Mumbai

•5w

I am planning to buy an SUV and prefer the German twins Škoda and Volkswagen. Which one is better? Also, how significant is the DSG issue in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the NCR region? This will be my fourth car, so I want to try a German brand.

•4w

Between the German twins, the choice largely comes down to personal preference, as they share the same engines, gearboxes and underpinnings. We slightly prefer the Kushaq for its cleaner design, excellent ride and handling balance and overall value proposition.

As for the DSG, it isn't as big a concern as it once was. The current DSGs are far more robust than the earlier units, but if your driving is predominantly in bumper-to-bumper NCR traffic, a torque-converter automatic is still the smoother and more relaxed option over the long term. If you want to stay with a German SUV but avoid the DSG altogether, the 1.0 TSI automatic in the Kushaq and Taigun now comes with an 8-speed Aisin torque-converter, which is smooth, refined and better suited to heavy city traffic.

Coming from the S-Cross Petrol, you'll notice a significant step up in performance, cabin quality, safety and driving dynamics with either car.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

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•4w

@bharatka Go for Taigun because it's vw

•4w

@autocar.india : thanks for suggetsion

•4w

@bharatka Go for Kushaq

•2w

@user: Why dont you consider New Duster 1.3DSG which have wetclutch. Ride is better than Kushaq. Handling matching for enthusiast. Let us know the reason for not considering Duster over Kushaq / VW

•2w

Booked Kushaq 1.5 Prestiage , Steel grey , got some discount as well 😊. waiting for delivery confirmation now.

•4w

I have owned a 2022 Škoda Slavia 1.5 DSG Style (first batch). While I do not have direct experience with the Kushaq, over 95% of the components are shared between the two models. I have driven this car for over 1 lakh kilometers. Pros: 1. Excellent driving dynamics with precise steering feedback. 2. Impressive fuel efficiency if driven properly; I was able to achieve around 20 km/l on highways before E20 fuel blending. 3. High-quality infotainment sound system, especially enjoyable for music enthusiasts. 4. Very comfortable front seats, suitable for long drives. 5. DSG gearbox performance is outstanding and responsive. 6. Strong headlight throw, offering great visibility at night. Cons: 1. Air conditioning performance is weak and has degraded over time, likely due to the fixed geometry compressor. 2. Suspension setup does not feel well-matched to the chassis; there is a noticeable “thud” sound when the shock absorbers rebound. 3. While the suspension handles potholes well, the cabin often picks up unsettling noises, as if something has loosened or broken. 4. Interior upholstery quality is disappointing for the price; it tends to develop squeaky noises over time. 5. Rear seat comfort is not ideal for long journeys. 6. Persistent issues with power windows; they have been replaced multiple times under warranty, possibly due to heat-related defects. 7. DSG issues began after 1 lakh km, with noticeable jittering in second gear (D2); service center has not resolved this yet. 8. After E20 fuel introduction, I faced fuel pressure pump failure and recurring EPC errors, even after replacement. 9. Spare parts availability is a concern for these 2.0 TSI-based models. 10. Body roll becomes more noticeable over time, likely due to suspension tuning aimed at maintaining ground clearance. Overall, think carefully before making a purchase decision. I am currently considering switching to a Honda City.

•4w

Thanks for all suggestion , will check both Kushaq and Taigun and decide which look better. The only question now is this good time to buy as E20/E22/E25/E30 discussion going on and no clarity from Govt. On this by when they implement what ???? Any suggestion please advice.

•4w

I agree with this 👍

•4w

Strong option: Skoda Kushaq

•4w

Go for 1.5DSG. Being a 1L Kushaq Owner, I always felt that having 1.5L would have given me a better driving experience especially on highways. 250N.m vs 178N.m and 150P.S vs 115P.S.

•4w

One more point, you would continue loving kushaq the more you drive especially in corners..

•4w

What ever the car specs. Buy Indian brand cars and make rupee strong. No doubt foreign brands are good, but they take the profits to country. So GOI has to spend India’s hard money ie., USA dollars. So friends think carefully and take decision.

•4w

Been a Rapid owner. One of the best out of the 20 cars i have owned. Talking that cue i would suggested Kylaq (10-11 lakh ), or newTaigun ( 14-15 lakh ) based on ur budget. Vfm more is the smaller kylaq

•4w

@jay_b : thanks , but I still prefer 1.5DSG

•4w

@bharatka i have been driving Skoda Kodiaq TSI L&K since April-2024. No need to worry about DSG in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I don’t feel any jerk or rubber band effect. I met with few other owners they too say the same and few other owners have a habit of driving in manual mode within city and switch to D or S when driving on highway.

•4w

@keshavaraju.8 I think Kodiaq has wet clutch as opposed to dry clutch in kushaq/Taigun. Wet clutches are known for heat management in bumper to bumper trafficc

•4w

I agree with this 👍,., 9

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More questions on similar cars

•4d

My budget is Rs 18.5 lakh, and I am getting the Creta S(O) IVT and Kushaq Signature AT. I am confused between the two. Around 90% of my usage is in the city, and I need a good automatic car. My preferences are: 1. Three people should be able to sit comfortably in the rear seat. 2. Good driving quality and build quality. 3. Good AC performance. 4. Low maintenance and peace of mind. Could you please suggest one between these two? Thank you.

