The all-new Skoda Kushaq is the latest to enter the competitive compact SUV segment in India. The Kushaq will be going against the best-selling C-segment SUVs such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Maruti S-Cross or Renault Duster. So, should you be considering the latest Skoda Kushaq if you are planning to buy a compact SUV in India in 2021?
We have pitched the Kushaq against the best in the category, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos to see whether the new SUV can beat the Korean rivals.
The compact C-segment SUV space continues to expand with new entrants in India lately. Skoda is betting with Kushaq in India, and we will be doing a quick comparison with Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, to see whether the Kushaq is a worthy competitor in this segment or not.
Contents
Appearance, Dimensions
We are living the style and appearance to you, it’s very subjective for an individual, and each one of the cars here have a distinctive style. Coming to dimensions, all the three SUVs have a compact form factor. Skoda Kushaq is the smallest of the three in terms of length, height and width. But when it comes to wheelbase, Kushaq has the longest in its segment at 2651mm.
The ground clearance is almost same as Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, while the boot space of 385 litres is the least among the three.
Features, Experience
The Korean SUVs come loaded with equipment. Both Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos pack in top-of-the-line features, be it technology or comfort. Creta and Seltos offer a premium in-cabin experience. In comparison, Skoda Kushaq have LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, a six-speaker audio system, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, connected car tech, ventilated front seats and such good features.
Skoda Kushaq though misses out on a 360-degree camera, a fully digital instrument console, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a built-in air purifier, remote engine start.
Among the three, Hyundai Creta is the only to offer a panoramic sunroof, while Seltos and Kushaq offer only single-pane sunroofs. Kushaq has an Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) with its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor.
Coming to safety, all the three SUVs offer up to six airbags, Hill hold assist, Electronic stability control and Tyre pressure monitor. The DSG 1.5 liter Kushaq variant comes with only 2 airbags while the top-end manual variant has 6 airbags.
Engine, Transmission Options
As far as engine options are concerned, Kushaq only offers petrol engines. In comparison, both Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer petrol and diesel powertrain options. SkodanKushaq comes with the 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol motor generating the highest power alongside the highest torque output of 150 PS and 250 Nm respectively, making it the most powerful among the three SUVs.
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have multiple gearbox options, manual and automatic. Diesel variants are only available with Creta and Seltos only.
Price, Availability
Given the price to performance ratio, all the three do stand tall. Skoda Kushaq has the most expensive entry-level variant in the segment. Skoda Kushaq price in India starts at Rs 10.50 lakh. The top-end Kushaq is priced at Rs 17.60 lakh. In comparison, Hyundai Creta top-end model costs Rs 17.71 lakh, while Kia Seltos is priced at Rs 17.65 lakh for the top model.
Kia Seltos turbo petrol automatic variant is priced at Rs 17.45 lakh. All prices listed here are ex-showroom.