Battle of SUVs: Hyundai Creta versus Honda BR-V

Compact SUVs are sizzling hot right now and every carmaker seems to want a pie of this segment. While Renault was among the first to pioneer this segment with the Duster, which recently got a much-needed makeover, Honda, too, has now thrown its hat into the ring with the BR-V. But how does the Jap compare against its Korean counterpart and current segment leader, Hyundai Creta?

Creta looks the part of a quintessential compact SUV with its bold, masculine styling and adequately raised stance. The three-slat chrome grill, triangular headlamps, vertically positioned fog lamps and silver scuff plates give it an aggressive character.

The BR-V manages to make an impression with its all-black dashboard with silver accents that lend the cabin a sporty appeal. Fit and finish and quality of plastics are also top-notch.

From the rear, the Creta resembles a grown-up Elite i20 and that’s actually a good thing considering how popular that model is.

In terms of looks, we found the BR-V abysmally similar to the Mobilio, especially when viewed in profile. Besides, its stance is more like an MPV than a SUV which leaves it with a rather confused identity.

Despite its big appearance, the Creta is only a 5-seater. But then the entire space behind the second row makes up the boot, which is a tidy 400 litres.

BR-V is the only true seven-seater compact SUV with a front-facing third row! No, you still won’t be able to haul two adults back there over longer jaunts but it still is reasonably spacious.