Skoda Slavia Vs Skoda Kushaq: The Sedan And The SUV Are Not Much Different On The Spec Sheet
The Slavia could be the better purchase because its ground clearance is not an excuse to ignore it.
Skoda India has unveiled the Slavia facelift with new design updates and upgraded features. This comes after the Kushaq facelift, which was launched earlier this year. Interestingly, the newly facelifted Skoda siblings have packed in some segment-first features like rear seat massaging and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With both cars being different body styles, they cater to those who value driving experience and dynamics.
If you’re looking to buy one of the Skodas, the ground clearance may not be the only decision-maker. Let’s explore the difference between the Kushaq and the Slavia.
Price
The prices of the Slavia have not been announced yet. However, we expect the Slavia to be priced similarly to the outgoing model.
| Model |
Skoda Slavia Facelift |
Skoda Kushaq |
| Price |
Rs 10.50 lakh to Rs 19 lakh (expected) |
Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh |
All prices ex-showroom pan-India
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Skoda has not revealed prices of the Slavia facelift yet, but you can expect it to be priced at a slight premium over the current version.
-
However, it is still expected to cost slightly less or identical to the Kushaq, which is an SUV.
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Being a compact SUV, the Kushaq is priced competitively. Hence, the entry point into the Kushaq is not far away for a person looking to shop even in the sub-4 metre segment.
Dimension
| Parameter |
Skoda Slavia Facelift |
Skoda Kushaq |
Difference |
| Length |
4,541 mm |
4,229 mm |
+312 mm |
| Width |
1,752 mm |
1,760 mm |
(-8 mm) |
| Height |
1,507 mm |
1,612 mm |
(-105 mm) |
| Wheelbase |
2,651 mm |
2,651 mm |
No Difference |
| Ground Clearance (laden) |
145 mm |
155 mm |
(-10 mm) |
| Boot Space |
521 litres |
385 litres |
(-136 litres) |
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Though the Slavia is longer, the wheelbase of the two cars is identical, which may translate to similar interior room.
-
The Kushaq, having an SUV body style, is taller than the Slavia by 105 mm.
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Despite the fundamental differences of the two being a sedan vs an SUV, the difference in their ground clearance is only 10mm.
Colour Options
| Skoda Slavia Facelift |
Skoda Kushaq |
| Arctic Silver (NEW) |
Shimla Green |
| Cappuccino Beige (NEW) |
Cherry Red |
| Shimla Green |
Steel Grey |
| Brilliant Silver |
Brilliant Silver |
| Candy White |
Candy White |
| Carbon Steel |
Carbon Steel |
| Steel Grey |
Deep Black |
| Lava Blue |
Lava Blue |
| Cherry Red |
- |
| Deep Black |
- |
-
The Shimla Green, Cherry Red and Steel Grey colours on the Kushaq are new to the facelift.
-
Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige Colours are new to the Slavia Facelift. Do note that the Cappuccino Beige colour is available from December onwards.
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Some of these colours really stand out but are not too flashy given the understated character of Skoda cars.
| Our Pick: The Arctic Silver of the Slavia looks good to our eyes and matches the classy ethos of the Skoda. |
Features
| Feature |
Skoda Slavia Facelift |
Skoda Kushaq |
| Touchscreen Infotainment with AI Google Assistant |
10.1-inch with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
10.1-inch with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| LED cornering lamps |
❌ |
✅ |
| LED fog lamps |
✅ |
✅ |
| LED tail lamps |
✅ |
✅(connected) |
| Chrome door handles |
✅(with front door request sensors) |
✅(with front door request sensors) |
| Shark-fin antenna |
✅ |
✅ |
| Faux silver skid plate |
❌ |
✅ |
| Rear spoiler |
Boolip spoiler |
Roof spoiler |
| Alloy Wheels |
16-inch dual-tone |
17-inch dual-tone |
| Roof rails |
❌ |
✅ |
| Digital driver’s display (10.25-inch) |
✅ |
✅ |
| Sunroof |
Single-pane |
Panoramic |
| Rear seat massager |
✅ |
✅ |
| Ventilated front seats |
✅ |
✅ |
| Reverse camera |
✅ |
✅ |
| Wireless Charging |
✅ |
✅ |
| Ambient Lighting |
✅ |
✅ |
| Cruise Control |
✅ |
✅ |
| Cooled Glovebox |
✅ |
✅ |
| Rear AC Vents |
✅ |
✅ |
| Sound System |
8 speakers with subwoofer |
6 speakers with subwoofer |
| USB-C Ports |
2 front + 2 rear |
2 front + 2 rear |
| 360-degree camera |
✅ |
❌ |
| Passive keyless entry |
✅ |
✅ |
| LED DRLs |
✅ |
✅(Connected) |
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The feature difference between the two cars isn’t significant enough to choose one over the other. However, the Slavia gets a 360-degree camera and more speakers.
