Used Hyundai Creta Diesel Manual is a Best Seller in 2024

Saying that the Creta is a pillar of Hyundai’s success in India would not be an understatement. The midsize SUV is the segment benchmark for years now, especially in the used market. In fact, the Hyundai Creta was the second best selling used SUV in 2024. It was also the best selling used automatic SUV in ‘24, and the fourth best selling used automatic car (across all segments) last year.

The fact that it comes with multiple engine and transmission options is a big reason behind its popularity. As per our used car sales report, however, one transmission option led the way in terms of appeal. In this article, we will take a closer look at what gearbox buyers preferred in their used Cretas over the last few years, and why.

Manual Hyundai Cretas Were The Clear Preference in 2024

The 2024 data offers a clear snapshot of how Indian buyers view automatic against manual Cretas in the used car market. Manual transmissions still hold a commanding lead, but automatics continue to carve out a larger presence.

According to 2024 data, 77.2% of all used Cretas sold featured manual transmissions, confirming that most buyers still prefer the cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, and familiarity offered by manuals. Automatics accounted for 22.8% of used Hyundai Creta sales, which is higher than the national average of 14.66%.

Petrol Creta Breakdown

• Petrol/manual variants contributed to 29.34% of all used Creta sales in 2024.

• Petrol/automatic variants made up 12.39%, showing steady urban demand for smoother, stress-free driving.

   

Diesel Creta Breakdown

• Diesel/manual variants dominated with 47.84% of all used Creta sales last year.

• Diesel/automatic variants accounted for 10.40%, retaining appeal among long-distance and highway-focused buyers who want convenience without compromising on diesel’s range and torque.

   

Manual’s Continued Relevance

With nearly 78% of used Cretas still featuring manual gearboxes, the preference for traditional transmissions remains strong, especially in semi-urban and rural regions. However, with automatics making up nearly a quarter of sales, there’s no denying that city buyers increasingly opt for the ease and convenience that automatic variants provide.

How Transmission Preferences evolved between 2021 and 2024

Tracking transmission trends from 2021 to 2024 paints a clearer picture of how preferences have shifted.

Transmission Share Year by Year

• 2021: Manual transmissions made up 75.75% of all used Cretas sold, while automatics claimed 24.25%.
• 2022: Manuals held 72.23%, with automatics rising slightly to 27.77%.
• 2023: Manual share rebounded to 75.4%, with automatics dropping to 24.6%.

• 2024: Manual share rose further to 77.2%, leaving automatics at 22.8%.

   

Analysing the Trend

Despite used automatic cars gaining ground in 2022, the last two years saw a reversal, with manuals reclaiming dominance. Rising new car prices, increasing fuel costs, and strong demand for budget-friendly used models may have driven this trend. 

Automatic variants, often carrying a premium, appeal primarily to urban buyers. Meanwhile, buyers in non-metro areas continue to favour manual gearboxes for their affordability and superior long-term maintenance costs.

Powertrain options available in the Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta’s popularity stems from its wide range of engine and transmission combinations, ensuring options for all types of buyers.

Petrol Engine Options

• 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine (Second Generation)

   

  • Power:
  • Torque:
  • Transmission: 7-speed DCT
     

• 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (Second Generation Facelift)

   

  • Power: 113 bhp
  • Torque: 144 Nm
  • Transmission choices: 6-speed manual and CVT automatic (branded IVT)
     

• 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (Second Generation Facelift)

   

  • Power: 158 bhp
  • Torque: 253 Nm

  • Transmission: 7-speed DCT

     

Diesel Engine Options

• 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine (Second Generation Facelift)

   

  • Power: 114 bhp
  • Torque: 250 Nm

  • Transmission choices: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic (torque converter)

     

Legacy Engine Options

• Early-generation Cretas offered a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel, both known for higher power output and broader appeal among enthusiasts. These engines paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Additionally, there was also a 1.4-litre turbo-diesel variant borrowed from the i20 hatchback. This was done to keep a lower-cost diesel variant in the lineup, given the demand among buyers for diesel at the time.

   

Transmission Character

• Manual Transmissions: Favoured for precise gear control, lower cost, and better fuel efficiency.
• CVT (IVT): Offers smooth power delivery and appeals to city drivers who prioritise convenience.
• Torque Converter Automatic (Diesel): Known for durability and smooth shifts, making it ideal for highway drives and long-distance comfort.

Resale Value Insights for the Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta has built a reputation for strong resale value, thanks to its widespread demand, feature set, and Hyundai’s established after-sales network.

Key Takeaways on Resale Value

• Average Used Price: Across all variants, used Cretas fetched an average price of ₹12.55 lakh in 2024. This strong figure highlights the Creta’s desirability in both urban and semi-urban markets.
• Petrol Manual Value: With an average selling price of ₹9.62 lakh, petrol/manual Cretas offer affordability and flexibility, especially to first-time SUV buyers or families upgrading from hatchbacks who preferred second hand manual cars.
• Petrol Automatic Premium: Used petrol automatics commanded ₹13.12 lakh on average. This premium reflects strong demand in urban centres, where automatic variants are preferred for daily commutes.
• Diesel Manual remains stable: Diesel/manual variants held steady at ₹10.36 lakh, showing their popularity with highway drivers and rural buyers who value diesel’s fuel efficiency.
• Diesel Automatic’s Value Dip: Surprisingly, diesel automatics posted an average price of ₹8.70 lakh, lower than manual variants. This reflects lower volume and slightly lower demand for these models, particularly in price-conscious markets.
   

Conclusion

The Hyundai Creta’s manual variants still command the lion’s share of sales in the used car market, particularly among budget-conscious buyers and those in semi-urban regions. However, automatics continue to grow their footprint, especially among urban buyers seeking driving convenience.

Manual transmissions retained over 77% of used Creta sales in 2024, but with automatics capturing nearly one-fourth of the market, Hyundai’s focus on automatic variants for urban users seems to be paying off. As automatic technology improves and newer buyers prioritise convenience, the gap between manual and automatic could gradually shrink in the used car space.