Skoda revealed its first product built on the MQB-A0-IN, the Indianised version of the MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform. The SUV will make its market debut in the coming months and compete in the hotly contested mid-size SUV segment which is currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta SUV in the Indian market. In this comparison, we pin the Skoda Kushaq against the Hyundai Creta SUV in a specification comparison.
The Skoda Kushaq measures 4225mm in length, 1760mm in width, 1612mm in height, 2,651 mm of the wheelbase as well as a 385-litre of boot space for the luggage. The Hyundai Creta measures 4300mm in length, 1790mm in width 1635mm in height with a wheelbase of 2610mm.
Powering the Skoda Kushaq SUV are two powertrain options – a 1.0-litre Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) turbo-petrol engine that produces 115 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque and another 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine that makes 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The brand offers a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed DSG. Powering the Hyundai Creta is a naturally aspirated 1.5 MPi petrol engine that produces 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque, a turbocharged 1.5 U2 diesel engine that produces 115 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque and a 1.4 Kappa Turbo-GDi petrol engine that produces 140 PS of power and 242 Nm of torque. The brand offers a 6-speed manual or an IVT (CVT) gearbox, a 6-speed torque converter type gearbox, a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission).
The Skoda Kushaq features the signature Skoda Four-Eyed LED headlamp setup, the crystalline effect on the LED taillamp, 16/17-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, a 10-inch central touchscreen infotainment system with the latest-generation MySkoda Connect telematics, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration, Skoda two spoke steering with controls, analogue-digital instruments cluster, ventilated front seats and Skoda six-speaker sound system with a sub-woofer in the boot. The Hyundai Creta features separated boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, trio LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, ventilated front seats, control mounted D-Cut steering wheel, 17.78-cm fully-digital colour driver’s display, 26.03-cm touchscreen infotainment system with Advanced BlueLink connected technology with over 50 connectivity features, air-purifier, cooled glove box, wireless smartphone charging, voice-enabled panoramic sunroof, Bose sound system.
The Hyundai Creta starts at INR 999,990 ex-showroom, New Delhi and goes up to INR 1,748,800 ex-showroom, New Delhi for the top-of-the-line model. While Skoda has not announced the pricing of the Kushaq, speculations are that the SUV will come with a starting price tag of INR 10 lakh ex-showroom.