Hyundai Creta 2024 vs Honda City: The Best Top-end Variant for Performance Enthusiasts

A performance-oriented buyer has to closely look at a car’s specs and performance parameters when making a decision. So, what are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What goes into making a high-performance car model? We compare the Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City, and see how their top-end variants fare in terms of their performance.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Hyundai Creta 2024 vs Honda City – a comprehensive analysis of their top-end variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts prioritize a thrilling driving experience above all else. They seek fast cars with powerful engines that deliver quick acceleration and responsive handling. A well-tuned suspension is crucial for maintaining stability and minimizing body roll during high-speed cornering. Precise steering and a smooth transmission are also essential for an engaging drive. Additionally, performance enthusiasts appreciate features like sport seats, paddle shifters, and a sporty exhaust note that enhance the overall driving experience.

Why Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City are Popular

The Hyundai Creta 2024 has gained popularity among performance enthusiasts due to its impressive engine options and well-balanced chassis. The Creta offers a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine that produces 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth and responsive 7-speed DCT transmission. The Creta’s suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both city driving and occasional spirited drives.

On the other hand, the Honda City has been a favorite among performance enthusiasts for its agile handling and refined engine options. The City’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine is known for its smooth power delivery and high-revving nature. The latest generation of the City also offers a hybrid variant, which combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for improved performance and efficiency. The City’s well-tuned suspension and precise steering make it a joy to drive on winding roads.

Both the Creta and City also boast well-designed interiors with premium materials, advanced infotainment systems, and a host of comfort and convenience features that enhance the overall driving experience.

Top-end Variants Shortlist for Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City

For Hyundai Creta 2024, we have:

Variant	Price as on 22 April 2024
SX (O) Turbo DCT	₹20,00,000
SX (O) Diesel AT DT	₹20,00,000
SX (O) Turbo DCT DT	₹20,15,000

For Honda City, we have:

Variant	Price as on 22 April 2024
V CVT	₹18,89,000
ZX CVT	₹20,39,000

Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT

This variant is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine and responsive 7-speed DCT transmission. It offers quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both city driving and occasional spirited drives. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our comparison of the Creta 2024 with Volkswagen Virtus.

Hyundai Creta SX (O) Diesel AT DT

While diesel engines may not be the first choice for performance enthusiasts, this variant’s 1.5-liter diesel engine delivers strong torque, making it a good option for those who prioritize effortless highway cruising. The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission ensures smooth gear shifts. The dual-tone exterior adds a touch of sportiness to the overall look.

Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT DT

This variant combines the performance of the 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine with the visual appeal of a dual-tone exterior. It offers the same driving dynamics as the regular SX (O) Turbo DCT variant, with the added benefit of a more distinctive appearance. The dual-tone color scheme is sure to turn heads and appeal to performance enthusiasts who want their car to stand out. If you are style-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Creta 2024 with MG Astor.

Honda City Hybrid V CVT

The City Hybrid V CVT is a good choice for performance enthusiasts who prioritize efficiency without compromising on driving pleasure. The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering instant torque and smooth acceleration. The e-CVT transmission ensures seamless power delivery. The V variant offers a well-equipped interior with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and synthetic leather upholstery.

Honda City Hybrid ZX CVT

The range-topping City Hybrid ZX CVT offers the same hybrid performance as the V variant, along with additional premium features. It comes equipped with LED headlights, a sunroof, and genuine leather upholstery, elevating the overall driving experience. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Honda City with Skoda Slavia and Hyundai Verna.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City for Performance Enthusiasts

After careful consideration, we recommend the Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. This variant stands out due to its powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine, which produces 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque. The engine’s strong mid-range punch and quick-revving nature make it a joy to drive. The 7-speed DCT transmission complements the engine perfectly, offering lightning-fast gear changes and smooth operation.

The Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT’s suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. It maintains stability at high speeds while also offering a comfortable ride quality for daily driving. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver.

In addition to its impressive performance credentials, the Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT boasts a premium interior with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose audio system, and a host of comfort and convenience features. The well-designed interior, along with the powerful engine and responsive transmission, creates an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

The Creta’s bold and aggressive exterior design, with its sculpted lines and distinctive front grille, further appeals to performance enthusiasts. The SX (O) Turbo DCT variant’s 17-inch alloy wheels and dual-tone exterior options add to its sporty and dynamic appearance.

Overall, the Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT offers the best combination of performance, handling, features, and design among the Creta and City variants, making it the top choice for performance enthusiasts in this segment.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT
2. Honda City Hybrid ZX CVT
3. Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT DT

Attributes	Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT	Honda City Hybrid ZX CVT	Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT DT
Engine – Displacement (cc)	1482	1498	1482
Engine – Power (BHP)	157.57	96.55	157.57
Engine – Torque (Nm)	253	127	253
Transmission – Auto Type	DCT	eCVT	DCT
Touchscreen size	10.25	8	10.25

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo DCT and SX (O) Turbo DCT DT variants offer the most appealing package for performance enthusiasts, thanks to their powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine and quick-shifting 7-speed DCT transmission. The engine delivers an impressive 157.57 BHP and 253 Nm of torque, ensuring strong acceleration and responsive performance.
• The Creta’s well-tuned suspension setup provides a good balance between comfort and handling, allowing for an enjoyable driving experience both in the city and on the highway. The precise steering and responsive brakes further enhance the car’s dynamic capabilities.
• Both the SX (O) Turbo DCT and SX (O) Turbo DCT DT variants come equipped with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose audio system, and a host of premium features that elevate the overall driving experience. The DT variant adds a sporty dual-tone exterior color option, appealing to those who want a more distinctive look.
• The Honda City Hybrid ZX CVT, while not as focused on outright performance as the Creta, offers a unique driving experience with its hybrid powertrain. The combination of a 1.5-liter petrol engine and an electric motor delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration through the e-CVT transmission. The ZX variant’s premium interior, with genuine leather upholstery and advanced features, adds a touch of luxury to the driving experience.

These variants offer distinct packages that cater to the preferences of performance enthusiasts. While the Creta variants prioritize outright performance and sporty dynamics, the City Hybrid offers a technologically advanced and efficient driving experience. 

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.