EVs are pricey and diesels are disappearing. So, are hybrids the response for conserving fuel? We compare three midsize SUVs with three different powertrains.With EVs on the horizon, hybrids may seem late to the celebration. But EVs are expensive, and with couple of diesels left in the market, there is a need for fuel-efficient automobiles. How do hybrids fair? To discover, we put the Grand Vitara strong hybrid to the test, and for some point of view, we pit it versus the bestselling midsize SUV, the Hyundai Creta– with a naturally-aspirated fuel engine– and also included its cousin, the diesel-powered Kia Seltos. To keep things level, the Hyundai and the Kia are both automatics, as is the case with the Grand Vitara hybrid. Is hybrid the brand-new diesel, and does it make monetary sense over its fuel or diesel equivalents? Before we get to the rest of the automobiles, lets tackle that best away.Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: powertrain The Grand Vitaras strong hybrid powertrain consists of a 92hp, 122Nm, 1.5-litre three-cylinder fuel engine and an 80hp, 141Nm electrical motor that draws energy from a 0.74 kWh Lithium-ion battery. Combined, the strong hybrid powertrain generates 116hp, which might seem foregone conclusion, however the way it reacts in the genuine world is quite a discovery. Having an EV mode offers it the ability to potter around utilizing energy purely from its battery, with light throttle inputs or under light load.1.5-litre petrol in Grand Vitara is quite refined and runs the more efficient Atkinson cycle.However, the moment you squeeze your ideal foot, the gas engine instantly kicks in, which, when integrated with the electric motors instantaneous torque, provides a strong rise. It does a fantastic task to close gaps in traffic or make fast overtakes, but keep your foot pinned to the throttle and its torque delivery flattens right after that initial spike, and you will see a detach in between the engine noise and the real speed of the lorry, similar to a routine CVT. The company states the Vitara has an e-CVT, which is actually a planetary equipment system, so its odd to see this rubber-band result. For the most part, this three-cylinder is fine-tuned, although you will hear it when it fires up either to power the vehicle or charge the diminished battery (at idle). Cretas 1.5-litre petrol engine is one of the most fine-tuned of the three.The Hyundai Cretas silky smooth 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, hence, sticks out and is the most improved in this comparison. Youll hardly hear it at idle and city speeds, and even when you spin the engine faster, it emits a rather sporty purr, and revs easily. This 115hp, 144Nm engine is pleasing in its character and carries out extremely efficiently. Contributing to its relaxed good manners is the constantly variable transmission, which Hyundai has calls IVT ( I for smart). By the way, the IVT with predefined actions provides a stylish aural experience when driven with verve, replicating gearshifts. And this is the reason the Creta feels quickly, despite the fact that it is the slowest among the trio.For a diesel, the Seltos is really fine-tuned, but is the most audible in this company.As far as diesels go, Kias 1.5-litre system is easily amongst the best and most refined engines out there. However, in company of the gas, the diesel Seltos is the most audible and, at higher revs, a reasonable bit of clatter filters inside the cabin. But whats great is the ease with which this 115hp, 250Nm diesel performs its tasks, and its 6-speed torque converter automated matches the engine well by masking lag from this turbo-engine to an excellent degree. It is the heaviest cars and truck in this contest, but the diesel has the most torque, and as an outcome, it is as fast as the Vitara hybrid, taking a whisker under 13 seconds to speed up from 0-100kph. Performance (Acceleration from rest) Grand Vitara HybridCreta 1.5 P IVTSeltos 1.5 D AT0-20kph1.59 sec1.78 sec1.12 sec0-40kph3.14 sec3.87 sec2.81 sec0-60kph5.37 sec6.27 sec5.53 sec0-80kph8.61 sec9.52 sec8.79 sec0-100kph12.84 sec13.73 sec12.91 secRolling acceleration20-80kph (in kickdown) 7.11 sec7.68 sec7.54 sec40-100kph (in kickdown) 10.37 sec9.67 sec10.04 secBraking80-0kph28.85 m28.42 m27.20 mFuel economyCity23.77 kpl10.31 kpl12.9 kplHighway20.39 kpl13.78 kpl17.8 kplGrand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: fuel efficiency The hybrids ability to run purely from its battery under light loads is the trick to the Grand Vitaras outstanding real-world efficiency. Maruti (and its cousin, the Toyota Hyryder) declare that 50-60 percent of city commutes can be completely EV mode, so it isnt a surprise that in metropolitan conditions we achieved 23.77 kpl, the highest we have accomplished in our tests. At highway speeds, its petrol engine is active even more typically and it enters into EV mode only occasionally, hence efficiency is 20.39 kpl, which although lower than its city effectiveness, is still much higher than many cars and trucks. This is because its engine also runs the more efficient Atkinson Cycle, where the intake camshaft hold-ups the closing of the valves on the compression stroke, leading to a lower air-fuel mixture being burned inside, hence decreasing fuel consumption.Grand Vitaras staggering fuel effectiveness and relatively cleaner footprint struck the spot.The Hyundai Creta, with its continuously variable transmission, managed 10.31 kpl in the city and 13.78 kpl on the highway, since the CVT is rather reactive to mild flexes of your right foot, which takes a toll on effectiveness. Kias diesel-auto, as expected, does a much better task than the petrol-CVT, achieving 12.9 kpl in the city and 17.8 kpl on the highway.Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: doing the mathematics Having checked all 3 based on our road test requirement and defined city and highway cycles, their average performance stands at 22.08 kpl, 12.05 kpl and 15.35 kpl for the Vitara, Creta and Seltos, respectively. Their average fuel cost per kilometre works out to Rs 4.38, Rs 8.03 and Rs 5.84, respectively, with the cost of gas being Rs 96.72 per litre and diesel being Rs 89.62 per litre in Delhi at the time of the test. With the introduction of strong hybrid, buyers now have more choice of powertrains.As an outcome, by selecting a Vitara hybrid over a gas Creta, your fuel expenses will be Rs 3.65 per kilometre lower, and if you select a diesel Seltos, youll save Rs 2.19 per kilometre over its gas cousin.If its purchase cost was at par with rivals, the Toyota hybrid would have a clear benefit, however thats not the case. Diesels are more pricey than petrols, but hybrids are more expensive still, because of the technology they pack in. The Hyundai Creta 1.5 P IVT (SX O), priced at Rs 17.07 lakh, is the most budget-friendly; the Kia Seltos 1.5 D AT (GTX+) is Rs 1.28 lakh costlier; while the Grand Vitara Hybrid (Alpha+), at Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom), commands a Rs 2.42 lakh premium. So, when we analyse the financials from a broader viewpoint, despite cost savings every kilometre, youll need to drive the Grand Vitara hybrid for 66,284 km and the Seltos D AT for 58,363 km to recover the preliminary premium youve paid over a Creta IVT, before you even start gaining from lower running expenses. If you dont prepare to drive much, the petrol will make much better financial sense, and the Vitara hybrid will only be feasible if you plan to cover distances in excess of 66,284 km over your ownership. Now, we carry on to other aspects of this comparison.Cost analysis: Hybrid vs Petrol vs DieselGrand Vitara Hybrid Alpha+ Creta 1.5 P IVT SX (O) Seltos 1.5 D AT GTX+V ariantPriceRs 19,49,000 Rs 17,07,100 Rs 18,35,000 Premium over Creta petrolRs 2,41,900-Rs 1,27,900 EfficiencyCity23.77 kpl10.31 kpl12.90 kplHighway20.39 kpl13.78 kpl17.80 kplAverage fuel efficiency22.08 kpl12.05 kpl15.35 kplCost of fuelRs 96.72 Rs 96.72 Rs 89.62 Running cost per kmRs 4.38 Rs 8.03 Rs 5.84 Cost/km advantage over petrolRs 3.65-Rs 2.19Break-even point66,284km-58,363 kmGrand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: dynamics Built on Suzukis Global C platform, the Vitaras hard underpinnings showcase its mettle in the way it flattens bad roads. It drives with a certain maturity, which provides it an edge over its Korean competitors, it feels safe and protected at high speeds, and it is this driving self-confidence that owners will value on long drives.Creta feels comfortable however bumps and roadway shocks are felt more than in the Grand Vitara.The Hyundai feels rather comfortable too, and it well smooths out the rough at low speeds. Passengers will see some rocking and lateral movements over bumps, and road shocks are felt more in the Creta than in the Maruti. Its high speed good manners have substantially enhanced over the previous generation and its steering has actually gained some heft as well, which has actually made it a better long-distance tourer than in the past. However, the Vitara feels more sure-footed and stable in comparison.Grand Vitara is the most expensive SUV here, costing Rs 2.42 lakh more than the Creta.Even though the Kia shares its underpinnings and a lot of skeletal components with the Hyundai, the Seltos feels a bit sportier, thanks to a stiffer suspension set-up. While it tackles bad roads as competently as the Hyundai, roadway shocks and lateral movements feel a bit more noticable in its cabin, and its steering is likewise much heavier. It, however, feels more engaging to drive than the Creta– body roll is well-contained and instructions modifications feel confidence-inspiring. The Seltos braking efficiency is likewise the best of the lot, and in our panic braking tests from 80-0kph, it stops in the fastest distance.Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: style and stylingMaruti has actually incorporated all the characteristics that a lot of SUV buyers seek, like an imposing front design and a high stance, in addition to a long bonnet, tidy lines and squared-out wheel arches. Its sloping roofline looks unique, and its standout style functions are its split head-lamps with Nexas brand-new signature three-dot LED DRLs and its distinct LED tail-lamp set-up. The Grand Vitara is longer than the Korean duo, but its wheelbase, height and width are comparable to rivals.Grand Vitara looks one of the most SUV of the lot; Cretas front styling still divides opinion; Seltos style has a lot of cuts and chrome bits.Both Hyundai and Kia are the very same underneath the skin, but in look, theyre as different as chalk and cheese. Now, while the Cretas split headlamp set-up and front styling continue to divide opinion, it appears rather well-proportioned and conservatively styled when viewed from other angles. The Kia Seltos uses a more flamboyant fit, with a myriad of cuts, chrome touches and characterful shapes, all of which are nicely executed.Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: interiors If youve been inside the new Brezza, the Grand Vitara will seem familiar, as it shares numerous bits with its smaller sized brother or sister. Maruti has actually perfectly dressed the Vitaras cabin with soft touch bits and leatherette upholstery, with tasteful copper coloured aspects and a revamped centre console, adding some much required distinction. Flooding its cabin with light is its distinct scenic sunroof. Why distinct? Due to the fact that both its panes move in reverse, therefore opening a bigger area than rivals. Soft touch bits and copper highlights identify it from Brezzas interiors; nicest Maruti cabin yet.Drivers will enjoy an excellent view of the road with its high-set seating. Its seats, nevertheless, arent the comfiest, due to firm cushioning; and some might also find thigh support a bit doing not have in the front. Step into its rear and while legroom, width and knee are foregone conclusion, its darker cabin robs away the sense of space. Headroom for high rear passengers is tight, due to its sloping roofline and breathtaking sunroof, and the large main hump eats into foot space for the middle passenger.Commendably, Maruti hasnt stinted safety, and all five passengers get specific, adjustable head restraints in addition to three-point safety belt. With its Lithium-ion battery located in the boot, space there is just 255 litres, 100 litres less than the mild-hybrid version. Thats smaller than some premium hatchbacks in absolute capacity, and it can just accommodate a big luggage and a soft duffle bag, with some room below the boot floor to tuck smaller sized items.Bright colours and large glass location add to the sense of area in the Creta.Coming to the Creta, smart use of brilliant colours and large glass location lends its cabin a roomier and airier environment. Interior fit-finish and quality of materials is a notch much better than the Maruti, and in this contrast, its seats, both at the front and back are more comfortable; theyre broad with good and soft cushioning, and they also provide ample assistance. What also wins the Creta points is its 433-litre boot, which is not only voluminous, but, because it is well-shaped, likewise demolishes the most cargo.Seltos gets the sportiest interiors of the three, and construct quality, finish and fit are likewise the nicest.What immediately impresses in the Kia is its highly designated cabin, with high-quality products and superior fit-finish. Kia has provided the Seltos GT-line interiors a sportier appeal with a dark theme, however, the all-black interiors and a little sunroof rob its cabin the sense of space, particularly at the rear. Compared to the Creta, its seats are a touch firmer, and arent as helpful either. All three cars and trucks get reclining rear seats, however the Seltos reclines in 3 steps, whereas the other 2 offer simply two actions. And while the Kias boot takes pride in the same 433 litre capability as the Hyundai, it isnt as deep.Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: featuresAll 3 automobiles are rather uniformly matched in terms of security equipment, with six air bags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, hill-start tyre and assist pressure display; the Vitara goes an advance, providing three-point seat belts and specific, adjustable head restraints for all five passengers. Complete EV mode manually selectable in Grand Vitara; Lane view video camera in Kia assists reduce blind spots; Cretas Bose sound system, also shared with Seltos, sounds actually good.They deal similar comfort and benefit features, too, like automobile LED headlamps, 17-inch alloys, leatherette upholstery, front seat ventilation, auto climate control, cruise control, wireless charging and a reclining rear backseat. The Vitara and Creta get digital instrument clusters and breathtaking sunroof, while the Seltos and Creta get electrical motorists seat change, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Bose speakers and paddle shifters. Both, Kia and Maruti offer a head-up display and 360-degree electronic camera, but only the Seltos gets a blind view monitor. The Vitara is the just one which takes pride in cordless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Strangely