additional convenience features like a cooling glove box.
The petrol engine is robust, but the mileage is moderate. If you’re budget-conscious, we have compared the base variants of the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for you.
Hyundai Creta EX Diesel
This variant stands out for its diesel engine, offering an alternative for those preferring this fuel type. It maintains the safety standards with 6 airbags and has commendable ground clearance. However, it lacks certain convenience features and the mileage is satisfactory, not exceptional. If you’re a style-conscious car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Creta with Volkswagen Taigun.
Hyundai Creta SX Executive
The SX Executive is a premium offering with enhanced convenience features, including wireless charging and voice controls, adding comfort and ease. It shares the same engine as the ‘S’ variant, so performance and efficiency remain consistent. The price is on the higher side, but it’s justified with the added functionalities.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Creta for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers
The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition emerges as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. While each model brings something valuable to the table, the Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition strikes the perfect balance between essential road-trip features and cost-effectiveness.
Its fuel efficiency is a standout, crucial for long uninterrupted journeys. The boot capacity surpasses its competitors, ensuring ample space for travel essentials and more.
Safety isn’t compromised, with features like ABS and dual airbags, although it’s slightly behind the Creta’s six. However, it boasts high-speed stability, a critical factor when driving on highways.
The inclusion of convenience features like glove box cooling, power windows, and climate control, while not as extensive as in higher-priced variants, still provides significant comfort.
Moreover, the Slavia’s build quality is renowned, offering reliability throughout extended travels. Though it may lack certain advanced features present in the top-tier Creta SX Executive, the Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition provides all the key elements necessary for a secure, comfortable, and enjoyable long-distance journey at a more approachable price point.
The Top 3 Choices
- Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition
- Hyundai Creta S
- Hyundai Creta SX Executive
| Attributes | Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition | Hyundai Creta S | Hyundai Creta SX Executive |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 521 | 433 | 433 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 45 | 50 | 50 |
| Glove box cooling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 179 | 190 | 190 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Knee/curtain airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seating Adjustments | Manual | Manual | Manual |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition leads the pack with its impressive fuel efficiency, substantial boot capacity, and robust build, making it an ideal companion for lengthy journeys. While it offers fewer airbags, its high-speed stability and essential comfort features ensure a secure and enjoyable ride.
- The Hyundai Creta S and SX Executive, on the other hand, score high on safety with six airbags and offer advanced comfort features, with the SX Executive standing out with premium additions. However, their boot capacity is comparatively less, and though they offer a larger fuel tank, the mileage is not as impressive as the Slavia’s.
After a comprehensive analysis, it’s clear that each of these models has its unique strengths that appeal to long-distance road trip enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice hinges on the individual preferences of the road-trippers, their priorities, and the kind of journeys they envision.
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
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