Choosing the perfect compact SUV can be a complex decision with so many options available in the market. Among the top contenders are the Tata Nexon and the Skoda Kushaq. This article explores why the Tata Nexon stands out as a better choice over the Skoda Kushaq, with a detailed comparison focusing on interior features, pricing, and safety ratings. Additionally, we will help you decide which car is better between the Tata Nexon XZ+HS and the Skoda Kushaq Ambition.
Skoda Kushaq Interior:
The Skoda Kushaq boasts a modern and sleek interior design. It features a clean dashboard layout with a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The materials used in the cabin are of high quality, reflecting Skoda's attention to detail and craftsmanship. The Ambition variant comes with comfortable seating, though the rear seats might feel slightly cramped for taller passengers. The overall ambiance of the Kushaq is sophisticated and elegant, aiming to provide a premium feel.
Tata Nexon Interior:
In contrast, the Tata Nexon offers a more vibrant and youthful interior. The cabin is well-designed with a mix of premium materials and soft-touch surfaces, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. The Nexon features a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, also supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster. The seats are well-cushioned and provide excellent support, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. The Nexon’s cabin is spacious and airy, offering ample legroom and headroom, making it more suitable for long journeys.
The Skoda Kushaq is positioned as a premium offering in the compact SUV segment. The base model of the Skoda Kushaq starts at approximately INR 10.89 lakhs and goes up to around INR 18 lakhs for the top-end variant. The Ambition variant, which is a mid-level trim, is priced around INR 13-14 lakhs. This pricing reflects the premium build quality and advanced features offered by Skoda, but it also places the Kushaq at a higher price point compared to some of its rivals.
When comparing the prices of the Skoda Kushaq and the Tata Nexon, the latter emerges as a more budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features and performance.
Skoda Kushaq Price:
- Base Model: INR 10.89 lakhs
- Ambition Variant: INR 13-14 lakhs
- Top Model: INR 18 lakhs
Tata Nexon Price:
The Tata Nexon is available at a more competitive price range. The base model of the Nexon starts at around INR 8 lakhs, and the top-end variant is priced at approximately INR 14.5 lakhs. The XZ+HS variant, which is one of the higher trims, is priced around INR 13.5 lakhs. This significant price difference makes the Nexon an attractive option for buyers seeking value for money.
Safety is a critical aspect when choosing a car, and both the Skoda Kushaq and Tata Nexon have made significant strides in this area.
The Skoda Kushaq comes equipped with a variety of safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and rear parking sensors. It has received a good safety rating from global NCAP, showcasing its robust build quality and commitment to passenger safety. However, specific NCAP ratings for the Kushaq might vary based on the variant and region.
Tata Nexon Safety Rating
The Tata Nexon stands out prominently in terms of safety. It was the first Indian car to receive a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. This rating underscores the Nexon’s strong build quality and the inclusion of numerous safety features as standard. These features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The Nexon’s high safety rating is a testament to Tata’s commitment to passenger safety and sets it apart from many competitors in the segment.
Pricing:
The Tata Nexon XZ+HS is generally priced around INR 13.5 lakhs (ex-showroom), while the Skoda Kushaq Ambition is priced slightly higher, around INR 13-14 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Nexon offers similar, if not better, features at a lower price point, making it a more economical choice.
Interior and Comfort:
The Nexon XZ+HS features a well-appointed interior with a modern design, including a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and automatic climate control. It offers ample cabin space and comfortable seating for five passengers.
The Kushaq Ambition boasts a sophisticated interior design with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and high-quality materials. While it provides a premium feel, the rear seats might feel slightly cramped compared to the Nexon.
Features:
Both vehicles come with advanced infotainment systems, automatic climate control, and a host of other convenience features. However, the Nexon XZ+HS includes additional features such as a sunroof and connected car technology, which enhances its appeal.
Performance:
Both the Nexon and Kushaq are equipped with powerful engines and offer a smooth driving experience. The Nexon comes with both petrol and diesel engine options, providing more flexibility for buyers. The Kushaq, while offering strong performance, is available only with petrol engines.
Safety:
The Tata Nexon’s 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP is a significant advantage over the Skoda Kushaq. The Nexon includes comprehensive safety features as standard, making it a safer choice.
In the comparison between the Tata Nexon XZ+HS and the Skoda Kushaq Ambition, the Nexon emerges as the better choice for several reasons. It offers a more affordable price range, superior safety ratings, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a wealth of features. While the Skoda Kushaq Ambition is undoubtedly a well-built and feature-packed vehicle, the Tata Nexon XZ+HS provides a more balanced package that appeals to budget-conscious buyers without compromising on quality and safety. Therefore, if you are in the market for a reliable, safe, and feature-rich compact SUV, the Tata Nexon should be at the top of your list.