Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Returns Better Claimed Fuel Efficiency Than The Smaller 1.0 TSI Engine

The larger 1.5 TSI engine makes use of cylinder deactivation technology which shuts off two of the four cylinders when the engine load is low

Skoda launched the Kushaq more than a month back, and at the time, the Czech carmaker had only begun delivering the 1.0 TSI variants of the compact SUV. Deliveries of the 1.5 TSI engine model have now commenced as per schedule. 

While Skoda never publicly revealed this, we believe the delay was due to the pending ARAI certification of the bigger engine (it's mentioned in the brochure). That certification is now complete and has revealed something we suspected, but couldn’t really be sure of until the vehicles were tested. The bigger 1.5 TSI engine of the Skoda Kushaq is more fuel efficient than the smaller 1.0 TSI engine.

*This is an apples-to-apples comparison as both engines were tested by ARAI in ideal conditions.

Also Read: The Entry-Level Skoda Kushaq Will Get An Automatic Option

While the gap is small when you compare the manual transmission models, it widens considerably with the automatic transmissions of both engines. One reason for this could be the extra cog in the DSG, which should allow the engine to spin at lower RPMs when cruising on the highway. Another major reason has to be the cylinder deactivation technology found on the bigger 1.5 TSI engine. It shuts off two out of the four cylinders of the engine under low load conditions. It also makes use of a plasma-coated engine block that reduces friction and betters heat dissipation inside the combustion chamber, both of which help in returning a better fuel efficiency.

The 1.5 TSI engine, which is now available at showrooms for test drives, can only be had in the top-spec Style variants of the Kushaq. The manual transmission variant is priced at Rs 16.19 lakh whereas the automatic variant retails for Rs 17.59 lakh (both ex-showroom). The Kushaq competes with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and certain variants of the MG Hector, Tata Harrier, and Jeep Compass.

Read More on : Kushaq on road price