Kia Sonet vs Skoda Kushaq: Which Compact SUV Is Best for Your Family
1. Exterior Design and Dimensions
Kia Sonet: The Kia Sonet boasts a modern, sleek, and bold design with sharp lines and a youthful appeal. It features Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights. The compact proportions of the Sonet make it easy to maneuver, especially in urban environments. The design also includes LED DRLs, alloy wheels, and a stylish rear with a LED tail lamp strip.
Dimensions of the Kia Sonet:
- Length: 3995 mm
- Width: 1790 mm
- Height: 1642 mm
- Wheelbase: 2580 mm
- Ground clearance: 205 mm
Skoda Kushaq: The Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, leans towards a more robust and muscular design. With a more squared-off front fascia, sharp lines, and a wide stance, it exudes a premium and solid feel. The Kushaq features a large grille, LED headlamps, and a sculpted bonnet that adds to its rugged character. The overall design is more SUV-oriented compared to the compact nature of the Sonet.
Dimensions of the Skoda Kushaq:
- Length: 4225 mm
- Width: 1760 mm
- Height: 1612 mm
- Wheelbase: 2651 mm
- Ground clearance: 188 mm
Verdict:
Both vehicles have strong exterior designs, but the Kushaq stands out with its larger dimensions and rugged appeal, while the Sonet's compact design makes it more suited for city driving.
2. Interior and Comfort
Kia Sonet: The Kia Sonet's interior is plush and well-equipped, offering a premium feel. It features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and UVO connected car technology. The cabin is comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom in the front and rear seats. The Sonet also boasts features like wireless charging, a sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The boot space of 392 liters is quite impressive for a car of this size.
Skoda Kushaq: The Skoda Kushaq offers a more spacious cabin with an emphasis on quality. The dashboard design is simple but elegant, with a floating 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with a premium 8-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The Kushaq is roomier in the rear seat area, with better rear-seat comfort compared to the Sonet. Its boot space stands at 385 liters.
Verdict:
While the Sonet is loaded with features and offers a stylish interior, the Kushaq shines with its spacious cabin, premium feel, and comfort for passengers.
3. Performance and Engine Options
Kia Sonet: The Kia Sonet offers a variety of engine options, ensuring there's something for everyone. The 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 83 bhp and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. For more power, there’s the 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, offering 120 bhp and available with both a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.5L diesel engine produces 100 bhp and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sonet’s ride quality is refined, and it offers good handling, especially in city driving.
Skoda Kushaq: The Skoda Kushaq comes with two engine options: a 1.0L TSI petrol engine producing 115 bhp and a 1.5L TSI engine generating 150 bhp. Both engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The Kushaq is known for its solid build quality and driving dynamics, with the 1.5L TSI engine offering excellent performance for enthusiasts. The Kushaq is a more engaging car to drive, especially at higher speeds, with a solid, planted feel on the road.
Verdict:
In terms of performance, the Skoda Kushaq edges ahead, especially with the 1.5L TSI engine, offering more power and a sportier driving experience. The Sonet, however, provides a balanced performance suitable for everyday use.
4. Features and Technology
Kia Sonet:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- UVO connected car tech
- Wireless charging with a cooling pad
- Ventilated front seats
- 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control
- 7-inch TFT display
- Electric sunroof
- Air purifier
Skoda Kushaq:
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- Virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster
- 6 airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, traction control
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
Verdict:
Both cars are well-equipped with advanced tech features. The Sonet offers more connected car features, while the Kushaq’s Virtual Cockpit and dual-zone climate control give it a more premium feel.
5. Safety Features
Kia Sonet:
- 6 airbags
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with EBD
- Hill assist control
- Traction control system
- Rear parking sensors with camera
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
Skoda Kushaq:
- 6 airbags
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors with camera
- Hill-hold assist
- Electronic differential lock
Verdict:
Both vehicles have robust safety features. While the Kushaq has ESC and a solid build quality, the Sonet's features like Hill Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitoring give it an edge in some situations.
6. Pricing and Value for Money
Kia Sonet: The Kia Sonet is priced between ₹7.49 lakh and ₹13.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Its multiple variants and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice for buyers looking for a value-packed compact SUV.
Skoda Kushaq: The Skoda Kushaq is priced between ₹10.49 lakh and ₹17.59 lakh (ex-showroom). While the Kushaq is more expensive than the Sonet, it justifies the price with a larger engine, premium features, and superior driving dynamics.
Verdict:
The Kia Sonet offers great value for money, especially for budget-conscious buyers, while the Skoda Kushaq provides more premium offerings at a higher price point.
Conclusion
Both the Kia Sonet and Skoda Kushaq have their strengths and cater to different segments of buyers. The Sonet is ideal for those seeking a compact, feature-rich SUV with a variety of engine options and excellent city driving dynamics. On the other hand, the Kushaq is more suited for buyers looking for a premium SUV with solid performance, more interior space, and engaging driving dynamics.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kia Sonet and Skoda Kushaq depends on your budget, driving preferences, and desired features. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a wide range of features, the Sonet is the better choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more premium SUV with excellent performance and solid driving dynamics, the Kushaq will be worth the extra cost.
