A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes an archived model
Current and archived cars are compared side by side. Archived models keep their verified historical specs, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Creta starts ZAR 489999 cheaperCreta from ZAR 407,900 · Scorpio-N from ZAR 489,999
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Engine Power
85 kW
128.6 kW
Torque
144 Nm
400 Nm
Engine Size
1497 cc
2184 cc
Claimed Mileage
16.8 km/l
14.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
187 mm
Boot / Load Bay
433 l
460 l
Airbags
6
Front, side and curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1365 kg
1825-2070 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5
5 years / 150 000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Both Creta and Scorpio-N are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Scorpio-N
+33 pts
Efficiency
Creta
+4 pts
Safety
Creta
+45 pts
Practicality
Scorpio-N
+9 pts
Ownership
Creta
+21 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Creta
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Scorpio-N
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Creta
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Scorpio-N
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Model Introduced Year
2016
-
Generation
Second generation Creta built on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; the SA model is a popular variant shared with several emerging markets
Current local listing
Facelift History
Second generation arrived in SA in 2021 with significant upgrades to interior quality, safety tech, and engine options; notably improved over the first-gen car
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
Current
Production Status
Not confirmed
Active
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Ground Clearance
200 mm
187 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2750 mm
Length
4330 mm
4662 mm
Width
1790 mm
1918 mm
Height
1635 mm
1905 mm
Kerb Weight
1365 kg
1825-2070 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1860 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
433 l
460 l
Turning Radius
5.3 m
-
Load Bed Length
433 l
460 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396 l
-
Number of Doors
5
-
Boot Volume
433 l
460 l
Doors
5
-
Seats
5
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
57 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1860 kg
-
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
187 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
187 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
187 mm
Height Mm
1635 mm
1905 mm
Length Mm
4330 mm
4662 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
433 l
460 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
-
Cargo Volume
433 l
460 l
Tare Mass Kg
1365 kg
1825-2070 kg
Turning Circle
5.3 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.3 m
-
Width Mm
1790 mm
1918 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396 l
-
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
-
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
-
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Max Payload
Not confirmed
-
Payload Kg
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Engine
1.5 MPI Naturally Aspirated
2.2D mHawk CRDI
Engine Type
Petrol
Diesel mHawk common-rail direct injection
Displacement
1497 cc
2184 cc
Cylinders
4
-
Valves per Cylinder
16
-
Power
85 kW
128.6 kW
Power @ RPM
6300
3500
Torque
144 Nm
400 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4500
1750-2750
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
-
Turbocharger
No
-
Top Speed
175 km/h
-
0-100 km/h
11.5 sec
-
Compression Ratio
10.0
-
Engine Position
Front
-
Engine Code
G4FJ
-
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Diesel
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Maximum Engine RPM
6500 rpm
-
Engine Type Config
Inline
-
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
2184 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
1497 cc
2184 cc
Engine Power kW
85 kW
128.6 kW
Engine Torque Nm
144 Nm
400 Nm
Max Power kW
85 kW
128.6 kW
Max Torque Nm
144 Nm
400 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
4500
1750-2750
Cylinder Bore
Not confirmed
-
Piston Stroke
Not confirmed
-
Power
Not confirmed
172 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Not confirmed
-
0–100 km/h
11.5 sec
-
Engine Displacement Litres
1497 cc
2184 cc
Acceleration 0 100
11.5 sec
-
Engine Config
Not confirmed
-
Engine Valves
Not confirmed
-
Induction
Not confirmed
-
Maximum Power
85 kW
128.6 kW
Maximum Torque
144 Nm
400 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6300
3500
Turbo Type
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
4x4
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
4x4
LSD Available
No
-
Paddle Shifters
No
-
Number of Gears
7 km/h
6 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
7 km/h
6 km/h
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
-
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
-
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
4x4
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Selectable shift-on-fly 4WD
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Selectable shift-on-fly 4WD
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
-
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Low Range
Not confirmed
-
Axle Layout
Front-Wheel Drive
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Claimed Mileage
16.8 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
11.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
57 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Efficiency
6.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption
6.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
6.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
50 l
57 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
-
Real-world Mileage
16.8 km/l
14.5 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not confirmed
-
Charging Type
Not confirmed
-
DC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
-
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
-
Range Wltp
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Airbags
6
Front, side and curtain airbags
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
-
Hill Descent Control
No
Hill descent control
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Hill hold control
Child Safety Lock
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
-
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
-
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
-
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
-
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
-
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
AEB
No
-
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
-
Hill Hold
Yes
Hill hold control
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
-
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Cruise Control
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
-
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
-
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and rear parking sensors
Rear View Camera
Yes
Front and rear camera
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
-
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
-
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Zip / Zap / Zoom
