Skoda Slavia Vs Skoda Kushaq: Comparing Variants Under Rs 15 Lakh for the Performance Enthusiast
What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at two Skoda models – Slavia and Kushaq – and find out what their performance is like, and why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Skoda Slavia vs Skoda Kushaq – A comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
These models are in different segments – Skoda Slavia is a mid-size sedan, while the Skoda Kushaq is a mid-size SUV. But are they fast cars? Read on.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts have a keen passion for speed, agility, and overall driving experience. They prioritize attributes like acceleration, engine power, torque, and handling to ensure the car responds precisely to every command.
High-speed stability, braking performance, minimal turbo lag, and a seamless power delivery are essentials. Above all, enthusiasts crave an immersive driving experience that binds them to the road.
Why Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq are Popular
Skoda’s Slavia and Kushaq are in the limelight due to their impeccable blend of power, performance, and precision. Both vehicles, under the Skoda badge, promise European engineering finesse.
Kushaq, with its SUV stance, offers a commanding view, while Slavia, a sedan, provides a more connected driving experience. Their turbocharged TSI engines ensure responsive acceleration, reducing the lag commonly found in other cars.
The agile handling, combined with sturdy build quality and innovative tech features, solidify their place in the heart of performance lovers.
Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range
For Skoda Kushaq, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI Ambition | ₹ 13,34,000 |
| 1.5 TSI Ambition | ₹ 14,99,000 |
For Skoda Slavia, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI Ambition | ₹ 13,19,000 |
| 1.0 TSI Style Non-Sunroof | ₹ 14,30,000 |
| 1.0 TSI Style | ₹ 14,80,000 |
| 1.5 TSI Ambition | ₹ 14,94,000 |
Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition
FWD, a 999cc petrol engine, and 113.98 BHP make it a strong contender. At this price, with stable high-speed handling and linear power delivery, it’s perfect for those dipping their toes in performance driving. If you enjoy road trips, you can read how the Kushaq compares with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition
Upgraded with a 1498cc engine, it outputs 147.51 BHP. The quick engine responsiveness makes it a worthy option for enthusiasts seeking more power.
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition
Similar to the Kushaq variant, it’s a value proposition offering agile handling in sedan form. If you are a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read how the Slavia compares with Hyundai Verna.
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Style Non-Sunroof & 1.0 TSI Style
Both share performance attributes, but the latter adds the allure of a sunroof for those wanting style with performance. If you appreciate a car’s style and design, you can read our comparison of the Slavia with Honda City.
Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition
Sporting the same 1498cc engine as its Kushaq counterpart, this sedan variant offers a balanced mix of power and sedan comfort.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq for Performance Enthusiasts
The title goes to the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition. While both the Kushaq and Slavia possess the punchy 147.51 BHP from their 1.5 TSI engine, the Slavia, being a sedan, has a lower center of gravity, resulting in better road-hugging dynamics and improved handling.
It retains the quick engine responsiveness and 250 Nm torque, making it a perfect embodiment of performance. Combined with its sedan comforts, it offers a superior blend of agility, speed, and luxury.
The Top 3 choices
- Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition
- Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition
- Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Style
| Attributes | Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition | Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition | Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| # of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | 5.6s | 5.29s | 5.6s |
| Agility | Agile | Agile | Agile |
| Audio System (Brand) | OEM | OEM | OEM |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Engine – displacement (cc) | 1498 | 1498 | 999 |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 147.51 | 147.51 | 113.98 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 250 | 250 | 178 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Power delivery | Linear | Linear | Linear |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition offers exceptional engine performance, unmatched sedan stability, and agile handling. Its attributes resonate with the Kushaq 1.5 TSI, but the sedan advantage of Slavia gives it an edge.
- The Slavia 1.0 TSI Style, though less powerful, retains its place in the top three with its blend of features and performance at a more accessible price point.
Collectively, these variants promise exhilarating drives while ensuring essential comfort and features are not compromised.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered