First things first, this is not a traditional head-to-head comparison. Yes, we will give our pick at the end as always, but think of this more as a ‘comparative analysis of the pros and cons of crossovers and small SUVs in the Rs 10-15 lakh price bracket’. You see, the models we have with us today are not ideal substitutes of one another, and each car fulfils a different set of needs in its own way. The idea is to highlight what makes each of these models unique. What we also want to know is what these models offer in the areas buyers are traditionally interested in, namely comfort, space, performance and fuel economy.
The launch of the BR-V may have been the genesis of this feature, but there’s been some churning amongst its competition over the past few months too that warrants bringing them back together. The Creta, that won our big group test last year, has become costlier to the tune of Rs 80,000 since its launch in July 2015. On the other hand, Maruti has slashed prices of its able S-cross crossover by up to Rs 2.05 lakh! Renault has not tinkered with the Duster’s pricing, but has given its popular SUV a facelift and packed in more features. In short, value equations have changed across the board.
For this feature, we’ve taken the top-spec manual transmission-equipped, diesel-engined versions of each. So we have with us the BR-V i-DTEC VX (Rs 12.9 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi), Duster 110PS RxZ AWD (Rs 13.57 lakh), Creta 1.6 CRDi SX(O) (Rs 14.43 lakh) and S-cross DDiS 320 Alpha (Rs 12.03 lakh). Note, the Duster is available in significantly more pocket-friendly front-wheel-drive form too, but it’s the all-wheel drive and independent rear suspension-equipped AWD version that is the pick of the range and the one we’ve considered here.
With the line-up ready, it’s time to take a close look at each of them.
Shapes and sizes
A single look will tell you how eclectic this line-up of vehicles is. The BR-V looks part SUV-part MPV, the S-cross is a low-riding crossover, the Creta has the look of an urban SUV, and the Duster best fits the description of a rugged small SUV.
The BR-V, at 4.4 metres, is the longest vehicle here, and by quite a margin, but it’s also the narrowest, and this means it doesn’t quite have a solid stance. We do like its SUV-like squared-out front end, but the overly long rear overhang is pure MPV, the glasshouse is pure Mobilio and this gives the BR-V somewhat of an identity crisis. It looks unique, no doubt, but the BR-V isn’t one of those vehicles that sells on the strength of its looks.
Maruti finds itself in a similar predicament with the S-cross. Buyers haven’t really taken to its crossover shape, especially with more traditional-looking SUVs like the Duster and Creta available in the same price range. But even judged as a crossover, the S-cross is quite low on the style quotient. The drooping nose and soft contours are more large hatchback than anything else. Maruti has added richer looking grey alloy wheels (not pictured here) of late, and they have helped uplift the look by a bit.
The Duster, on the other hand, has got a far more comprehensive makeover and it looks all the better for it. Its square headlights now get more intricate detailing, the new, twin-slat design grille looks more premium, there’s a greater dose of brushed silver cladding with chunky scuff plates at the front and rear, and even the re-profiled tail-lamps get a very distinctive S-shaped LED signature. We aren’t sold on the new black alloy wheels, and a move to more premium pull-type door handles would have been welcome too but, as is, the broad-shouldered Duster is handsome and looks decidedly tough.
In comparison, the Creta is a different take on the small SUV. It’s got the high bonnet, upright stance and proportions on pat, but you won’t find exaggerated wheel arches or the likes here. Styling is restrained, smart and well executed with elements like the blackened A-pillar only adding to the look.
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