Skoda India yesterday launched their most anticipated and awaited compact SUV in India. Well, there is long going for the new Skoda Kushaq, as it has entered a lion’s den. Meaning, its top-selling Korean rivals are ready to eat the King alive. But with the Skoda Kushaq bow in front of its rivals, or will it conquer this den (the compact SUV segment).
Now, we know almost everything about the new Skoda Kushaq, it is the right moment to compare it with its rivals. So, let’s begin.
Powertrain and Drivetrain
The customers looking for a compact SUV have a choice between a petrol and a diesel engine. But sadly not all the car makers in this segment offer a diesel engine. Let’s have a detailed look.
Engine Comparison
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| Specs | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta/ Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Nissan kicks |
| Engine | 1.5-litre TSI Turbo Petrol | 1.4-litre Turbo Petrol | 1.5-litre turbo petrol | 1.3-Litre turbo petrol |
| Power (bhp@rpm) | 148@5,000 | 138@6,000 | 141@5,000 | 154@5,500 |
| Torque (Nm@rpm) | 250@1,500 | 242@1,500 | 250@1,600 | 254@1,600rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual/7-Speed DSG | 6-speed Manual/7-speed DCT | 6-speed Manual /7-speed DCT | 6-speed Manual/CVT |
| 0-100 Acceleration | 9.54s | 10.5s | 12.64s | 11.85s |
- When it comes to the power and torque figures, Skoda Kushaq is ahead of most of its competition.
- But it the Nissan Kicks that tops the power and torque on paper.
- But the Skoda excels when it comes to outride acceleration. Skoda Kushaq can propel from 0-100kmph in just 9.54 seconds which is best in class.
- But if it a diesel powertrain you are after, sadly the only two carmakers to offer the same are Hyundai and MG.
Features and Creature Comforts
Safety Features
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| Features | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Nissan Kicks |
| Dual Airbags | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS with EBD | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverse Parking Sensors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speed Alert System | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Seat-belt Reminder and Pretensioners | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
With the BNVSAP norms kicking in, carmakers are reluctant to offer standard safety features across the vehicle line-up. Hence all the compact SUVs get these standard features even in the base variants.
Now, moving on to the top variants, these are the features the SUVs offer;
Creature Comforts
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| Features | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Nissan Kicks |
| Ventilated Seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Premium Sound System | Skoda Speakers | Bose Speakers | Infinity Speakers | ✖ |
| Number of Speakers | 6+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 6 |
| Apple Carplay and Android Auto | Wireless Connectivity | Wired Connection | Wired Connection | Wired Connection |
| 360-degree Camera | ✔ | ✖/✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sunroof | ✔ | Panoramic/ ✔ | Panoramic | ✖ |
| Auto-Dimming IRVM | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dimensions
Now the other aspect when considering any compact SUV is its dimensions. Naturally, the car that measures more will open up more space on the inside hence will be comfortable.
Creature Comforts
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| Features | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Nissan Kicks |
| Length (mm) | 4225 | 4300 | 4655 | 4384 |
| Width (mm) | 1760 | 1790 | 1835 | 1813 |
| Height (mm) | 1612 | 1635 | 1760 | 1669 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2651 | 2610 | 2750 | 2673 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 188 | 190 | 192 | 210 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 1185 | 1344 | 1687 | 1295 |
It is the MG Hector that tops the charts when it comes to the wheelbase. Having said that, a longer wheelbase translates to a better rear-seat space.
Talking about the Skoda Kushaq, it has a better wheelbase when compared to the Korean cars this leads to smaller overhangs.
Now coming to the important bit, the Price.
The Price
Compact SUV Prices
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| Cars | Price(ex-showroom) |
| Skoda Kushaq | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹17.60 Lakh |
| Hyundai Creta | ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹17.71 Lakh |
| MG Hector | ₹13.18 Lakh – ₹19.04 Lakh |
| Nissan Kicks | ₹9.50 Lakh – ₹14.64 Lakh |
All the SUVs fall almost in the same price bracket with a plus there and a minus here. If you still are confused about buying a compact SUV we’d recommend you to take a test drive.
Let us know in the comment section below which is your favourite vehicle from the comparison.
Also, read: Top 10 Highlights Of The Skoda Kushaq, Better Than Its Rivals?
