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 Sonet 2024 and Skoda Kushaq. Let’s see how their 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 Sonet 2024 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
Performance enthusiasts prioritize vehicles that offer an exhilarating driving experience. Key attributes include a powerful and responsive engine, ensuring rapid acceleration and high top speeds. Agility and high-speed stability are crucial for precise handling and cornering in quick cars.
Minimal body roll enhances the driving dynamics, providing a more connected and engaging drive. The quality of the transmission, particularly in terms of smoothness and quick gear shifts, also plays a significant role.
Overall, enthusiasts seek fast cars that deliver both thrilling performance and driving pleasure.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Skoda Kushaq Are Popular
The Kia Sonet 2024 and Skoda Kushaq have garnered popularity among performance enthusiasts for their compelling blend of power, agility, and sophisticated engineering.
The Kia Sonet, with its turbocharged engines and advanced DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), offers a peppy and responsive drive, combined with high-speed stability and minimal body roll, making it a joy to maneuver.
The Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, shines with its 1.0 TSI engine, delivering a balance of power and efficiency, alongside excellent high-speed stability and agile handling.
Both vehicles feature modern turbocharging technology, enhancing their appeal to those who crave a spirited driving experience. Moreover, their well-tuned suspension systems contribute to a ride that is both exhilarating and comfortable, further establishing them as top choices for performance enthusiasts.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Skoda Kushaq Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 February 2024 |
| HTX Plus Turbo iMT | ₹1,339,000 |
| GTX Plus Turbo DCT | ₹1,450,000 |
| X-Line Turbo DCT | ₹1,469,000 |
For Skoda Kushaq, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 February 2024 |
| 1.0 TSI Ambition | ₹1,353,000 |
Kia Sonet HTX Plus Turbo iMT
This variant is a great choice for performance enthusiasts due to its turbocharged engine and innovative iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) system, which combines the control of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic. The Bose audio system and high-quality interior finish add to the driving pleasure. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Sonet 2024 with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT
The GTX Plus variant stands out for its powerful turbocharged engine paired with a DCT, providing quick and smooth gear shifts. The genuine leather upholstery and advanced safety features, including six airbags, make it not only a performance-driven choice but also a comfortable and safe one. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Sonet 2024 with Hyundai Venue.
Kia Sonet X-Line Turbo DCT
Similar to the GTX Plus, the X-Line offers the same high-performance turbocharged engine and DCT. What sets it apart is its exclusive styling and premium features, making it the choice for those who seek both performance and unique aesthetics.
Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition
The Kushaq’s 1.0 TSI engine is known for its linear power delivery and efficient performance. Its high-speed stability and agile handling, combined with a spacious and well-appointed interior, make it an attractive option for enthusiasts who value both performance and comfort. If you’re safety-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Kushaq with Honda Elevate.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Sonet 2024 and Skoda Kushaq for Performance Enthusiasts
Considering the needs of a performance enthusiast, the Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT emerges as the best variant among the options.
Its combination of a turbocharged engine and DCT transmission ensures a driving experience that is both exhilarating and smooth. This variant stands out for its peak performance attributes, such as quick acceleration, minimal turbo lag, and high-speed stability, all of which are critical for enthusiasts.
Additionally, the inclusion of high-end features like genuine leather upholstery, advanced safety systems, and a premium Bose audio system, further enhances the driving pleasure, making it the top choice for those prioritizing performance without compromising on luxury and safety.
The Top 3 Choice
- Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT
- Kia Sonet X-Line Turbo DCT
- Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition
| Attribute | Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT | Kia Sonet X-Line Turbo DCT | Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition |
| Vibration and Harshness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| High-Speed Stability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Agility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turbo lag | Noticeable | Noticeable | Minimal |
| Power delivery | Peaky | Peaky | Linear |
| Engine responsiveness | Quick | Quick | Moderate |
| Turbocharging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – # of gears | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 118 | 118 | 113.98 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 172 | 172 | 178 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT takes the lead for its optimal blend of performance, safety, and luxury features.
- The X-Line variant follows closely, offering similar performance with added aesthetic appeal.
- The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition, while slightly behind in terms of sheer performance figures, impresses with its linear power delivery and high-speed stability, making it a solid choice for those who value a balanced driving experience.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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