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
360 Degree Camera
Not confirmed
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Driver drowsiness detection
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Front and rear camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
-
Park Assist
Not confirmed
-
Around View Monitor
Not confirmed
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Leatherette
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
-
Heated Seats
Front
-
Ventilated Seats
No
-
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
-
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Second row air conditioner
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leatherette wrapped steering and gear shift lever
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
-
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
6-way driver power seat
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
6-way driver power seat
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Rich-coffee black leatherette
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone fully automatic temperature control
Power Windows
All
Driver anti-pinch power windows
Keyless Entry
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Engine start stop button
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone fully automatic temperature control
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Climate Zones
1
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Engine start stop button
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Engine start stop button
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Panoramic Roof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Engine start stop button
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Plan
4
5 years / 100 000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
-
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone fully automatic temperature control
Rim Size
17
18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Sound System
8
Sony 3D immersive audio with 12 speakers and dual-channel subwoofer
Unlocking
Yes
-
Wireless Charger
Yes
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not confirmed
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Not confirmed
Power-fold ORVM
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
-
Valves Per Cylinder
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
-
Number of Speakers
8
Sony 3D immersive audio with 12 speakers and dual-channel subwoofer
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
-
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Audio and cruise controls
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25 inch
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Audio and cruise controls
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8
Sony 3D immersive audio with 12 speakers and dual-channel subwoofer
Infotainment Screen
10.25 inch
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Touchscreen
10.25 inch
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Audio System
Not confirmed
Sony 3D immersive audio
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
LED Headlamps
Full LED
-
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Sting-like daytime running lamps
Fog Lamps
LED
-
Roof Rails
Yes
Silver roof rail
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Atlas White, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Galaxy Blue
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED
Sting-like daytime running lamps
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED
-
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Sting-like daytime running lamps
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
-
Headlamps
Full LED
-
Headlight Type
Full LED
-
Headlights
Full LED
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Normal / Snow / Mud & Rut / Sand
Locking Differential
No
Mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
No
Hill descent control
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
-
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
-
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
-
4WD System Type
Front-Wheel Drive
4x4
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
-
Wheel Type
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
-
Rear Brake Type
Disc
-
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
-
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
17
18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Steel
-
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
17
18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Wheelbase Mm
2610 mm
2750 mm
Wheels
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double wishbone front suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Penta Link rear suspension
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Spring Type
Coil
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Double wishbone front suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Penta Link rear suspension
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
5 years / 100 000 km
Service Plan Distance
4
5 years / 100 000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Warranty Years
5
5 years / 150 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years / 150 000 km
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
-
Start Stop System
No
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
Diesel
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Spec
Creta
Scorpio-N
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
South Africa market model
Price Source
Not confirmed
https://mahindra.co.za/scorpio-n/
Price Zar
Not confirmed
699999 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
flagship
Starting Price
Not confirmed
489999
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
489999
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Creta leads by 4 points
Both Creta and Scorpio-N are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Creta
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
69/100
Ownership
65/100
Scorpio-N
Performance
69/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
47/100
Practicality
78/100
Ownership
44/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Creta
wins with 65 pts
vs 61 pts for Scorpio-N
In structured scoring, Creta emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Scorpio-N may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Creta edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Creta 64 vs Scorpio-N 60. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Creta 92, Scorpio-N 47. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Creta 65, Scorpio-N 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Creta 69, Scorpio-N 78. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Creta 36, Scorpio-N 69. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Creta edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Creta scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Creta and Scorpio-N in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Creta scores 36 vs 69.
Efficiency: Creta scores 64 vs 60.
Safety: Creta scores 92 vs 47.
Practicality: Creta scores 69 vs 78.
Ownership: Creta scores 65 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Creta
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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