Skoda Kushaq or Kia Seltos– Which compact SUV should I buy?
Skoda Kushaq comes with a variety of modern gadgetry, and can be ordered with one or two turbocharged petrol engine options. It is capable of delivering enough power to rival Kia Seltos.
Skoda Kushaq, the latest entry in India’s compact SUV market, is looking to challenge its competitors. It boasts a segment-leading wheelbase and is well-equipped with modern features. The SUV offers a thrilling performance thanks to its two turbocharged engines. Each engine can be fitted with either a manual or automatic gearbox. The Czech carmaker tried to increase sales by pricing the Kushaq at a high price. This pricing strategy is working in Skoda Kushaq’s favor, but we’ll have to wait and see. Skoda Kushaq is a viable rival to compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos. We’ve already seen how the Kushaq compares to Hyundai Creta. Let’s now see if Skoda SUV can take on Kia Setos.
Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos: Which is larger? Skoda Kushaq measures 4,225mm in length, 1,760mm wide, 1,612mm high, and has a segment-best 2651mm wheelbase. Kia Seltos is 4,315mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,645mm tall and has a wheelbase that measures 2,610mm. The Kushaq has 385-litres of storage space, while the Seltos can hold 433-litres.
| Kushaq | Seltos | |
| Length | 4,225 mm | 4,315 mm |
| Width | 1,760 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Height | 1,612 mm | 1,645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Boot space | 385-litres | 433-litres |
This means that Kia Seltos stands taller, wider and longer than the Kushaq, but the latter has a longer wheelbase. Seltos is a bit more practical than its Czech counterpart due to the significant difference in the boot space.
Skoda Kushaq or Kia Seltos? Which has more features?
Skoda Kushaq is equipped with features such as a touchscreen infotainment screen measuring 10 inches (the base model has a seven-inch unit), wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, semi-digital instrument clusters with TFT displays, auto AC, electric sunroof, cruise control, and tyre pressure monitoring. MySkoda Connect suite is available for connected-car features such as vehicle diagnostics and e-call.
Kia Seltos features include a touchscreen system that measures 10.25 inches, a semi-digital instrument panel measuring seven inches, a seven-inch multi-information display, Bose stereo system featuring 8 speakers, automatic AC and electric sunroof, tyre pressure monitoring, three driving modes, three control modes, and a head-up display. UVO connectivity suite is available for the Seltos, which offers many connected car features. The Kushaq has a lot of features, but it’s not as full-featured as the Seltos.
Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos: Which one is safer?
Standard features include dual front airbags and ABS, EBD, reverse-parking sensors, electronic stability control, and dual front airbags. Higher variants include hill-hold control and rain-sensing wipers as well as automatic headlamps, rain sensors, rain-sensing wipers, tyre pressure monitoring and multi-collision brake. Kia Seltos comes standard with dual front airbags and ABS, EBD, as well as reverse parking sensors. The higher versions include six airbags, rear and front parking sensors, electronic stabil control, hill-hold control and vehicle stability management. Braide assist is also available.
Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos: Which performs better?
Skoda Kushaq comes with two turbocharged petrol engine options. The 1.0-litre engine produces 113 bhp and 178 Nm. It is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six speed torque-converter-automatic transmission. A 1.5-litre TSI unit is also available, producing 148 bhp and 250 Nm. You can choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG-automatic unit with paddle shifters. The Kia Seltos can be ordered with one of three engine options: a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol or a 1.5-litre petrol. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 113 bhp and 144 Nm. It can be ordered with either a six-speed manual, iMT, OR an IVT automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 113 bhp and 250 Nm. It is also available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol produces 138 bhp with 242 Nm. It can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-DCT auto.
| Engine | Gearbox | Power | Torque | |
| Kushaq 1.0 turbo | 1.0-litre | 6-MT / 6-AT | 113 bhp | 178 Nm |
| Kushaq 1.5 turbo | 1.5-litre | 6-MT / 7-DCT | 148 bhp | 250 Nm |
| Seltos 1.5 petrol | 1.5-litre | 6-MT / IVT/ iMT | 113 bhp | 144 Nm |
| Seltos 1.4 turbo | 1.4-litre | 6-MT/ 7-DCT | 138 bhp | 242 Nm |
| Seltos 1.5 diesel | 1.5-litre | 6-MT / 6-AT | 113 bhp | 250 Nm |
This proves that Kushaq’s turbo-powered 1.0-litre engine produces more torque than Seltos’ 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Skoda Kushaq’s 1.5-litre TSI engine is also stronger than the 1.4-litre turbo engine of Kia Seltos. Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos: Which is more affordable? Skoda Kushaq starts at Rs10.5 Lakh and goes up to Rs15.8 Lakh, while Kushaq 1.5 TSI is priced in India between Rs16.2 Lakh and Rs17.6 Lakh.
The price of a Kia Seltos 1.5-litre petrol engine is between Rs9.95 lakh to Rs14.65 million, while the cost of a Seltos diesel engine in India starts at Rs10.45 crore and can go up to Rs17.65 million. If you’re interested in Seltos Turbo 1.4 turbo, you will need to spend between Rs15.35 million and Rs17.44 million.
| Price (excludes Showroom) | |
| Kushaq 1.0 TSI | Rs10.5 lakh – Rs15.8 lakh |
| Kushaq 1.5 TSI | Rs16.2 lakh – Rs17.6 lakh |
| Seltos 1.5 petrol | Rs9.95 lakh – Rs14.65 lakh |
| Seltos 1.4 turbo petrol | Rs15.35 lakh – Rs17.44 lakh |
| Seltos 1.5 diesel | Rs10.45 lakh – Rs17.65 lakh |
All prices ex-showroom Mumbai.