enough, Hyundai and Kia get wireless mobile phone integration in their lower variations, which feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but their top-variants just get a wired set-up. EquipmentGrand Vitara Hybrid Alpha+ Creta 1.5 P IVT SX( O) Seltos 1.5 D AT GTX+A uto headlampsLEDLEDLEDAlloys17-inch17-inch17-inchLED tail lampsAvailableAvailableAvailableSunroofAvailable (Panoramic) Available (Panoramic) AvailableVentilated front seatsAvailableAvailableAvailableDigital instrument clusterAvailableAvailableAvailableTouchscreen9.0-inch10.25- inch10.25-inchApple CarPlay/Android AutoAvailable (Wireless) AvailableAvailableDrive modesAvailableAvailableAvailableElectric drivers seatNAAvailableAvailableReclining rear seat2-step2-step3-step360-degree cameraAvailableNAAvailableAll-wheel disc brakesAvailableAvailableAvailableAirbags666Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: is hybrid the new diesel?Hybrids are exceptionally fuel efficient, a lot more than diesels in many cases, and owners will benefit from low fuel costs per kilometre. However, like diesels, hybrids are more expensive than petrols, to begin with, so youll need to drive higher ranges to recover the preliminary premium, but from thereon, your cost savings will be proportional to the kilometres you cover. Like diesels, hybrids are costlier than fuels, and just make monetary sense if you drive a lot.So, whether hybrids make financial sense over a petrol or diesel simply depends upon how much you drive. A gas will be the more relatively economical and sensible option if you do not plan to clock more than 50,000 km during your ownership period. But if you drive a diesel, a hybrid or a lot would be better. Over a petrol-auto Creta, as far as the preliminary rate premium goes, youll break-even driving 66,284 km– if you choose for the Vitara hybrid– and 58,363 km if you choose a diesel-auto Kia Seltos, which is a negligible distinction for heavy mile munchers, hence building the hybrids case.Plus, apart from being staggeringly fuel efficient, hybrids are smoother and more refined than diesels. And being relatively less polluting, it offers owners a gratifying feeling of doing their bit for the environment. So, to respond to the concern, is hybrid the new diesel? Yes, with performance much better than a diesel and refinement close to a petrol, we certainly think so.Price and VerdictMaruti Suzuki Grand VitaraHyundai CretaKia SeltosVariantHybrid Alpha+ SX (O) 1.5 P IVTGTX+ 1.5 D ATPriceRs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 17.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 18.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) ForIncredibly effective; drives with confidenceSmooth and refined; space and comfortWell selected interiors; diesels efficiency and efficiencyAgainstExpensive; small bootNot extremely fuel efficient; not engaging to driveLimited boot space; diesel gets clattery when revved hard.

With the intro of strong hybrid, buyers now have more option of powertrains.As a result, by deciding for a Vitara hybrid over a gas Creta, your fuel costs will be Rs 3.65 per kilometre lower, and if you select a diesel Seltos, youll save Rs 2.19 per kilometre over its fuel cousin.If its purchase rate was at par with competitors, the Toyota hybrid would have a clear advantage, but thats not the case. The Vitara feels more sure-footed and steady in comparison.Grand Vitara is the most expensive SUV here, costing Rs 2.42 lakh more than the Creta.Even though the Kia shares its foundations and most skeletal parts with the Hyundai, the Seltos feels a bit sportier, thanks to a stiffer suspension set-up. The Grand Vitara is longer than the Korean duo, but its height, width and wheelbase are similar to rivals.Grand Vitara looks the many SUV of the lot; Cretas front styling still divides viewpoint; Seltos style has plenty of cuts and chrome bits.Both Hyundai and Kia are the very same beneath the skin, but in appearance, theyre as different as chalk and cheese. The Vitara and Creta get digital instrument clusters and breathtaking sunroof, while the Seltos and Creta get electrical drivers seat adjustment, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Bose speakers and paddle shifters. EquipmentGrand Vitara Hybrid Alpha+ Creta 1.5 P IVT SX( O) Seltos 1.5 D AT GTX+A uto headlampsLEDLEDLEDAlloys17-inch17-inch17-inchLED tail lampsAvailableAvailableAvailableSunroofAvailable (Panoramic) Available (Panoramic) AvailableVentilated front seatsAvailableAvailableAvailableDigital instrument clusterAvailableAvailableAvailableTouchscreen9.0-inch10.25- inch10.25-inchApple CarPlay/Android AutoAvailable (Wireless) AvailableAvailableDrive modesAvailableAvailableAvailableElectric drivers seatNAAvailableAvailableReclining back seat2-step2-step3-step360-degree cameraAvailableNAAvailableAll-wheel disc brakesAvailableAvailableAvailableAirbags666Grand Vitara vs Creta vs Seltos: is hybrid the new diesel?Hybrids are extremely fuel efficient, even more than diesels in most cases, and owners will benefit from low fuel costs per kilometre.