Nissan Kicks vs. Kia Seltos vs. Hyundai Creta: Top-end engines compared [Update]
Update: Thanks to leaked marketing material, the mileage of the BS6 Nissan Kicks has leaked online. Moreover, it has also come to the light that Nissan will offer the BS6 Kicks turbo petrol with a manual transmission. Check out the updated specification table in the story.
1 May 2020 -
The Nissan Kicks is about to raise the bar with respect to performance in the premium sub-compact SUV segment in India. It’s about time we compared the best-in-class engine options available in the segment now. If you're in the market for the best-performing premium B-SUV, this is a must-read.
Currently, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta hold the title of best-in-class performance. It’s the battle of turbocharged petrol engines now. Take a look at the performance parameters of the top-end engines of the Korean SUVs below to understand how they pan out against the Nissan Kicks.
Nissan Kicks turbo-petrol vs. Kia Seltos turbo-petrol vs. Hyundai Creta turbo-petrol - Specifications
| Aspect | Specification | ||
| Nissan Kicks | Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta | |
| Engine | HR13 DDT | Smartstream G1.4 T-GDi | 1.4 l Kappa Turbo GDi |
| Displacement | 1.3L (TBD cc) | 1.4L (1,353 cc) | 1.4L (1,353 cc) |
| Type | In-line four-cylinder | In-line four-cylinder | In-line four-cylinder |
| Fuel Injection System | Direct injection | Direct injection | Direct injection |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Maximum Power | 156 PS at TBD rpm | 140 PS at 6,000 rpm | 140 PS at 6,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 254 Nm at TBD rpm | 242 Nm at 1,500-3,200 rpm | 242 Nm at 1,500-3,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT/X-tronic CVT | 6-speed MT/7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel Economy Rating (Mileage) | Up to 16.3 km/l | 16.1 km/l (MT)/16.5 km/l (DCT) | 16.8 km/l |
| Emission Standard | BS-VI | BS-VI | BS-VI |
The Nissan Kicks is clearly the winner of the trio when it comes to numbers. The Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta share the same turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine. The Nissan Kicks' turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine has a lower displacement but still outperforms that engine. With outputs of 156 PS and 254 Nm, it is significantly more powerful and torquier.
The BS6 Kia Seltos turbo-petrol, priced from INR 13.79 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The BS6 Hyundai Creta turbo-petrol, priced from INR 16.16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), is available with only a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The BS6 Nissan Kicks turbo-petrol, on the other hand, will have the X-tronic CVT as standard. The CVT may not allow for the same level of spirited driving as its rivals. We'll save our verdict for when we get to drive it. The fuel economy rating and price(s) aren't out either.
Also Read: Nissan Magnite prices in India likely to start at around INR 5.25 lakh
Nissan will likely launch the BS6 Kicks turbo-petrol in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for our BS6 Kicks turbo-petrol review.