6 Skoda cars in India

As per your requirements, you should choose between the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun. Both midsize SUVs offer decent ride comfort, good high-speed stability and both come with powerful 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. 

You'll also appreciate both SUVs' driving dynamics. Both are mechanically identical and differ only in terms of exterior and interior design. Dealers will also be offering sizeable year-end discounts on both.  

Since you prefer performance and like to drive, the Volkswagen Taigun or Skoda Kushaq will be a better choice. 

While we are yet to sample the Sierra on the road, it isn't the sort of SUV to be designed for spirited driving. An even better option compared to these would be the Skoda Slavia or Volkswagen Virtus. 

They are sedans, but still get good ground clearance and are superb to drive. The 1.5 TSI engine offers excellent performance, and they are well-equipped and practical too. 

Given your budget, and that you are a performance enthusiast, you should check out the Tata Sierra with the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, which means there should be less of the rubber band effect that you might have gotten with a CVT auto. 

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 petrol is another good option, although there is a facelift due in the second half of next year, which will bring many new features. While an EV is also a good option, the Tata Harrier EV will be slightly out of your budget, and the Tata Sierra EV will only be launched in 2026.

The Skoda Kylaq and Hyundai Venue are good options, and both have their own highlights. The differences between the two are clear if you consider like-priced variants, that is, Kylaq AT Prestige and Venue Turbo DCT HX8. 

The Kylaq feels tougher in its build and is the more exciting compact SUV to drive. The Venue, on the other hand, is pleasant to drive but feels more upmarket inside and gets more tech too.   

The fully-loaded Venue HX10 does wow for all the new-age features it packs in. Level 2 ADAS, the slick curved displays, 360-degree camera and more do uplift the overall experience and make the Venue feel fresh and modern. 

If you're someone who wants the latest and likes gadgets and gizmos, the jump to the top-spec version is worth it. However, if the features are things you can live without, the HX8 makes for a far better deal from the Venue range. 

The Skoda Kylaq is a good choice for the budget. The Honda Elevate is larger and has more space, especially in the rear seat, but Rs 15 lakh will get you the 'V CVT', which isn't as well-equipped as the Kylaq, which can be had in top-spec guise. 

If the rear-seat space is not a high priority, the Kylaq is a very good choice. 

You have correctly identified each SUV's weakness; thus, it really boils down to which of these is the least worry for you. On the whole, the Skoda Kodiaq is something you could consider, unlike the other car's weaknesses. 
Also, you could offset the lower AC performance of the Skoda with good habits like parking the car with a sunshade and also using window blinds.
If you are open to looking at an EV, we would recommend you look at the Ioniq 5. It isn't a three-row vehicle, but it addresses all of the weaknesses you have mentioned in the other cars in your shortlist.