Head to Head

The subcompact SUV segment can be said to be a buyer's market from the multitude of options now available.

The options run from budget-friendly to premium models, from brands which have been in the country for decades to relative newcomers.

Among these options are the Honda HR-V V Turbo CVT listed at P1.649 million pesos and the Hyundai Creta GLS IVT listed at P1.388 million pesos.

DIMENSION

The Honda HR-V is 4385 millimeters long, 1790 mm wide and 1590 mm tall, with a ground clearance of 181 mm.

The Hyundai Creta 1.5 GLS IVT is 4,315 millimeters long, 1,790mm wide and 1.630mm tall. It comes with a 2,160mm-long wheelbase and a minimum ground clearance of 200mm.

EXTERIOR

The Honda HR-V V Turbo features all LED headlights with auto on/off function, Daytime Running Lights, taillights with light bar, high mount stop lamp, projector type fog lamps, side turn signal lights integrated in the side door mirrors, shark fin antenna, tailgate spoiler, and rear intermittent wipers with washer.

Other distinguishing features include bumper with the Amp Up line, Black Mesh type grille, platinum headlight extension, dual tailpipe finishers, the Turbo emblem, and 17-inch Gray Alloy wheels wrapped by 215/60 R17 96H tires.

The Creta features 3D Parametric Jewel Pattern grille, 4MFR (multi-faceted reflector) LED headlights with Auto Light Control, LED Daytime Running Lights, and two-tone paint job.

It also features halogen repeater lights, power folding and adjusting outside door mirrors with repeaters, chrome outside door handles, LED rear combination lights, front and rear wipers, Rear Spoiler with High Mount Stop Lamp as well as two-toned 17-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels wrapped by 60-series tires.

INTERIOR COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Honda equipped the HR-V V Turbo CVT with Smart keyless entry with One Push Start system. The cabin features black and silver accents and leather-upholstered seats and shift knob.

The driver's seat slides, reclines and adjusts for height. The front passenger seat slides and reclines. The second row features Honda's patented ULT seating which splits and folds flat 60:40 and comes with a rear armrest.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel tilts and telescopes and features controls for audio, the HFT, and the Multi-Information Display. The instrument panel comes with a 7-inch Digital Display.

Other comfort and convenience features include power windows and doorlocks, auto power-folding door mirrors, single zone automatic airconditioning with the new air diffusion system and rear air vents, Electronic Parking Brake, ambient cabin lighting, four grab rails, four bottle holders, four cupholders, 12-volt accessory socket, sunvisors with illuminated mirrors, map lights, cargo area lights, tonneau cover, auto-dimming rear view mirrors and two rear USB charging ports.

Hyundai equipped the 1.5 GLS IVT with a Smart Key and Button start system.

The two-tone interior features leatherette upholstery for the well-bolstered front and rear seats. The rear seat-back splits and folds 60:40 and feature a fold-down armrest with twin cupholders.

The GLS IVT dash is highlighted by 10.25-inch LCD display for the instrument cluster. The airconditioning system features automatic temperature control. The glove box is cooled.

The top-of-line GLS IVT also comes with leatherette-upholstered steering wheel that tilts and telescopes and features buttons and switches for such things as the audio and cruise control.

The Creta comes standard with power windows, power door locks, power side mirrors, USB charging ports in front tray and console, multiple cupholders on doors, driver and front passenger sun visors with mirrors, room lamp, luggage area lamp, seat back pockets, overhead console with lamp.

INFOTAINMENT

The HR-V Turbo infotainment system uses an 8-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BlueTooth, Hands Free Telephone, Audio-Streaming, USB-input, and six speakers.

The Hyundai Creta GLS IVT infotainment system features an 8-inch Touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB connection, Bluetooth with customizable voice recognition function, as well as wireless charging.

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

The top-of-line Honda HR-V is powered by a turbocharged 1498cc, 4-cylinder VTEC engine that generates 177 PS and 240 Newton-meters of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission that drives the front wheels.

The HR-V uses McPherson struts in front and Axle Type suspension in the rear.

It comes with an all-wheel disc brake system, ventilated in front.

The Hyundai Creta is powered by a Smartstream G1.5 engine.

The 1,497cc DOHC gasoline engine generates 113 horsepower and 144 Newton-meters of torque, sent to the front wheels via an IVT or Intelligent variable transmission.

The powertrain comes with four drive modes on the top-of-line Creta - Eco, Normal, Smart and Sport.

The Creta suspension system features front McPherson struts and a CTBA- or Coupled Torsion Beam Axle-type suspension in the rear.

The brake system uses discs on all wheels - 15-inch discs in front and 14-inch discs in the rear.

DRIVER ASSIST & SAFETY

The HR-V comes standard with Honda SENSING, a suite of driver assist technology that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow; Lane Keeping Assist System; Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning, Auto High-Beam and Lead Car Departure Notification System.

It also comes with an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Descent Control, Hill-Start Assist, Auto Brake Hold, and Agile Handling Assist, as well as a Multi-View rear camera.

Standard for safety are 3-point ELR seatbelts with reminder for five; front and side airbags, speed-sensing door locks, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Hyundai equipped all Creta variants brought into local market with dual airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Parking Distance Warning sensors, Child Seat Anchors, as well as Electric Parking Brake with Autohold .

The 1.5 GL IVT also comes with Manual Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Rear View Monitor, Rear Seat Alert, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance System, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.

Knowing the listed prices and the specs, which would you rather have, the HR-V or the Creta?