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Both cars are decently equipped, including cruise control, wireless charging and rear AC vents.
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You can expect the newly introduced 360-degree camera of the Slavia to make its way into the Kushaq in the coming days.
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If you’re curious about the differences between the old and the Slavia facelift, click on the link here.
Safety
| Feature |
Skoda Slavia Facelift |
Skoda Kushaq |
| Global NCAP rating |
5 star |
5 star |
| Airbags |
6, standard across all variants |
6, standard across all variants |
| ESC, ABS, EBD |
✅ |
✅ |
| Multi-collision braking (MKB) |
✅ |
✅ |
| Electronic diff lock (EDS) |
✅ |
✅ |
| Hill Hold Control (HHC) |
✅ |
✅ |
| TPMS |
✅ |
✅ |
| ISOFIX child seat mounts |
✅ |
✅ |
| Anti-theft alarm |
✅ |
✅ |
| Engine immobiliser |
✅ |
✅ |
-
Both are identical when it comes to safety features since they are priced similarly.
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Features like EDS, are unique to the Skoda-VW group cars, which is an added safety feature when you are driving the car enthusiastically.
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Skoda has been generous in providing several safety features as standard in their mass market models.
Powertrain
| Model |
Skoda Slavia Facelift |
Skoda Kushaq |
||
| Engine |
1-litre turbo-petrol TSI |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol TSI |
1-litre turbo-petrol TSI |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol TSI |
| Power |
115 PS |
150 PS |
115 PS |
150 PS |
| Torque |
178 Nm |
250 Nm |
178 Nm |
250 Nm |
| Transmission |
6-speed MT / 8-speed AT |
7-speed DSG |
6-speed MT / 8-speed AT |
7-speed DSG |
MT - Manual Transmission, AT - Torque Converter (automatic), DSG- Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic)
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Both Skodas are identical under the bonnet.
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The Kushaq weighs on average around 50 kgs more than the Slavia, depending on the variants and transmissions. So the difference in fuel economy between the two should not be much in the city. Out on the highway, the aerodynamic advantage of the Slavia could make it slightly more efficient in comparison to its SUV sibling.
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The manual transmission option for the 1.5-litre engine is no longer available in the Skodas.
CarDekho Says…
The Skodas, among the brands available in the market, have a unique brand image. They appeal to the type of people looking for the European experience. This means good driving manners, classy styling, and not expecting oozing amounts of features. They also aren’t known for great fuel economy and low running costs, which a traditional Indian buyer would be looking for. However, the benefit of cars like these is in the finer experiences like the aforementioned finesse in driving pleasure, solid build quality and the timeless design which make these cars heart-over-head purchases.
Other Cars To Consider:
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Hyundai Verna: The Verna is a typical Hyundai. Packed with features, it has the best interior quality compared to its rivals. The Verna also has one of the quietest cabins in the class.
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Honda City: This could be among the most reliable and no-nonsense cars in the class. If you’re looking for a non-turbo engine, this also has the most enthusiastic option, with a great manual and automatic transmission.
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Volkswagen Virtus: The Virtus is easily the sportiest-looking and perhaps the sportiest-handling car among this bunch. As of today, it is among the last cars here that are due a mid-life facelift, which will bring its design and feature set on par with the current competition.