Skoda and Volkswagen are known to offer robustly built cars that are backed up by enthusiast-focused TSI engines. In 2021, both brands came out with extremely well-packaged and competent mid-size SUVs that are not only competing against established names in the market but also themselves. The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are cars cut from the same cloth and both cars share the platform and engines. This begs the question: in a Kushaq vs Taigun comparison, which car comes out on top? We pit them against each other to find out the small differences that should help you decide which car you should go for.
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Table of Contents
- Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Dimensions
- Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Engine and Transmission
- Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Features and Comfort
- Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Safety Features
- Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Price
Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Dimensions
Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun | |
Length | 4225 mm | 4221 mm |
Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
Height | 1612 mm | 1612 mm |
Wheelbase | 2651 mm | 2651 mm |
Boot Space | 385 L | 385 L |
As the specs indicate, the two cars are very similar in terms of their dimensions. As the cars are based on the same MQB A0-IN platform, both of them feature the same minimalist boxy design. However, the difference here is the individual design languages of Skoda and Volkswagen. With a larger front grille and more aggressive styling, the Kushaq is sportier in appearance. The Taigun, on the other hand, is more sedate in its design.
The similarity in dimension also translates into the availability of similar seating arrangements on the inside. Both cars can seat up to 5 people with ease and the identical wheelbase of both cars means rear legroom is similar as well. Boot space is also similar for both cars and there isn’t much difference to separate the two midsize SUVs.
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Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Engine and Transmission
Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun | |
Engine | 1.0L TSI turbo petrol engine | 1.0L TSI turbo petrol engine |
1.5L TSI turbo petrol engine | 1.5L TSI turbo petrol engine | |
Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
6-Speed TC AT (1.0L) | 6-Speed TC AT (1.0L) | |
7-Speed DSG (1.5L) | 7-Speed DSG (1.5L) |
The Kushaq and Taigun also share their engines and transmissions, which means again, there is very little to choose between the two. Both cars receive a 1.0-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engines. The 1.0-litre TSI is paired with a 6-speed manual and a torque converter automatic. The more enthusiast-focused 1.5-litre TSI is paired with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic. Power figures and drivability are the same on both cars.
Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Performance
Specifications | Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun | ||
Type | 1.0L TSI | 1.5L TSI | 1.0L TSI | 1.5L TSI |
Maximum Power | 113.9 bhp | 147.5 bhp | 113.9 bhp | 147.5 bhp |
Maximum Torque | 178 Nm | 250 Nm | 178 Nm | 250 Nm |
Mileage | Up to 17.8 km/l | Up to 17.95 km/l | Up to 18.1 km/l | Up to 18.47 km/l |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L | 50 L | 50 L |
Looking at the fuel efficiency figures, there is a marginal difference between the Kushaq and the Taigun. The Taigun has a slightly higher ARAI-certified mileage figure, but in real world terms, both cars should offer identical mileage figures. An important fact to note about both cars is that the larger engine is the more fuel efficient due to the active cylinder technology used. This shuts off two of the four cylinders when driving sedately to improve efficiency at higher speeds.
Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Features and Comfort
Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun | |
Infotainment system | Up to 10-inch touchscreen | Up to 10-inch touchscreen |
Wireless charger | Yes | Yes |
Ventilated front seats | Yes | Yes |
Connected car tech | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Climate Control with rear vents | Yes | Yes |
Digital instrument cluster | No | Yes |
Music system | 6 speaker sound system | 6 speaker sound system |
Push button engine start | Yes | Yes |
Tilt / Telescopic steering adjust | Yes | Yes |
Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
Both cars are essentially twins separated at birth and the Kushaq and Taigun share the same feature list. There are two small differences, however, where you will have to make a choice based on how important these features are to you. The Kushaq has been equipped with a subwoofer, which is skipped on the Taigun, and should provide a better music listening experience.
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The Taigun, on the other hand, delivers a more premium driving experience with its all digital MID cluster. The analogue dials on the Kushaq may not be for those looking for a modern MID system to relay driving information. If this is the case, the Taigun will take a narrow lead in the feature comparison since only the recently introduced Kushaq Monte Carlo comes with the digital MID cluster at a high premium.
Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Safety Features
Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun | |
Safety Rating | 5-Star G-NCAP | 5-Star G-NCAP |
Front parking sensors | No | No |
Rear parking sensors | Yes | Yes |
Airbags | Up to 6 airbags | Up to 6 airbags |
Blind Spot monitor | No | No |
Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes |
Child safety lock | Yes | Yes |
Central locking | Yes | Yes |
Safety is fast becoming an essential feature rather than a bragging right. With Indian car makers focusing more on safety features and safety ratings, the Kushaq and Taigun have to offer more than just their reputations for better build quality.
In this regard, both cars are equipped with the essential safety equipment like Stability Control, ABS, EBD, and dual airbags as standard. Multi-collision brakes are another premium safety feature that are standard on both cars. The higher variants of both cars are offered with six airbags for additional safety. In this comparison, it’s a good thing there are no differences between the twins.
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Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun: Price
Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun | |
Entry-level (Ex-Showroom) | Rs. 11.29 lakh | Rs. 11.39 lakh |
Mid-level (Ex-Showroom) | Rs. 12.79 - 14.59 lakh | Rs. 13.39 - 14.79 lakh |
Top-level (Ex-Showroom) | Rs. 15.29 - 18.79 lakh | Rs. 15.39 - 18.59 lakh |
With differences only evident in the exterior and interior design, price becomes the biggest differentiator between the two cars. For the most part, the Kushaq is the more affordable SUV of the two and offers better value, even with a small difference of just Rs. 10,000 on the ex-showroom price.
One important differentiator to note in this comparison is that the top-end variant of the VW Taigun is the more affordable option and comes equipped with all features. The Kushaq top-end variant is priced Rs. 20,000 more to offer six airbags. This will have a clear bearing for those shopping for the fully-loaded variants and this is a major difference to keep in mind when considering either of these cars.