Honda City vs Skoda Kushaq for Performance Enthusiasts: Which is the Best Variant in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range?

What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India that offer a thrilling driving experience? What defines a high-performance car model? Let us compare the Honda City and Skoda Kushaq, and see how their variants fare in terms of their performance.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Honda City vs Skoda Kushaq – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

A performance driving enthusiast seeks out fast cars that provide an exhilarating driving experience characterized by powerful acceleration, sharp handling, and a sporty feel. Key attributes include a responsive and potent engine, agile steering and suspension, advanced transmission, and performance-enhancing features like turbocharging and traction control. The enthusiast also appreciates premium touches that enhance the driving experience, like a high-end audio system, sporty interior styling, and advanced tech features.

Why Honda City and Skoda Kushaq are Popular

The Honda City and Skoda Kushaq both offer compelling options for the performance enthusiast. 

The City has long been renowned for its peppy yet refined driving dynamics. In its latest generation, it ups the ante with a punchy 1.5L engine paired with a responsive CVT, sharp steering, and a rigid chassis that provides both agility and stability. The Kushaq brings Skoda’s famed handling prowess to the compact SUV segment, with eager turbocharged TSI engines, slick transmissions, and taut European-tuned suspension. 

Both cars also boast upscale, tech-forward interiors to complement their athletic talents. While not hardcore sports models, the City and Kushaq provide accessible and well-rounded performance that enthusiasts appreciate.

Honda City and Skoda Kushaq Variants Shortlist in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range

For Skoda Kushaq, we have:

Variant	Price as on 10 April 2024
1.0 TSI Ambition AT	₹15,49,000
1.5 TSI Ambition	₹15,99,000
1.5 TSI Ambition DSG	₹17,39,000

For Honda City, we have:

Variant	Price as on 10 April 2024
ZX CVT	₹16,19,000

Skoda Kushaq variants

The Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition AT offers peppy acceleration from its turbocharged engine and the convenience of an automatic at an attractive price. Moving up to the 1.5 TSI Ambition nets you a bigger, more powerful engine and transmission upgrade to a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG. The range-topping 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG combines the punchiest engine option with the most advanced gearbox for maximum performance and engagement. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Kushaq with Hyundai Creta 2024.

Honda City ZX CVT

On the Honda City side, we’ve selected the ZX CVT trim. Its 1.5L i-VTEC engine delivers strong performance and mates well with the efficient yet responsive CVT. The ZX trim also loads up on premium features like LED headlights, a sunroof, and advanced driver assists to create an upscale ambiance. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the City with Citroen C3 Aircross.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Honda City and Skoda Kushaq for Performance Enthusiasts

After careful consideration, we recommend the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG as the ultimate choice for the performance enthusiast. Its eager 150PS/250Nm turbocharged engine provides class-leading power and acceleration, while the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters keeps you engaged. 

The taut European-tuned suspension and progressive steering offer sharp, confidence-inspiring handling. Yet the Ambition trim also includes premium features like automatic LED headlights, a glass sunroof, wireless smartphone integration, and more. It’s the best all-around package for the enthusiast who wants stirring performance and a dash of luxury at a still reasonable price point.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG
2. Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition
3. Honda City ZX CVT

Attribute	Kushaq 1.5 Ambition DSG	Kushaq 1.5 Ambition	City ZX CVT
Engine	1.5L Turbo	1.5L Turbo	1.5L NA
Power	150 PS	150 PS	121 PS
Transmission	7-spd DCT	6-spd MT	CVT
Handling	Agile	Agile	Agile
Ride	Firm	Firm	Supple
Features	Loaded	Loaded	Loaded

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Kushaq 1.5 TSI twins take the top two spots by virtue of their punchy turbocharged performance, driver-focused dynamics and upscale feature set. The DSG is the top choice for its lightning-quick shifts, while the manual is for those who want a more involved experience.
• The City ZX CVT earns a respectable third place with its strong and sophisticated 1.5L drivetrain, impressive refinement, and extensive feature list. While down on outright performance compared to the Skodas, it counters with a more supple ride and renowned reliability.

All three of these variants offer differing but compelling flavors of accessible performance, premium features, and daily usability that will appeal to the enthusiast. The final choice depends on your preferences around powertrain responsiveness, ride and handling balance, and overall refinement. But you can’t go wrong with any of this talented trio.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.