Skoda has recently introduced the facelifted version of the Kushaq in India, with prices starting at Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom). In the highly competitive compact SUV segment, the Kushaq now faces renewed competition from the reintroduced Renault Duster. While both SUVs cater to similar buyers, differences in pricing, engine options, and features could significantly influence your choice. Here's a detailed comparison to help you make a more informed decision.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift Vs Renault Duster: Powertrains
The Skoda Kushaq facelift continues with its familiar engine lineup. It offers a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 115 hp, along with a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit delivering 150 hp. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a torque converter automatic with the smaller engine, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with the 1.5-litre motor.
On the other hand, the Renault Duster offers a slightly wider range of engine choices. It comes with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (Turbo TCe 160) that generates 160 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, available with both a six-speed manual and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Additionally, the SUV gets a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 100 bhp and 160 Nm, which is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
Renault Duster
Skoda Kushaq Facelift Vs Renault Duster Comparison: Features
The updated Kushaq brings a refreshed feature list, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control with rear AC vents. A notable highlight is the rear seat massage function, which stands out in this segment.
In terms of safety, the Kushaq offers six airbags as standard, along with rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and an auto-dimming IRVM. However, it misses out on features like a 360-degree camera and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are becoming common in this category.
The Renault Duster, meanwhile, comes loaded with features such as a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, ventilated and powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a powered tailgate.
Safety is a strong suit for the Duster, offering six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, disc brakes on all wheels, an electronic parking brake, and Level 2 ADAS features.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift Vs Renault Duster Comparison: Price And Variants
Both the Skoda Kushaq facelift and the Renault Duster are offered in multiple variants to suit different budgets and preferences. The Kushaq facelift is priced from Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Renault Duster starts slightly lower at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a marginally more affordable option at the entry level.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift Variant-Wise Price List
| Variant | 1.0 TSI MT | 1.0 TSI AT | 1.5 TSI DSG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic+ | Rs 10,69,000 | Rs 12,69,000 | -- |
| Signature | Rs 14,59,000 | Rs 15,59,000 | -- |
| Sportline | Rs 14,74,000 | Rs 15,74,000 | -- |
| Prestige | Rs 16,79,000 | Rs 17,59,000 | Rs 18,79,000 |
| Monte Carlo | -- | Rs 17,89,000 | Rs 18,99,000 |
Renault Duster Variant-Wise Price List
| Trim | Turbo TCe 100 MT | Turbo TCe 160 MT | Turbo TCe 160 DCT | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Price | With R Pass* | Standard Price | With R Pass* | Standard Price | With R Pass* | |
| Authentic | ₹10.49 | ₹10.29 | - | - | - | - |
| Evolution | ₹11.69 | ₹11.39 | ₹12.99 | ₹12.69 | ₹14.49 | ₹13.99 |
| Techno | ₹13.49 | ₹13.19 | ₹14.49 | ₹14.19 | ₹15.89 | ₹15.49 |
| Techno+ | - | - | ₹15.29 | ₹14.99 | ₹16.69 | ₹16.29 |
| Iconic | - | - | ₹16.99 | ₹16.59 | ₹18.49 | ₹18.09 |