Bigger Renault Duster Offers More Value Than Facelifted Skoda Kushaq But There's A Catch
Renault India has brought back its most successful product, the mid-size SUV Duster, in India with a mouthwatering price of Rs 10.49 lakh. Now, at just a Rs 20,000 premium (at Rs 10.69 lakh), the Czech carmaker Skoda has also launched its very own mid-size SUV, the Kushaq facelift. On paper, the Duster overshadows the Kushaq facelift in terms of size and features. However, when looking for the most value-for-money vehicle in different price brackets, things change. So here is a comparison of the two SUVs to find out which offers better value.
The first discussion that we will be having is about the pricing where these SUVs overlap. The Skoda Kushaq starts at Rs 10.69 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 18.99 lakh. It is being offered in five variants, namely Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, and Monte Carlo. Skoda, with the new Kushaq facelift, is offering a strong base variant and a gradual feature addition.
Meanwhile, the Duster has been launched by Renault as the most affordable mid-size SUV in India, with a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh, and from there it goes all the way up to Rs 18.49 lakh. As for the variants, it is being offered in five variants, namely Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+, and Iconic. Renault's strategy with Duster is offering a lower starting price and aggressive feature options in the mid and top trims. Also, it is bigger in terms of size as well.
Now, when we compare the base variants of the Skoda Kushaq and the Renault Duster, the Kushaq facelift’s Classic+ variant is priced at Rs 10.69 lakh with the manual gearbox option and Rs 12.69 lakh with the automatic gearbox. At this price point, the Kushaq is offering what most mid-size SUVs don't have to offer. The list of features includes a single-pane electric sunroof (only car in segment to offer sunroof in the base variant).
It also offers alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a driver armrest, and, most importantly, an 8-speed automatic gearbox. All of these make the Kushaq Classic+ a very value-for-money base variant when compared to the Renault Duster and most other mid-size SUVs.
On the other hand, the Renault Duster's base Authentic variant is priced at Rs 10.49 lakh. However, it has a lot fewer features to offer. It gets a 7-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, all four power windows with one-touch function, and LED lighting. So basically, when base variants are compared, the Kushaq offers much better value for money. It will especially suit urban buyers who want an automatic gearbox and comfort features at an affordable price tag.
Next up, when we compare the mid variants of the two SUVs, things start to change and the Duster starts making more sense. The Evolution and the Techno variants of this SUV have a lot more features to offer than the Kushaq facelift. These include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof (Techno), dual-zone climate control, connected car tech, and a powered tailgate.
Also, the Renault Duster, from the mid variants, starts offering the most powerful engine of the mid-size SUV segment, the 1.3-litre turbo petrol. This engine is capable of producing 163 bhp of power and 280 Nm of torque. It also gets a DCT gearbox, which is known for very fast gear shifting.
In comparison, the Signature and the Sportline variants of the Kushaq only offer a bigger touchscreen infotainment system (10.1-inch over the 7-inch unit) and 17-inch alloy wheels (instead of 16-inch). So overall, when compared to the Duster, the mid variants of the Kushaq feel a little less loaded, and hence the Duster feels more value for money in this price bracket.
Lastly, when we start to compare the top-of-the-line variants of the Duster and Kushaq, it again makes more sense to buy the Duster. The Iconic variant of the Duster offers Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, a 6-way powered driver seat, a premium ARKAMYS sound system, and multiple drive modes.
On the other hand, the Kushaq Prestige and Monte Carlo offer a panoramic sunroof, a rear seat massage function (first in the segment), ventilated front seats, a digital cockpit, a 5-star safety rating, and better driving dynamics.
So, at the Rs 17–19 lakh budget, most buyers want their vehicle to come loaded with every modern creature comfort and safety feature, and the Renault Duster delivers on this. The Kushaq facelift is also undoubtedly very loaded. However, it lacks a few key features. Hence, overall, the Duster top-spec variant is more value for money, and it is Rs 50,000 cheaper as well.
Now, coming to the final verdict, the Renault Duster, across the mid and top trims, comes out as the better value-for-money purchase. This is because it offers a bigger vehicle for lesser money and provides more features and better comfort, along with a stronger road presence.
However, if you are someone who wants the best vehicle with all the necessary features in the base variant, then the Skoda Kushaq facelift Classic+ variant makes the most sense.