Interestingly, there are a few differences between the automatic and manual transmission variants. Although both automatic and manual variants of the top trim have near-identical feature lists, the extendable thigh support for the rear seat is absent on the manual version, which simply doesn’t add up. I guess this is the company’s way of telling you to get an automatic instead. Jokes aside, the seats are comfortable and contribute to the overall comfort of the car. Also goes without saying that, the ride quality is indeed ‘Oh so French’. 

The first thing you notice while shifting into gear is how damped the gear shift mechanism feels. Although smooth to row, it has a very soft, almost rubber-like feel while slotting in that makes you think twice if you’ve slotted into the correct gear or not. The clutch action is light. The bite is somewhat sharp, but you get used to it soon enough. Get moving and the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine feels responsive. The Basalt is quick; you only realise you’ve reached three-digit speeds when you look at the speedo. I thoroughly enjoyed signal-to-signal drag races in the Basalt. 

Fuel efficiency is another trump card up the Basalt’s sleeve. Citroën says the ARAI-certified fuel economy is 19.5kmpl. I managed to get upwards of 15kmpl in my mixed city and highway run, which is very good for a turbocharged petrol engine, and it was mostly driven in dense Pune traffic. 

The Basalt MT is an impressive SUV. It gets a brilliant steering, plush suspension and a hoot of an engine. It does miss out on small features like automatic headlamps, no fast smartphone charging, missing thigh support extenders and evident signs of cost cutting in the cabin plastics. At a starting price of ₹ 11.49 lakh ex-showroom, the Basalt MT is a rather good deal for a mid-size SUV. But at the same time, it could have been a lot more.

The post Citroen Basalt 1.2P Turbo Max: First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

It is interesting to note that despite the intense competition in the premium mid-size SUV segment, Hyundai stands out as the sole brand offering an SUV equipped with a diesel manual powertrain combo in its top-tier variants offering a larger choice to the customer. The SX (O) trim is similar to the 1.5 turbocharged petrol Creta Ed drove back in January so to know more about the design, interiors and features, you can check out his review here.

The Creta’s 1.5-litre CRDi diesel powertrain is a tried-and-tested mill, delivering 116PS and 250Nm, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It is known to be the jack of all trades, offering adequate performance and impressive fuel economy. These traits have been carried over along with better refinement. The demeanour of the engine immediately makes an impression by displaying a notable absence of the typical diesel clatter or judder at startup becoming vocal only close to the redline.This makes it quite the relaxing intercity cruiser. The powertrain impresses in other areas, like the ample low-end torque which makes overtaking manoeuvres in congested city traffic an effortless affair.

I have always preferred manual gearboxes primarily for its ability to be able to skip gears while downshifting or upshifting. While this is also achievable in a DCT with paddle shifters, the manual transmission offers a quicker transition from 5th to 3rd gear. Achieving that perfect gear shift is very satisfying, with the Creta being forgiving even amidst imperfect executions. The low-end torque ensures seamless acceleration from low speeds, even in third gear, even when met with a heavy foot.
While this is no sporty diesel, it revs up swiftly accompanied by precise and positive gear changes. The clutch pedal feels quiterev light for a diesel, helpful in navigating stop-and-go traffic situations. Its fuel-efficiency too, returning an impressive 14kmpl in stop-and-go city traffic. Cruising at 90kmph in 6th gear yielded an impressive fuel economy of over 20kmpl.

The Creta’s diesel variants feature a softer suspension tune further complemented by 16-inch wheels shod with high-profile tyres. These help the Creta tackle potholes and speed bumps without discomfort to the passenger. It’s worth noting that this suspension setup offers a more supple ride compared to its turbo petrol counterparts. Furthermore, the effortlessly light steering makes light work of navigating traffic and city bylanes, contributing to an overall relaxing driving experience in the city. Despite the softer suspension tune, the diesel Creta feels composed at highway speeds, ensuring a comfortable ride and exhibiting stable dynamics in corners.

To sum it up, the Hyundai Creta, with its 1.5-litre diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission, presents itself as a compelling entryway in the mid-size SUV segment, with prices starting at Rs 12.45 lakhs for the diesel MT powertrain variants and topping off at Rs 18.89 lakhs for the Creta diesel MT SX (O) variant we are driving. With refined performance, commendable fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride, it stands out among its competitors by being an all-rounder family SUV. The integration of technology, coupled with a relaxed driving experience, ensures a soothing experience both in urban landscapes and on open highways. For those seeking a combination of efficiency, performance, and calm driving pleasure, the Hyundai Creta diesel MT emerges as a worthy contender in the segment.

The post Hyundai Creta: Road Test Review first appeared on Turbocharged.