•1d

Between your picks, the Hyundai Creta fits your needs better. Its rear seat is wider than the Kushaq's, the IVT is seamless and very relaxing to drive in the city, and Hyundai has a great reputation for after-sales service. The AC is also strong, and the build quality is solid.The Skoda Kushaq is the better choice for highway use. Its turbo-petrol engine offers stronger performance for quick overtakes, the 8-speed automatic feels more responsive than the Hyundai's IVT, and it is more engaging to drive. The Skoda Kushaq mileage ranges from 18.72 kpl to 19.66 kpl, depending on the chosen powertrain option. Its AC performance has also improved significantly with the recent facelift, but the cabin is not as roomy as the Creta's.Overall, the Hyundai car mentioned above is the better fit for your needs.

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

•1d

Dear Autocar Team, I already own a Kushaq 1.5 TSI Manual, and I am looking to buy a B-segment SUV. I am confused between the Hyundai Creta IVT and the Kia Seltos Turbo DCT. Could you please help me choose the better option?

•1d

Since you already own a Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI manual, you are already enjoying a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The Creta IVT is a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT, which is smooth and easy in traffic but will feel like a step down in performance and driving enjoyment compared to your Kushaq. The Seltos turbo petrol DCT is the better fit here. It gives you the performance you are used to, a more premium cabin, and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The DCT is not as smooth as the IVT in stop-start traffic, but it is the more engaging car overall and will feel like a proper upgrade rather than a compromise. The Seltos also feels more premium inside and is the more satisfying car to own alongside your Kushaq.

Can you please suggest which car I should choose between the Hyundai Venue and the Volkswagen Taigun GT Line?

•1d

The Hyundai Venue and Volkswagen Taigun GT Line are quite different propositions. The Hyundai car is a compact SUV, while the Taigun GT Line is a midsize SUV with a stronger focus on driving dynamics. If your priority is a comfortable, easy-to-drive city car with good features and a strong ownership experience, the Venue is the better fit. However, if you enjoy driving and want a more engaging car with a stronger turbo petrol engine and a better ride and handling balance, the Volkswagen car is the clear choice. The Taigun also offers slightly more space too and feels more composed on the highway. The Volkswagen Taigun mileage is 19.54 kpl for the 1.0 TSI AT, 19.98 kpl for the 1.0 TSI MT, and 18.85 kpl for the 1.5 TSI DCT.The only drawback is that it is a more expensive car, so the decision really comes down to whether you value driving enjoyment more over outright value. If you do, go for the Taigun GT Line. If not, the Venue is the more sensible choice.

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•6d

I’m planning to buy an EV with a budget of Rs. 19 - 20 lakh. My heart says the Tata Sierra EV Pure 63, but my mind says the Kia Syros top variant because of features like ventilated seats. Kindly suggest which one would be the better choice.

•6d

The choice really comes down to your usage and what you value in the car. If you need more space for both passengers and luggage and have a few long drives that you would undertake, then opt for the Tata Sierra. This Tata car is much larger and has a very spacious interior. The ride quality is also very good over both bad city roads as well as high highway speeds. If, however, your usage is mainly going to be within the city, then the Kia Syros is the better buy. Its compact footprint will be much easier to manage while driving congested streets, and finding parking would be easier. You would also enjoy the top variant of the Kia car and its features.

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•3d

I am confused between Taigun 1.5 Sport and Seltos Diesel X-Line top model. I have owned the Polo AT and Vento AT in the past, so my love for Volkswagen is making this decision difficult.

•3d

Go for the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI Sport. Coming from a Polo and Vento automatic, you already appreciate Volkswagen’s driving DNA, and the Taigun 1.5 TSI is a natural progression. The engine is punchy, the DSG gearbox is quick and engaging, and the overall driving experience is far more involving than the Seltos. The Taigun also feels more compact and agile in the city, while still being comfortable on the highway. The Volkswagen Taigun mileage is 19.54 kpl for the 1.0 TSI AT, 19.98 kpl for the 1.0 TSI MT, and 18.85 kpl for the 1.5 TSI DCT.The Kia Seltos diesel X-Line is a strong all-rounder with better space, a more premium cabin and a more relaxed long-distance character, but it does not offer the same level of driver engagement. The diesel engine is efficient and torquey, but it lacks the excitement of the 1.5 TSI. Given your history with Volkswagen cars, the Taigun will simply feel more familiar and more enjoyable to drive every day. The Taigun price starts at Rs 11.00 lakh (ex-showroom).

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•6d

I want to buy a seven-seater car for my family. It will be used by my uncle and me, and my budget is Rs. 25 lakh. I am looking for an automatic transmission, a panoramic sunroof, and good fuel efficiency.

•6d

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis diesel automatic. It is the most sensible and well-rounded choice for your requirements. The Carens is a genuinely spacious seven-seater with a comfortable third row, which is important when the car will be shared between families. The diesel automatic is the right powertrain for strong fuel efficiency and effortless performance, especially on highways and with a full load. The Carens also comes well equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof, and Kia’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The only real drawback is that the Carens does not have the same SUV-like road presence as some rivals, but as a practical family car it is hard to fault. If you want something with a more rugged SUV feel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is worth considering, but mileage would be lower. The Carens is the better all-round family car.

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