Skoda Kushaq was recently unveiled by the Czech carmaker for the Indian market. Official bookings of the mid-size SUV are slated to begin in June and deliveries will be made in July 2021. In the mid-size SUV space, the all-new Kushaq will lock horns against the Hyundai Crtea, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster and Nissan Kicks. Here, we have made a specification based comparison between the upcoming Skoda SUV and the segment-dominating Creta and Seltos.
Prices
– Prices of the new Skoda SUV will be announced in the month of June or July. The model is likely to be priced between Rs 9.50 lakh – Rs 16.50 lakh.
– While the Hyundai Creta is currently available in the price range of Rs 10 lakh – Rs 17.53 lakh, the Kia Seltos costs between Rs 9.89 lakh – Rs 17.45 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
Dimensions
– Compared to the Creta and Seltos, the Kushaq has slightly longer wheelbase (2651mm). Though, its length, width and height are relatively shorter measuring 4221mm, 1760mm and 1612mm respectively.
– While the Creta is 4300mm long, 1790mm wide and 1635mm tall, the Seltos measures 4315mm (L), 1800mm (W) and 16200 (H).
– Skoda’s new SUV offers the smallest boot space (385-litres) in the segment.
Design, Features
– The all-new Skoda Kushaq comes with LED headlamps with DRLs along with features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with latest smarphone connectivity. It offers telematics connected features and a 6-speaker audio system and subwoofer.
– Compared to its arch rivals, the new Skoda SUV misses out on the electrically adjustable seat, reclining rear seats, Head-up Display, rear door sun blinds and digital driver’s display. Read – 10 Key Changes of Upcoming New Skoda Octavia
– The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have relatively larger infotainment unit (10.25-inch) and premium Bose 8-speaker audio system. The former comes with a panoramic sunroof and a digital driver’s display.
– All three SUVs have been equipped with climate control, cruise control, rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, keyless entry, push button start and ambient lighting.
Safety Features
– The Kushaq ensures occupants’ safety with fitments such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, electronic stability programe, hill hold control, traction control and tyre pressure monitor.
– While the Kia Seltos offers the blind spot monitor and a 360 degree camera, the new Skoda SUV and Creta miss out on them.
Engines, Gearboxes
– Skoda Kushaq will come with the 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol (115bhp/175Nm) and 1.5L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol (150bhp/250Nm) engine options. Both motors can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox. While a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission will be reserved for the 1.0L petrol variants, a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox will be available with 1.5L petrol-powered models only.
– The Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta have the same set of engines. The 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.4L turbo petrol engines are good for 115bhp and 144Nm and 140bhp and 242Nm respectively. While the former can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox, the latter comes with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
– That means, the Kushaq’s higher trims with 1.5L turbo petrol unit will be more powerful and torqueier than the Creta and Seltos. Power figure of its 1.0L petrol motor is equivalent to its rivals (1.5 NA).
– The Skoda Kushaq mileage details are still under the wraps.
