Publisher - Welcome to Thrust Zone

Toyota and Maruti have walked into the hypercompetitive C-segment SUV category of the Indian automobile market with the launch of HyRyder and Grand Vitara. Pitted against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun, the Toyota HyRyder and Maruti Twin have its work cut out. We compare all these propositions on paper to tell you which one of these you should get your money on.

Dimensions In terms of dimensions, Toyota HyRyder is the longest SUV in this comparison with a stretch of 4365 mm between head and toe. MG comes out on top in terms of the overall width (1809 mm) and height (1650 mm) while Skoda and VW lead the chart on the crucial aspect of wheelbase (2651 mm). Both Creta and Seltos come with a healthy ground clearance of 190 mm while the Toyota is still to communicate how much mm the belly of HyRyder is off the ground.

VW Taigun has the smallest turning radius of 5.05 meters while the Korean brothers again triumph in terms of the largest boot space of 433-litre. All SUVs have got 17-inch alloy wheels and come equipped with six safety airbags. Hyundai and Kia offer the largest 10.25 touchscreen system and MG Astor is the only car in the comparison that comes equipped with steering modes, a digital key, and ADAS.

Engines and Transmission In terms of engine and transmission, HyRyder features a 1.5-litre petrol engine in two avatars: Naturally aspirated with 100 hp/135Nm and the hybrid variant with 114 hp/141 Nm. The transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and an e-CVT. Both Creta and Seltos get a similar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel motor. In fact, South Korean brands are the only ones in the comparison that offers the choice of a diesel engine. The transmission options available on Creta and Seltos include 6-speed MT and AT, IVT, and 7-speed DCT.

MG Astor has got a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine along with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated variant of the petrol motor. Transmission options available here include 6-speed MT and AT, and 7-speed DSG among others. Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun again have got similar capacity 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines which are paired to 6-speed MT and AT and 7-speed DSG gearbox. In terms of raw power, Volkswagen twins are the most powerful car with 150 bhp on tap while Skoda and VW also offer the maximum rotational force of 250Nm in petrol avatar while the same rated torque is delivered by Creta and Seltos in diesel variants.

Verdict In sum, Toyota HyRyder and Grand Vitara is the longest SUV and the only one which features all-wheel drive capabilities among the rivals featured in this comparison. They can also be credited with the most advanced powertrain with state-of-the-art hybrid technology that makes it the most fuel-efficient SUV ever. However, when it comes to the outright performance, HyRyder and Grand Vitara are still not a match for the Germans. The Toyota and Maruti twins will easily triumph over the Korean twins when it comes to conquering their 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine-equipped variants. Why? Because of their super strong and highly economical naturally aspirated engines that are on offer out gun it on the paper itself.

Korean twins will remain the choice for diesel primarily in the future as the turbocharged petrol awards belong to the German twins. Astor only has ADAS as its speciality and stands along with weak petrol motor and average interior and exterior design. However, it isn’t this simple. Budget, features and design also decide the final case of all these suvs for some customers.

Audi: Myth Surrounding Self Driving Cars Explained By Experts

Last Ford Ecosport Rolls Of The Line In Chennai Meant For Export!