Kia Seltos 2023 vs Skoda Kushaq: Comparing Their Petrol Variants Priced Rs 13-15 Lakh for Performance Enthusiasts

What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Kia Seltos 2023 and Skoda Kushaq. Let’s see how their petrol variants compare with each other in terms of performance.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Kia Seltos 2023 vs Skoda Kushaq – a comprehensive analysis of their petrol 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

Performance enthusiasts seek fast cars that deliver exhilarating speed, precise handling, and responsive powertrains. They prioritize attributes such as low turbo lag, swift acceleration, high-speed stability, minimal body roll, and agile handling. 

The clutch feel (for manual transmissions), the number of gears for optimal power delivery, and advanced transmission systems are also key considerations in quick cars. Additionally, enthusiasts appreciate a car with a robust engine offering high horsepower and torque, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.

Why Kia Seltos 2023 and Skoda Kushaq are Popular

Kia Seltos 2023 and Skoda Kushaq have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts for their compelling blend of power, precision, and driving dynamics. 

The Seltos, with its aggressive styling, offers turbocharged engine options that provide potent power delivery and a responsive driving experience. Its high-speed stability and moderate body roll make it a joy to drive on varied terrains. 

On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq stands out for its agile handling, minimal body roll, and turbocharged engine options that offer linear power delivery and moderate engine responsiveness. 

Both vehicles come equipped with features that enhance the driving experience, such as advanced automatic transmissions, traction control, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), appealing to those who demand performance without compromising on safety or comfort.

Kia Seltos 2023 and Skoda Kushaq Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range

For Skoda Kushaq, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 9 February 2024
1.0 TSI Ambition	₹13,53,000

For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 9 February 2024
HTK Plus	₹13,50,000
HTK Plus iMT	₹15,00,000

Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition

This variant strikes a balance between agility and stability, crucial for performance driving. Its turbocharged engine ensures minimal turbo lag and linear power delivery, making it ideal for enthusiasts looking for responsive and engaging performance. If you’re a gadget enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Kushaq with Hyundai Creta 2024.

Kia Seltos HTK Plus

Offers stable handling and moderate agility, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a blend of performance and comfort. The variant provides a decent power output, ensuring a spirited driving experience. If you’re looking for a value-for-money car, you can read our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Hyundai Creta 2024.

Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT

Stands out with its higher horsepower and torque, courtesy of the turbocharged engine, making it the most powerful option among the listed variants. The iMT transmission combines the joy of manual shifting with the convenience of automatic clutch operation, appealing to enthusiasts who desire control and performance.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Seltos 2023 and Skoda Kushaq for Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT emerges as the top pick for performance enthusiasts. This variant’s turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 157.81 BHP and 253 Nm of torque, offering superior acceleration and power delivery. 

The innovative iMT transmission allows drivers to engage more directly with the driving experience, combining the tactile feedback of manual shifting with the ease of an automatic. Additionally, its high-speed stability and moderate body roll ensure a confident and engaging drive. 

The Seltos HTK Plus iMT’s combination of power, handling, and innovative transmission technology makes it the ultimate choice for those seeking thrilling performance.

The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference

1. Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT
2. Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition
3. Kia Seltos HTK Plus

Feature	Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT	Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition	Kia Seltos HTK Plus
Turbocharged Engine	Yes	Yes	No
Power (BHP)	157.81	113.98	113.42
Torque (Nm)	253	178	144
Transmission Type	iMT	Manual	Manual
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Acceleration (0-60 km/h)	–	5.29	–
Top Speed (km/h)	–	150.82	–
LED Headlights	No	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction Control & ESC	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT ranks highest due to its superior power and innovative transmission, offering an unmatched blend of performance and control. 
• The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition follows closely, praised for its agile handling and efficient turbocharged engine. 
• The Kia Seltos HTK Plus remains a competitive option, providing solid performance for those seeking a more accessible entry point into performance-oriented driving. 

These variants exemplify the pinnacle of accessible performance, combining thrilling power with precision engineering to satisfy the demands of performance enthusiasts.

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