Dilemma: Get the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI or wait for the 2023 Kia Seltos?

There are also rumours that the soon-to-be-launched Seltos facelift 2023 will have a better safety rating than the current model.

BHPian dcoolnik recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have been looking to buy a new mid-size SUV for quite some time now, and have made a booking (2 weeks back) for Skoda Kushaq 1.5 ltr MT Monte Carlo given the safety, engine performance and ride handling being best in the segment. However, with the launch of the new Hyundai/Kia 1.5ltr T-GDi engine, looks like Hyundai/Kia has closed that gap with Kushaq 1.5 at least on the engine performance front. The reviews of the new 1.5 T-GDi engine on Verna are also good. A few YouTubers also tested the new Verna 1.5 and Slavia 1.5 (same engine as Kushaq) with Verna winning quite comfortably in drag races. There are also rumours that the soon-to-be-launched Seltos facelift 2023 will have a better safety rating than the current model.

My priorities are in the following order:

• Safety (at least 4 star)
• Engine performance
• Ride handling

Given this, shall I wait for the Kia Seltos facelift launch or go ahead with the Kushaq?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

If looking at performance, I'd agree with bijims. Best to wait as the Seltos 1.5L launch isn't too far away. Both the crossovers you are looking at are a load of fun-to-drive. As much fun as the Kushaq is, even the Seltos is dynamically sorted and a blast on the open road.

In the area of safety though, I'd trust Skoda over Kia. The Kushaq has scored 5-stars in the GNCAP & we have seen several customer attestments to the safety of VAG cars ever since the Polo's launch in India. On the other hand, even if Kia improves the safety rating of the Seltos, I doubt they'll get it retested by the GNCAP. It will lead to a lot of remorse from current Seltos owners. From the PR point of view, Kia would upset lakhs of existing Seltos owners.

Here's what BHPian bijims had to say on the matter:

Given your priorities, I am not so sure whether the new Seltos facelift would get higher than the 3 stars it scored previously in the GNCAP crash tests, however, engine performance would be much better in the 1.5 T-GDI and is worth looking out for.

Moreover, the Seltos and Creta are the most well-rounded cars in their budget as regards almost everything except the mediocre 3-star safety rating, so the facelift should ideally improve on the features front as well.

In my opinion, considering the launch is just a couple of months away, and with Skoda not in much demand, I think waiting for the Seltos would be a good option.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

The Verna 1.5 DCT is a genuinely quick car, no doubt. Seltos 1.5 will be just as quick as Kushaq. Kia’s cabin has always been far nicer and better equipped. But two things still remain to be seen.

1. Suspension tune. Kushaq suspension is best in class, while present Seltos is just too stiff. Kia might soften it a touch, make it similar to Creta. Still, Kushaq is better than Creta. Rides better, handles better, remains FLAT at speed.

2. Safety. Kushaq is best in class, again. Full 5 stars, backed by 6 years anti corrosion warranty and from a company which has a good record on safety. Do not expect any major changes in Seltos in this regard, for they are only launching a facelift. Structural changes are not expected.

If safety is an important agenda and you do a lot of highway running, I suggest you pick the Kushaq 1.5 DSG. From the priorities you listed, safety and suspension go to Skoda, while performance is more or less a draw.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.