With the launch date of January 16 nearing, the anticipation around Tata’s new crossover, the Hexa, has started to build up. With the Zest and the Bolt, the homegrown automaker rejigged its image of designing plane jane cars, that too with limited features. Last year we saw the smartly designed Tiago having a plethora of features (some were segment firsts!) On the similar lines, Tata has packed enough firepower in the upcoming Hexa, but is it enough to shake up the indirect competition created via the price overlap with the modern looking Hyundai Creta? Let’s find out in this quick comparo.


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Exterior Appearance


Both the vehicles boast sharper styling, with the Creta being more towards an urban SUV while the Hexa looks more muscular and beastly. The Tata crossover is also bigger in dimensions and that’s evident when it drives on the road. Besides, it has more ground clearance compared to the Creta. On one hand, the neatly crafted triangular headlamps, fog lamps and a silver scuff plate add to the looks of the Hyundai car, while on the other, the Hexa gets aggressive looking projector headlamps, LED tail lamps and floating roof. Coming to the side profile, the Creta is equipped with 17-inch alloys while the Hexa comes with bigger 19-inchers.


Cabin


Hyundai cars are generally loaded with features and offer chic interiors and the same goes for the Creta. The perfect SUV, as the company likes to call it, has adequate amount of space in a black/beige combo interior. Whereas, the Hexa feels more premium thanks to its leather-treated cabin and better cushioned seats. The biggest advantage of the Tata SUV is its seven seats; the Creta has only five. The Hyundai gets 7-inch infotainment system, rear AC vents, 6-airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), while the Hexa is expected to be loaded with an array of features including 5-inch infotainment system, 10 speakers, multi-drive modes and others.


Engines


The Hyundai softroader comes with one petrol 1.6L VTVT engine generating 123PS and 151Nm, and two diesel motors – 1.4L CRDi and 1.6L CRDi producing 90PS and 128PS, respectively. All the engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while the six-speed automatic is offered only in the 1.6L diesel mill. With respect to engine options in the Hexa, it will get only a single but very powerful 2.2L VARICOR turbo-diesel motor, which pumps out a massive power of 156PS and 400Nm of torque. Apart from the six-speed manual, it gets a six-speed automatic option too.


Price


This comparison’s ultimate point of discussion was the price, as both vehicles belong to different segments but are likely to have their prices overlap. The Hyundai Creta is tagged at a premium, with the range starting at Rs 9.22 lakh and going up to Rs 14.58 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). Similarly, the Hexa, given the options and features it will be coming with, is expected to fall in the price bracket of Rs 12-15 lakh.


So which one to buy?


A buyer who has a budget of 12 lakh-plus is likely to get confused between the Creta and the Hexa, unless he’s very clear about his choice. Since both cars are built for different purposes, it’s difficult to figure out which is the right buy. Though, if you are looking for a family car and would be using it mostly for daily commutes within the city and for occasional long trips, it’s the Creta. Whereas, if you are someone who has a balance between off-road tours and city commutes, the Hexa should answer your concerns. The choice is more about the purpose you intend to use it for.


Source: CarDekho.com