The Skoda Kushaq was updated earlier this year with much-needed improvements, and continues to offer 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engines. In the interest of better fuel efficiency, the carmaker introduced a new automatic gearbox for the former engine option, replacing the older 6-speed unit. We’ve tested the updated Kushaq’s fuel efficiency with this new gearbox and compared it with the real-world fuel efficiency figures with the larger, more powerful 1.5 TSI engine.
Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT vs 1.5 DCT: Specifications
1.5 unit develops more power, while the 1.0 has a much lighter kerb weight
While the smaller 1.0 TSI develops 115hp and 178Nm, the 1.5 TSI mill outputs 150hp and 250Nm. In automatic guise, the former is paired to an 8-speed torque converter gearbox while the latter is paired to a 7-speed DCT. Additionally, both come with an auto engine start/stop system, but only the 1.5 TSI comes with cylinder deactivation technology, a feature that shuts off operation of two of the four cylinders depending on throttle input and engine load to curb fuel consumption. Both come with identical 50-litre fuel tanks, but the smaller 1.0 TSI helps it have a lighter kerb weight than the 1.5 TSI.
Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT vs 1.5 DCT: Real-world fuel efficiency
1.0 AT delivers better efficiency, but the gap isn’t huge
In our real-world fuel efficiency tests, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT averaged better than the 1.5 TSI DCT by 0.48kpl. In the city, the 1.0 TSI was more efficient than the 1.5 TSI by 1.15kpl. This is because of the 1.0’s lighter kerb weight and aggressive start/stop system. In contrast, the 1.5’s twin-cylinder deactivation tech helped it be more efficient on the highway than the 1.0 by 0.19kpl. Overall, the gap in real-world efficiency is slightly higher than their ARAI-claimed figures (0.48kpl vs 0.37kpl).
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Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT vs 1.5 DCT: Price
Availability from lower trims makes the 1.0 AT much more affordable than the 1.5 DCT
As the Kushaq’s 1.5 TSI automatic is limited to top-spec variants, it is Rs 5.9 lakh pricier than the 1.0 TSI automatic. In fact, even in top-spec guise, the latter powertrain combo is Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the former.
Autocar India’s fuel-efficiency testing
Before our real-world fuel-efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, there is only one person in each car, operating the air conditioner and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and wipers, when required, just like a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tanks to full again.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
