Tata Nexon 2023 vs Skoda Kushaq: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 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 Tata Nexon 2023 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
• Tata Nexon 2023 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 seek cars that blend speed, agility, and a visceral driving experience. Key elements include powerful engines with responsive acceleration, minimal turbo lag, and robust power delivery. 

High-speed stability and low body roll are crucial for confidence-inspiring handling. The car must offer a tactile and engaging driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive clutch in manual variants. 

Advanced technology features like high-quality audio systems and sophisticated touchscreen interfaces add to the overall experience. Above all, the car must evoke excitement and connect the driver to the road.

Why Tata Nexon 2023 and Skoda Kushaq are Popular

Tata Nexon 2023 and Skoda Kushaq are gaining popularity among performance enthusiasts for several reasons. 

The Tata Nexon, with its turbocharged engines, provides brisk acceleration and ample torque, ensuring a spirited driving experience. Its high ground clearance and robust build quality cater to varied driving conditions. 

On the other hand, Skoda Kushaq, particularly with its 1.0 TSI engine, offers a balance of performance and efficiency. Its engine is known for linear power delivery and minimal turbo lag, making it a joy to drive on highways and in city conditions.

 Both models boast of stable high-speed performance, agile handling, and minimal body roll, key aspects for any performance-driven vehicle. Additionally, the advanced infotainment systems, comfortable and supportive seats, and safety features like ESC and traction control, make these cars not just fun to drive but also safe and comfortable for daily use.

Tata Nexon 2023 and Skoda Kushaq Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-14 Lakh Range

For Skoda Kushaq, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 December 2023
1.0 TSI Onyx	₹12,39,000
1.0 TSI Ambition	₹13,53,000

For Tata Nexon 2023, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 December 2023
Fearless	₹12,50,000
Fearless Plus	₹13,00,000
Fearless Plus S DT	₹13,50,000

Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Onyx

This variant stands out with its stable high-speed performance and agile handling, essential for any performance enthusiast. The linear power delivery and minimal turbo lag from its 1.0 TSI engine ensure a smooth and responsive driving experience. 

The steel wheels and glossy paint finish add to its aesthetic appeal, while the 6-speed transmission and a top speed of 150.82 km/h make it a compelling choice. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Kushaq with Skoda Slavia.

Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition

Upgrading to the Ambition variant brings in alloy wheels and LED headlights, enhancing both functionality and style. The Ambition variant maintains the same engine performance as the Onyx but adds features like automatic climate control and LED headlights, offering a more refined driving experience. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the Kushaq with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Skoda Kushaq

Tata Nexon Fearless

The Fearless variant of the Tata Nexon impresses with its turbocharged engine and higher ground clearance of 208 mm, suitable for diverse driving conditions. The LED headlights, 6 airbags, and the high-quality 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system make it a well-rounded choice for safety and entertainment. If you’re safety-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Nexon 2023 with Renault Kiger.

Tata Nexon Fearless Plus

Building on the Fearless variant, the Fearless Plus adds more comfort features like ventilated seats and an advanced automatic transmission for a more relaxed driving experience without compromising on the performance.

Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT

This top-tier variant combines all the features of the Fearless Plus and adds a dual-tone dashboard, enhancing the interior aesthetics. It maintains the strong performance credentials of the Nexon range, making it a top contender for performance enthusiasts.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Tata Nexon 2023 and Skoda Kushaq for Performance Enthusiasts

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition variant stands out as the best choice for a performance enthusiast. This preference is primarily due to its superior handling characteristics, which are sharper and more precise compared to the Tata Nexon variants. 

The agility and responsiveness of the Kushaq make it a delight to drive, especially on winding roads where handling precision is key. Additionally, the Skoda Kushaq’s automatic transmission is more refined, offering smoother and quicker gear shifts, which enhances the driving experience significantly.

Another noteworthy aspect is the ride quality offered by the Kushaq. It strikes an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing road imperfections effectively while maintaining poise and control during high-speed maneuvers. This quality is essential for performance enthusiasts who value not just the outright speed but also the overall driving dynamics and comfort during longer drives.

Furthermore, the Skoda Kushaq’s engine, with its linear power delivery and minimal turbo lag, ensures a consistently engaging drive. This, coupled with its modern interior, advanced infotainment system, and comprehensive safety features, makes the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition the top choice for performance enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded and exhilarating driving experience.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition
2. Tata Nexon Fearless Plus
3. Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Onyx

Attributes	Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition	Tata Nexon Fearless Plus	Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Onyx
High-Speed Stability	Yes	Yes	Yes
Agility	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transmission – Auto Type	Basic Automatic	Advanced Automatic	Basic Automatic
Turbocharging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Engine Power (BHP)	113.98	118.27	113.98
Engine Torque (Nm)	178	170	178
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes	No
Airbags	2	6	2
Touchscreen Type	LCD	LCD	LCD
Climate Control	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Ambition is the top pick for its blend of sharp handling, refined automatic transmission, and superior ride quality. 
• The Tata Nexon Fearless Plus, despite its higher power output, falls slightly behind due to its less agile handling. 
• The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Onyx, although not as feature-rich as the Ambition variant, still offers excellent value with its stable performance and good agility. 

These three variants present the best options for performance enthusiasts, each offering a unique combination of speed, comfort, and driving dynamics.

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