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•14w

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.

•14w

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

Kushaq

from ₹12.41 Lakh

Volkswagen

Taigun

from ₹12.76 Lakh

•14w•

@bharatka Go for Taigun because it's vw

•14w•

@autocar.india : thanks for suggetsion

•14w•

@bharatka Go for Kushaq

•11w•

@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

•11w•

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

•13w•

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.

•13w•

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.

•13w•

I agree with this 👍

•13w•

Strong option: Skoda Kushaq

•13w•

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.

•13w•

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

•13w•

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.

•13w•

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

•13w•

@jay_b : thanks , but I still prefer 1.5DSG

•13w•

@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.

•13w•

@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

•13w•

I agree with this 👍,., 9

More posts on similar cars

•2d

I recently bought a Tata Safari Stealth Black Accomplished+ and am very happy with its performance. It returns around 13kpl in the city and 14-15kpl on the highway. I also own a Maruti Suzuki Ritz diesel VDi, which I have used for 10 years and driven 2.3 lakh km with regular servicing and genuine synthetic oil. Is it time to replace the Ritz? If so, what would be a good diesel or petrol car around Rs 15 lakh? My usage is a mix of city and highway driving, around 75-100 km a day. I also have three older family members above 60 who will use the car occasionally. I am considering the 1.0-litre Skoda, the new Thar 1.5-litre and other options. I am not interested in a sunroof or other fancy features. I do track racing, so strong performance, suspension, stability and an engaging driving experience are important to me.

•17h

Yes, it's time to retire the Ritz. Of the two cars you're considering, the Skoda 1.0 TSI is the right one. Both the Kylaq and the Kushaq use it, and either suits an enthusiast far better than the Thar. The engine is eager, the steering is sharp, and the chassis feels planted when you push it. Those are the things you'll value as someone who drives on track.The catch is your mileage. At 75-100 km a day, you'll cover close to 30,000km a year, and the petrol Skoda will cost noticeably more to run than a diesel. If that bothers you, test-drive the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. Its 1.5 diesel is one of the punchiest in its class; it has a roomy rear seat for your parents, and it'll be much cheaper to run, though it isn't as sharp to drive as the Skoda.The new Mahindra Thar isn't a good fit. It's tall to climb into for older passengers, the rear is cramped, and it isn't as settled as a regular SUV over 100km a day.Your Ritz has done well. Its 1.3 diesel runs a timing chain rather than a belt, which is why it's lasted. Drive the Skoda car and the 3XO back to back, and decide how much the extra fun is worth to you.

Hello Autocar Team, I’m planning to buy an EV in November 2026. Please suggest one between the following options: Hyundai Creta Electric 51.2kWh Smart (O) and Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus

•4h

There's a substantial price difference between the top-end variants of the Hyundai Creta Electric and Tata Nexon EV. But since you're comfortable with spending more for the Hyundai, we'd certainly recommend it over this Tata car. The Creta Electric is the more mature product, with a larger battery, a more spacious cabin and a more premium overall feel. Also, you're likely to get an additional 100km (or more) real-world range with the Creta Electric, and its DC fast charging capability is also better than the Tata's. Additionally, it also benefits from Hyundai's strong service network which is important for long-term ownership.We would also recommend you to consider a Kia Syros EV, that is a compact offering with a large battery, excellent cabin space, a posh interior, and is priced a bit more affordable than the Creta Electric.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Tata Nexon EV

Kia Syros EV

•2d

I am confused between renault triber turbo and ertiga ..pls suggest

•13h

The Renault Triber Turbo is a well-packaged seven-seater that delivers excellent value for money. In fact, the Triber Turbo MT top-end variant with all the bells and whistles is priced at par with the entry-level Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. And its new turbo-petrol engine makes it well suited for highway and urban applications. So, if you're on a tight budget, this Renault car is certainly the one to go for.The Maruti Ertiga on the other hand is a proven, dependable product, backed by Maruti's widespread network. Additionally, this Maruti Suzuki car also benefits from stronger resale value. So while it doesn't offer the same bang for your buck or effortless performance as the Triber turbo, it remains a car you just can't go wrong with.

Renault Triber

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

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•5d

Hi Autocar Team, I am confused between the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel manual and automatic. My current ride is a Fluidic Verna diesel manual, which is nearing 15 years of ownership and has clocked nearly 2.5 lakh km. My usage consists of mixed city and highway driving, with around 40km daily and weekend highway runs of about 400km. For long-term ownership, which would be the better choice: the manual or automatic?

•5d

Go for the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel automatic. The diesel engine is well suited to your high running, and the automatic gearbox is a proven torque converter unit that is reliable and well matched to the engine. This Mahindra car will make your daily city driving far less tiring, while still being smooth and efficient on the highway. Coming from a 15-year-old Hyundai Verna diesel manual, the automatic will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and ease of use, without compromising on long-term reliability. The manual is still a good option if you strongly prefer the engagement, but for your usage and ownership horizon, the automatic is the smarter choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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•2d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

•20h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

I currently drive a 2018 Hyundai Creta 1.6 petrol automatic, which is very comfortable. Its mileage is around 7-8 kpl, and my monthly running is 1,000-1,200 km. Please advise on a good vehicle with decent mileage and comfort. I look forward to your advice.

•4d

With 1,000-1,200 km a month and a 7-8 km/l Creta 1.6 petrol automatic, the priority should be better fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the most sensible upgrade. It delivers significantly better real-world fuel economy, especially in city driving, while still offering a comfortable ride and a well-equipped cabin. The hybrid system is proven and reliable, and the ownership experience is straightforward.If you want a more premium feel and are willing to accept slightly lower fuel efficiency, the Kia Seltos petrol IVT is a strong alternative. It offers a more upmarket cabin and a comfortable ride, but it will not match the Victoris Hybrid on fuel savings.The Hyundai Creta petrol IVT is also worth considering if you want to stay within the Hyundai family. It offers a familiar ownership experience and a comfortable ride, but again, it will not be as efficient as the Victoris Hybrid.Overall, the Victoris Hybrid strikes the best balance between fuel efficiency, comfort and long-term ownership costs for your usage pattern.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

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