Autocar India
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Ranganath Shenoy

16w

Hi, is the Skoda Kushaq a good vehicle? Do you have any other advice?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
16w

The Skoda Kushaq is a competent mid-sized SUV that stands out for its driving experience. Its 1.0 and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines deliver punchy performance, and handling is also slick and fun. The Kushaq also feels tough in its build and comes with the reassurance of strong safety ratings. On the flip side, the Kushaq feels smaller than many like-priced rivals and isn't ideal as a five-seater. 

Skoda will introduce an updated version of the Kushaq later this month. We expect the model to get a few styling revisions outside and more features, too. It might include a panoramic sunroof and a segment-first rear seat massage function. 

The updated Kushaq will also get an uprated air conditioner that will provide stronger cooling, which has been one of the model's weaknesses since launch. While the engine options will continue as is, the smaller engine's 6-speed automatic transmission is expected to make way for a more efficient 8-speed unit. 

To sum up, the Kushaq should be on your list if a fun drive experience is a priority. If space, comfort and features are important, consider the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra
 

Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq

More questions on similar cars

KE

Ketan

12h

I am planning to buy an EV in the ₹20-25 lakh price range. My key requirements include around 500 km range, along with good space, comfort, and overall refinement. I have shortlisted the Tata Harrier EV and the Hyundai Creta EV, and I am also waiting for the Tata Sierra EV to be revealed. Which of these would make the most sense for my needs?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4h

The Hyundai Creta Electric Excellence LR is the one that fits your brief best. It fits within your price range, and it has a cabin that is comfy and easy to live with for a family of four. Also, Hyundai’s EVs are usually very refined and smooth to drive in traffic, which matches your focus on a calm, polished experience.Two things to keep in mind for your needs. First, in this budget, a true 500 km in real use is tough. The Creta Electric may have a claimed range of 473km (ARAI), but we managed to get a real-world figure of 432km in our testing. Second, fast charging speeds on mid-price EVs like the Creta are usually modest, so plan stops on longer trips accordingly.The Tata Harrier EV will suit you only if you can stretch the budget. Being a bigger car with a larger battery, it will be roomier inside and offer more range. The Tata Sierra EV is worth waiting for only if you love the look and want a roomier cabin. But prices, exact specifications and launch timing are not final yet.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleTata Harrier EV
VehicleTata Sierra EV
AR

Aneesh R Nair

4d

I am a serving Air Force officer and get transferred every three years. My daily car usage within the station is limited to about 10-15 km, with frequent start-stops. I also take occasional long drives of 700-1,000 km once every two months. I enjoy driving in the mountains, but do not do any serious off-roading. I already own a hatchback that my wife uses for short drives, and I am now looking to upgrade to an SUV. My family size is 2+1, and I prefer a 5-seater SUV with a 5-star safety rating. My budget is under ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom). I am confused between the diesel and petrol options. My current choices include the Harrier/Safari, Duster, Sierra, and Kushaq. Could you please help me choose the right car and variant? Suggestions for any other suitable options are also welcome.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

With short daily runs inside base and a big highway trip every couple of months, under Rs. 20 lakh, the Tata Sierra is a good fit for you. Your use is lots of start-stop and only 10-15 km a day, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with the automatic is the better pick, and you avoid the diesel’s DPF filter, which can clog with frequent short trips. For the mountains and those 700-1000 km drives, the Sierra's turbo petrol pulls cleanly on inclines and during quick overtakes, it feels stable at speed, and it carries a full 5-star crash rating. Ground clearance is good enough for bad roads and hill routes without being bulky to park.Tata also has a wider service network compared to Skoda and Renault, so it'll be easier to find workshops near remote postings.One trade-off to note. Tata service experience can be hit or miss, and if that is an issue, then consider the Hyundai Creta.Overall, for your usage pattern and budget, the Sierra lines up best.

VehicleTata Sierra
VehicleHyundai Creta
NK

Neeraj Kumar

2d

I am looking to buy an automatic hybrid car. I currently own a Hyundai Creta SX+ diesel.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

Without knowing your budget or exact requirements, it will be hard to suggest the ideal car for you. If you're looking at an SUV to replace your Hyundai Creta, go for the Maruti Victoris ZXI+ (O) strong hybrid, which comes paired with an eCVT automatic gearbox. The Victoris' strong hybrid powertrain has an excellent claimed efficiency of 28.65kpl, and the top-spec ZXI+ (O) is packed with features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera and much more. Furthermore, the SUV has also received a full, 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP and being a Maruti, it will be easy and stress-free to maintain too. You can even opt for the Maruti Grand Vitara or Toyota Hyryder strong hybrids as they are mechanically identical, but miss a few features.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Popular discussions right now

PS

P S RAHUL

6d

I am 60 years old and have booked the Toyota Innova Hycross top-end variant. My usage will be mostly within the city, along with 4-5 long trips every year. Is this the right choice for my needs, or should I consider any other options? I plan to continue doing long-distance drives comfortably over the next 10 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
5d

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
PS

Peasant Sampan

5d

Hello Autocar, I am planning to buy a sedan, with almost 90% city usage. Please suggest a suitable option. Also, is it true that for my usage, naturally aspirated (NA) engines are better suited than turbo-petrol engines?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
5d

For your usage, a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT or IVT is the best fit. These setups are smoother, easier to drive in traffic and more predictable, which matters far more in city conditions than outright performance. So yes, in your case, NA engines are better suited than turbo petrol.The Hyundai Verna IVT stands out as the most well-rounded option for city driving. The engine is smooth, the IVT gearbox is very intuitive in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall driving experience is effortless. It feels refined and easy to live with daily.The Honda City Hybrid is worth considering if your running is high. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, strong performance and is very easy to drive in the city thanks to its hybrid system. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, and the battery placement results in a higher boot floor, which slightly affects practicality.Compared to the Verna, the standard Honda City CVT is also an option, but the engine feels a bit noisier, and the gearbox is not as intuitive as the Verna’s IVT in everyday use.

VehicleHyundai Verna
VehicleHonda City
PD

Pritam Datta

4d

I am planning to buy my first car. My net annual income is around ₹5 lakh, and this car is for my parents. Kindly suggest which brand and model I should consider. My main criteria are fuel efficiency (petrol), ride comfort, and safety.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4d

With your income and priorities, you should focus on low cost, high fuel efficiency and ease of driving. The Alto K10 fits this perfectly. It is one of the most affordable cars in India, delivers excellent mileage and is extremely easy to drive in the city, which is ideal for your parents. It is also inexpensive to maintain and backed by Maruti’s wide service network, which keeps ownership stress very low. Over time, this matters more than anything else.If you want more space and a slightly more premium feel, then the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is the next step. It offers better cabin space, a more comfortable ride and still maintains strong fuel efficiency and low running costs. It feels like a more complete car, especially if your parents value comfort.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Alto K10
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Celerio

Posted on: 9 Jan 2026