Skoda Kushaq price comparison vs segment-leading rivals Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos

The mid-size SUV segment in India grows just that much more competitive with the newest entrant, the recently launched Skoda Kushaq available with two turbo-petrol powertrains in manual or automatic variants, with prices for the Kushaq 1.0 6MT between Rs 10.49-14.59 lakh, the Kushaq 1.0 6AT between Rs 14.19-15.79 lakh, and the Kushaq 1.5 6MT at Rs 16.19 lakh, with the range-topping Kushaq 1.5 7AT at Rs 17.59 lakh, all prices ex-showroom. With only petrol powertrains in the mix, and no diesels on offer, the Skoda Kushaq does face a tough fight from the likes of the two top-sellers in the segment, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, both of which offer a 1.5-litre diesel powertrain with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Further, the Skoda Kushaq equipped with the 1.5-litre engine is only available in two top-end variants â€" the Style, equipped with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission. 

In comparison, the range of the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol 6MT stands between Rs 9.99-13.46 lakh (ex-showroom), with the Creta 1.5 petrol AT (iVT) coming in between Rs 14.9-16.1 lakh. The entry to the Kia Seltos range sits marginally lower in price, between Rs 9.95-13.65 lakh for the1.5-litre petrol MT, with the Seltos 1.5 petrol being offered with an automated manual iMT at Rs 12.19 lakh, going up to Rs 14.65 lakh for the Seltos 1.5 petrol AT (iVT). 

The Skoda Kushaq is approximately Rs 50,000-54,000 more expensive to buy into in the 1.0 manual powertrain configuration, with the notable standout being that it's offered with a turbo-petrol engine, albeit a smaller capacity 1.0-litre developing 110PS/175Nm, with the electronic safety aids of traction control and an electronic stability program (ESP) as standard.

Moving up the range, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 paired with a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) in mid- and top-trims is priced from Rs 14.19-15.79 lakh, which undercuts its rivals by Rs 46,000-71,000 depending on the trim of the Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos you choose.

Where both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have the advantage is in offering their 1.4-litre turbo-petrol powertrains in a wider range of variants to suit budgets. The Seltos goes a little further in offering the 1.4 turbo-petrol with both a 6MT as well as 7DCT in different trims, with pricing standing between Rs 15.36 lakh, going up to Rs 17.86 lakh. The Creta, on the other hand is only available with the 1.4 turbo-petrol mated to 7DCT powertrain, in multiple variants spanning the Rs 16.66-17.71 lakh price range. 

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 MT Style is priced at Rs 16.19 lakh, and the Kushaq 1.5 AT (7DSG) Style is priced at Rs 17.59 lakh, which does make the fully-loaded Kushaq equipped with the most powerful petrol engine in its class (150PS/250Nm) an attractive proposition. However, at the price, larger rivals like the Tata Harrier and MG Hector could also be considered, with pricing for the Harrier between Rs 14.29-20.81 lakh, and the Hector between Rs 13.17-18.85 lakh, all prices ex-showroom. Though the Harrier/Hector and Kushaq aren't directly comparable, it's inevitable that shoppers for a mid-size SUV will also turn their attention to the two for offering more sheet-metal, and space, for the money.