In terms of overall sales in the compact SUV segment, the Hyundai Creta and its sibling, the Kia Seltos top the sales chart. At the same time, Skoda Kushaq is also doing well for the Czech-based company. The MQB-A0-IN-based vehicles that include Skoda Kushaq and Slavia and Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus are important products for the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project.
Currently, the Skoda Kushaq has proven to be among the bestselling Skoda cars. It is only available in a turbocharged petrol engine, while the Hyundai Creta meets both petrol and diesel demands.
So, if you are scratching your head about which SUV to buy, especially between these two, then read on the features and specifications mentioned below. Let’s begin!
Specifications
The current iteration of the Hyundai Creta, which is the second generation is underpinned by the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform that underpins other Kia and Hyundai cars, such as the Alcazar, Stargazer (internationally sold), Kia Seltos, and the Kia Carens.
As for the Skoda Kushaq, this locally-produced (in India) compact SUV is based on the Indianised platform, namely the MQB-A0-IN platform that also underpins other Volkswagen cars- the Taigun (SUV) and the Virtus (sedan).
Besides their platforms, let’s now delve into the figures. As you may know, the VW Group has axed their turbo-diesel engines (TDI), as a result, they are only producing TSI (turbo-petrol) vehicles. That said, the Skoda Kushaq’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine is tuned to churn out 114 bhp at 5000 rpm and 178 Nm of peak torque at 4500 rpm. The 1.0-litre TSI can either be had with a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
In parallel, there is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with Active Cylinder Technology, which can pump out 148 bhp at 5000 rpm and 2560 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. The 1.5-litre can also be had with a six-speed manual but gets an exclusive seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Check out the Kushaq price list here.
On the flip side, the Hyundai Creta is available in petrol and diesel. As for the petrol version, it is powered by a 1.5-litre MPi, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is tuned to generate 113 bhp at 6300 rpm and 144 Nm of peak torque at 4500 rpm.
At the same time, the 1.5-litre U2 CRDi, four cylinders, turbocharged diesel engine can pump out 113 bhp at 4000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque at 1500 rpm.
Check out the Creta’s price here.
Moreover, the Hyundai Creta’s transmission options include a standard six-speed manual unit. Further, the petrol version is exclusive to the IVT (also called CVT) gearbox, while the diesel version is exclusive to the six-speed torque converter unit.
Fuel Efficiency
As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the Skoda Kushaq’s mileage ranges between 18.09 km/l and 19.76 km/l. In addition, there is one feature that gives the Skoda Kushaq an edge for increased mileage is the Active Cylinder Technology. This state-of-the-art technology automatically deactivates a cylinder, making the vehicle run on three cylinders, as a result, the mileage increases. But this feature is exclusive to the 1.5-litre TSI version. Check out the variant-wise Skoda Kushaq price here.
On the flip side, the 2023 Hyundai Creta’s mileage ranges between 16.8 km/l and 21.4 km/l. All are ARAI-certified mileage figures. Please note that the real-world mileage figures can vary with the engine and transmission combination, the local traffic conditions and individuals’ driving styles.
Tyres, Brakes and Suspension Setups
These two vehicles are engineered by keeping the conditions of Indian roads in mind. That said, their suspension setups are tuned accordingly.
Let’s begin with the Skoda Kushaq. This German compact SUV stands on a McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and a stabiliser at the front, while the rear stands on a twist-beam axle suspension. To know the ride quality of this German SUV, check out the Skoda Kushaq review here. However, this vehicle shouldn’t let you complain about its ride quality, as German cars are known to offer a driver-focused ride quality, making the vehicle more engaging to drive.
In contrast, the Hyundai Creta is equipped with a McPherson Strut with a coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle suspension at the rear. In addition, the Creta has proven itself to offer a comfort-oriented ride quality. Its suspension setup is tuned to the soft side, as a result, it can absorb the undulations and bumps from potholes with ease.
Further, as far as braking duties are concerned, the Skoda Kushaq is equipped with standard disc-drum brakes, while the Hyundai Creta gets all-disc brakes as standard. To know more about its performance, head to the Creta review here.
As for the tyres, the base variant of the Hyundai Creta and the Skoda Kushaq run on steel rims, while their higher variants run on alloy rims. The Creta has a tyre profile of 205/65 R16, while the rest of its variants have a tyre profile of 215/60 R17. In parallel, the Skoda Kushaq has a tyre profile of 205/60 R16, while its higher variants have a tyre profile of 205/55 R17.
Features
For starters, it is worth noting that the features mentioned here belong to the top-most variant of the Hyundai Creta and the Skoda Kushaq.
Let’s begin with the distinctive offerings of these two vehicles.
As for the Skoda Kushaq’s exclusive offerings, it has an electronic differential lock, remote with boot opener, adjustable steering wheel (tilt and telescopic), dual-tone interior, rain-sensing wipers, and a single-pane sunroof. Other features include passive cornering lights and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (all wireless). Unlike the Hyundai Creta, it also has a middle rear headrest and monotone ambient lighting.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta’s sole features include 64-colour ambient lighting, an adjustable steering wheel (tilt function only), connected car technology, an electrically adjustable seat (driver side), a leather-wrapped gear-knob, and a single-tone (black) upholstery. Further, it has a sunglass holder, a panoramic sunroof, puddle lamps, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (all wired).
The common features included in these two rivals are six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, child-seat anchorages, emergency brake light flashing, speed-sensing door lock, and auto HVAC. Further, both have cabin-to-boot access, a reverse camera with guidance and sensors, cruise control, connected car technology, front ventilated seats (cooling function only), and a cooled glove box. They also have power windows, a rear wiper with a washer, electric ORVMs, a driver armrest with storage, a wireless charger, USB ports, and voice commands.
As for exterior lighting, both incorporate LED headlights with LED DRLs, LED tail lights, halogen fog lamps, automatic headlamps, and a headlight height adjuster.
Safety Features
Both the locally-produced vehicles have ABS with EBD, ESC, traction control, auto-dimming IRVM, speed-sensing door lock, child-seat anchorages, hill-hold control, and six airbags. However, the Skoda Kushaq has a five-star safety rating in both adult- and child-occupant protection. On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta has a three-star safety rating, which indicates an average build quality.
Prices and Variants
The Kushaq is offered in three trims: Active, Ambition and Style. It has a total of twenty-four variants. The Skoda Kushaq price starts at Rs 11.59 lakh for the base variant, the 1.0 TSI Active MT, and goes up to Rs 19.69 lakh for the top variant, the 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo DSG.
In contrast, the Hyundai Creta is sold in seven broad trims: E, EX, S, S+, SX Executive, SX and SX(O). Further, the Knight Edition is exclusive to the S+ and S(O) trims, while the Adventure Edition is exclusive to the SX and SX(O) trims. It has a total of twenty-eight variants. As for the Hyundai Creta’s price, it starts at Rs 10.87 lakh for the base variant, the E Petrol MT, and goes up to Rs 19.20 lakh for the top variant, the SX(O) Knight Diesel AT.
All are ex-showroom prices in Delhi, as of September 2023. Please note that these prices are subject to change without any prior notice to the customer. You can, however, visit the autoX website to access the latest location-based price list for your dream vehicle. For more, visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. So, stay tuned!