Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq looks great (though it is a tad small) has a strong set of engines and a good suite of safety features. It’s also comfortable and easy to live with, and is way more enjoyable to drive than any other mid-size SUV. On the flipside, however, there is no diesel variant and interior quality should have been better. The starting price of Rs 10.50 lakh (ex showroom) for the base 1.0 MT is steeper than key rivals but it’s important to note that this base variant isn’t a stripped-down car and gets things like a 7-inch touch screen and more importantly, active safety features like ESC and multi-collision braking, which rivals don’t offer. The top-end 1.5 AT priced at Rs 17.60 lakh is well-equipped but misses out some key features like powered seats and a panoramic sunroof. But then, this isn’t a car you’d buy just for equipment and creature comforts. If performance, sound driving dynamics and safety top your list, the Kushaq is definitely the way to go.