The Skoda Kushaq has been finally launched in India and competes in the aggressive compact SUV segment. The SUV has been launched in three variants with prices ranging from Rs. 10.50 lakh, going up to Rs. 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The automaker is offering a host of features on its made in India, made for India offering, while the all-petrol line-up will entice enthusiasts. However, how do the prices stack up when compared to the competition? We take a look at the 2021 Skoda Kushaq compact SUV's pricing against its closest rivals in the segment.
Do note the Tata Harrier also competes in the same segment but is only offered with a diesel engine unlike the Kushaq, which is why it's not been included in the comparison. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen T-Roc uses the same 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine but is positioned in a segment higher and is priced at Rs. 21.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Instead, Volkswagen will be introducing the Taigun compact SUV later this year, which will be a direct rival to the Kushaq.
Also Read: Skoda Kushaq Launched In India
2021 Skoda Kushaq Prices
| Skoda Kushaq | Prices |
|---|---|
| Active 1.0 TSI MT | Rs. 10.50 lakh |
| Ambition 1.0 TSI MT | Rs. 12.80 lakh |
| Ambition 1.0 TSI AT | Rs. 14.20 lakh |
| Style 1.0 TSI MT | Rs. 14.60 lakh |
| Style 1.0 TSI AT | Rs. 15.80 lakh |
| Style 1.5 TSI MT | Rs. 16.20 lakh |
| Style 1.5 TSI DSG | Rs. 17.60 lakh |
The Hyundai Creta is offered with 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol & a 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine
Starting with the segment leader, the new-generation Hyundai Creta continues to sell like hotcakes a year after its launch, and its strong pricing continues to be a major reason for the same. The model is locally made, boasts of a host of features and even gets two petrol engines with a variety of transmission choices. Offered with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine options across five trims levels, the Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 17.71 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). While the base variant surely undercuts the Kushaq, the range-topping SX(O) DCT Turbo on the Creta attracts a marginal premium.
The 2021 Kia Seltos was launched recently and received several upgrades on the feature front
On to the next bestselling model in the segment, the Kia Seltos is the sportier alternative to the Creta and packs dollops of features and strong engine options that make it a likeable choice in the segment. The 2021 edition launched earlier this year further brought more features to the SUV making it a more attractive package. Prices for the Kia Seltos start at Rs. 9.95 lakh, undercutting the Kushaq's base variant by a good Rs. 55,000. Whereas, the top-end variant also undercuts the Skoda SUV with a price of Rs. 17.44 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).
Also Read: Skoda Kushaq SUV Review: The Arrival Of The King
The 2021 Jeep Compass facelift brought major changes including a refreshed cabin and a higher price tag
Much like the Skoda Kushaq, the Jeep Compass is also the more engaging SUV to drive in the segment and received a major update earlier this year. As it turns out, it also received a significant bump in pricing placing it almost a segment higher. The 2021 Jeep Compass starts from Rs. 17.19 lakh and goes up to Rs. 23.49 lakh (ex-showroom), pretty much where Kushaq's pricing tapers.
The MG Hector impresses with its space and the option of a mild-hybrid powertrain in the segment
Larger in proportions and loaded on gizmos, the MG Hector is quite the proposition with its generous everything. It's also the only SUV here to offer not only a regular 1.5-litre petrol engine but also the option of a mild-hybrid system. The price band though is small starting from Rs. 13.18 lakh, going up to Rs. 18.43 lakh (ex-showroom), which make the top variants substantially expensive over the Kushaq.
The Renault Duster's 1.3-litre turbo petrol is impressive but the feature list lacks new-age gizmos
Coming to the oldest offering in the segment. The rugged Renault Duster continues to charm quite a few and the addition of that 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol made it a more engaging package than before. It's also the more attractively priced proposition starting from Rs. 9.86 lakh, going up to Rs. 14.25 lakh (ex-showroom) but does miss out on quite a few features in comparison to the Skoda.
Another offering from the older guard, the Nissan Kicks is the more competitively priced propostion but lacks features
Also, offered with the 1.3-litre turbo petrol, the Nissan Kicks offers a smooth drive and the option of a CVT and is priced competitively too between Rs. 9.50 lakh and Rs.14.65 lakh (ex-showroom). It does miss out on the extensive list of features though that the other SUVs in the segment have to offer.
