Latest Update:– Skoda Auto has finally launched the Kushaq SUV in the Indian market. Click here for variant-wise pricing and other details.
The production-spec Skoda Kushaq has been revealed in India. It will sit in a hotly contested compact SUV segment when it will hit the markets in June this year. While there are a few months left for its launch, Skoda Auto has already shared its specifications and key features. So, let's take a sneak peek at how the new Skoda Kushaq fares against its competitors on on-paper comparison: –
Dimensions
Dimensions | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Nissan Kicks | Renault Duster |
Length | 4,221mm | 4,300mm | 4,315mm | 4,384mm | 4,360mm |
Width | 1,760mm | 1,790mm | 1,800mm | 1,813mm | 1,822mm |
Height | 1,612mm | 1,635mm | 1,620mm | 1,669mm | 1,695mm |
Wheelbase | 2,651mm | 2,610mm | 2,610mm | 2,673mm | 2,673mm |
Ground Clearance | 188mm | 190mm | 190mm | 210mm | 205mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | – | 50 litres | 50 litres | 50 litres | 50 litres |
Boot Space | 385 litres | 433 litres | 433 litres | 400 litres | 475 litres |
Wheel-size | 205/55 R17 Alloy | 215 / 60 R17 Alloy | 215 / 60 R17 Alloy | 215/60 R17 Alloy | 215/60 R17 Alloy |
Spare Wheel-size | 205/55 R16 Steel | 205 / 65 R16 Steel | 205/65 R16 Steel | 215/65 R16 Steel | 215/65 R16 Steel |
- The Nissan Kicks is the longest SUV in the segment, whereas the Duster is the biggest SUV here in terms of width, height, and wheelbase. The Kicks also shares the same wheelbase.
- The Skoda Kushaq is the smallest SUV. However, its wheelbase is slightly greater (+41mm) than the Creta-Seltos duo.
- Kushaq's ground clearance is par with the Kia Seltos & Hyundai Creta, but smaller than that of Renault Duster and Nissan Kicks by 17mm & 22mm respectively.
- In terms of boot space, the Duster has the largest cargo capacity, while Kushaq has the smallest.
Powertrain
Model | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos | Nissan Kicks & Renault Duster |
Engine | 1.0-litre turbo/ 1.5-litre turbo | 1.5-litre NA/ 1.4-litre turbo | 1.5-litre NA/ 1.3-litre turbo |
Max Power | 115PS/ 150PS | 115PS/ 140PS | 106PS/ 156PS |
Peak Torque | 175Nm/ 250Nm | 144Nm/ 242Nm | 142Nm/ 254Nm |
Gearbox options |
|
|
|
Fuel Efficiency | – | 16.8kmpl (MT), 16.9kmpl (CVT) / 16.8kmpl (DCT), 16.5kmpl (MT)* | 13.9kmpl (1.5L), 16.5kmpl (1.3L) |
* – only in Kia Seltos.
- Since the Skoda Kushaq is a petrol offering only, we haven't compared the diesel-powered variants of its competitors.
- All the SUVs are available with two petrol engines choices. However, the Kushaq is the only model here that gets both turbocharged units.
- Taking entry-level powertrain into consideration, the Kushaq’s 1.0-litre unit is the lowest on displacement. Despite this, it generates maximum output here, whereas the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) units of Duster and Kicks’s make the least output. Also, they don’t have an automatic transmission on offer.
- The story is just reversed for the top-spec turbocharged unit as the Kicks & Duster's 1.3-litre engine has the smallest displacement but it develops the maximum figures out there. Kushaq is second on the list, surpassing the Korean offerings by 10PS and 8Nm.
Features
All these cars look generous and pack features that are good enough to consider them. All of the compact SUVs get comfort & safety features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, multifunction steering wheel, power-adjustable ORVMs, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, ESP, hill hold assists, and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera.
Except for the Renault Duster, all the models also get the side airbags, push-button start, sunroof, connected car tech, rear AC vents, and LED headlamps. However, it's their unique features that make them apart from their rivals. Let's take a look at some exclusive features of all these SUVs in the table given below: –
Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Nissan Kicks | Renault Duster |
|
|
|
| No unique features |
The Kushaq is well-equipped but it's the Kia Seltos that has deal-breaking features such as a head-up display, electric seat adjustment, air purifier, 360-degree camera, and a blind-spot monitor.
Prices
Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Nissan Kicks | Renault Duster | |
Prices range (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh (expected) | Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17.54 lakh | Rs 9.89 lakh to Rs 17.45 lakh | Rs 9.49 lakh to Rs 14.64 lakh | Rs 9.57 lakh to Rs 13.87 lakh |
Author's Take
Like every other Skoda car, Kushaq's design is also quite impressive with no so fleshy design elements. It looks sophisticated both inside & out. Though it is not as feature-rich as the Kia Seltos, it has almost everything to please you. However, the absence of a diesel engine might dishearten some potential buyers. If priced wisely, this compact SUV has the ability to gulp down a handful of sales of the Creta and Seltos.