Which 2.0 car from VW Skoda group would you choose: Enthusiasts speak

Both companies have added features to their cars to boost sales.

BHPian Motor Dev recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Over the past three years, Škoda and VW, sister brands, have introduced several vehicles in India to enhance their image and boost sales. Despite facing some criticism, these cars have gained a considerable fan base in a short time. Both companies have added features to their cars to boost sales. Putting that aside, among the four cars in the 2.0 strategy – Škoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, Škoda Slavia, and VW Virtus – which one would you prefer?

Å koda Kushaq:

Launched in June 2021

Å koda Kushaq Pros:

• Classy exterior & interior styling matched with solid European build quality.
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage.
• 148 BHP engine makes the Kushaq one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment.
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs.
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package.
• Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more.
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages available.
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

• Å koda Kushaq Cons:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre.
• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of poor reliability & breakdowns in India.
• Narrow width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard.
• At 385 litres, boot space is lesser than its direct rivals (Creta & Seltos = 433L).
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors.
• Å koda’s notorious dealerships & after-sales horror stories.
• Missing some now-expected features such as driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard.

Sales - Impressive, averaging around 2000 - 3000 units per month.

Review Link

VW Taigun:

Launched in September 2021

Volkswagen Taigun Pros:

• Unmistakably VW styling matched with solid European build quality
• Cabin has good legroom to offer, supportive seats, perfect ergonomics & lots of storage
• 148 BHP engine makes the Taigun one of the most fun-to-drive crossovers in the segment!
• Sporty 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols are mated to slick 6-speed MTs & smooth ATs
• Sorted suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ESC (all variants), 3-point seatbelts for all, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping, multi-collision brake and more
• Features like active cylinder tech, ventilated seats, sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

Volkswagen Taigun Cons:

• No 1.5L diesel is a major disadvantage in a world where petrol costs over 100 bucks/litre.
• Narrow cabin width makes a 5th adult completely unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard.
• Interior colour scheme and quality don't feel up to traditional VW standards. Some polarising details too (chrome outside, painted plastics inside...).
• Sure lacks the street cred/presence offered by some competitors.
• VW’s after-sales service can be a hit or miss. Many VW owners find it expensive too.
• Missing some now-expected features such as a subwoofer, driving modes (sport), panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, & rear window blinds.
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard.
• Kushaq's 'clever' touches are missing = no spot on top of the dashboard to place a deity, no smartphone holders on the front seatbacks, no ticket clip on the windshield, no elastic band in the doorpad to keep items in place, or even something as simple as the small reflective tapes on the doorpads.

Sales - Decent performance, with approximately 1000 - 2000 units sold monthly. Kushaq has higher sales.

Review Link

Skoda Slavia:

Launched in February 2022

Å koda Slavia Pros:

• Stylish exterior & interior design with solid build quality.
• Spacious cabin with supportive seats and ample storage.
• 148 BHP engine makes it one of the most enjoyable sedans.
• Smooth transmissions for both 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols.
• Balanced ride & handling with a spacious 521-litre boot.
• Top-notch safety features: 6 airbags, ESC, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping.
• Modern extras: ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto & CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers.
• Extended 6-year warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages.

Å koda Slavia Cons:

• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of reliability issues in India.
• Limited backseat space for three adults; more comfortable for two plus a child.
• Interior quality doesn’t match traditional Å koda standards.
• Turbo-petrols are sensitive to driving style; fuel efficiency drops with aggressive driving.
• Inconsistent after-sales service; the brand's long-term reliability is variable.

Sales - A solid success with sales ranging from 1000 - 2500 units monthly, bringing enthusiasm back to the sedan segment.

Review Link

VW Virtus:

Launched in March 2022

Volkswagen Virtus Pros:

• Elegant exterior & interior design with robust build quality.
• Spacious cabin offering comfortable seats and good ergonomics.
• Strong engine options: 1.0L & 1.5L turbo-petrols with smooth transmissions.
• Balanced ride & handling dynamics for a comfortable drive.
• Safety features: 6 airbags, ESC, electronic differential lock, brake disc wiping.
• Modern additions: ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless Android Auto & CarPlay, auto headlamps & wipers.
• 6-year extended warranty & 4-year all-inclusive service packages.

Volkswagen Virtus Cons:

• DQ200 DSG transmission has a history of reliability issues in India.
• Limited backseat space for three adults; more comfortable for two plus a child.
• Interior quality doesn’t match traditional VW standards; polarising body-coloured interior highlights.
• Turbo-petrols are sensitive to driving style; fuel efficiency drops with aggressive driving.
• Inconsistent after-sales service; the brand's long-term reliability is variable.
• Missing practical touches like dashboard space for items, smartphone holders, and reflective tapes on doors.

Sales - The most popular among the lot, boasting a significant fan following with sales ranging from 1000 - 2300 units per month.

Review Link

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

In terms of desirability, the VW Virtus. Silver + black roof + black rims. It's the Jetta's spiritual successor.

In terms of reality though, we already own two low-slung German sedans & 1 Japanese sedan. Don't have any crossover, so I'd go for the Taigun 1.5L DSG. Why Taigun over Kushaq = just some brand variety as we already own a Skoda.

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

I will choose Skoda Slavia.

In my eyes, it looks best among the VAG 2.0 cars. Front headlights and tail lights give vibes of its larger siblings like Octavia and Superb.

Also, the Badge value of Skoda is slightly higher than VW in India.

Here's what BHPian ron178 had to say on the matter:

The Kushaq is the odd one out here because it’s the only one whose interior isn’t a straight lift from an existing car (Slavia=Fabia, Virtus=Polo, Taigun=T-Cross). That also unfortunately makes it a little less cohesive than the others, partly because of the drab grey panels and out-of-place orange and brown bits.

Among the other three, it’s a tough call. I’m more of a sedan person and have loved the profile of the Virtus since the Brazilian 2019 model, so I would prefer the Slavia and Virtus. Here it gets tricky: they are clearly made for different audiences. Certainly the Virtus GT in Cherry Red is droolworthy, but I think the interior won’t age as well as the Slavia’s. So Slavia it is. Plus point is, where I live it is Škoda who has the better sales and service network of the two.

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

Voted Virtus. Virtus GT 1.5 TSi DSG to be precise.

Why ? Just look at the silhouette and the side profile

Here's what BHPian 84.monsoon had to say on the matter:

It is interesting that although all four vehicles are 70% the same, and the sedans are 90% the same as each other (same for the CSUVs), 60% of the votes here go to one of these vehicles - the Virtus! This is despite the rush towards CSUVs and away from Sedans today.

The Virtus stands out as a fantastic design, with the right mix of sleekness & dynamism. The increased ground clearance of 180 mm compared to most other sedans in the segment has been camouflaged well, and the front and rear ends (which are the bits different from the the Slavia) blend really well with the straight lines going all the way on the sides.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

Since I already own a luxury SUV, if I wanted a second car (and one restricted to the above four choices), I’d pick one of the sedans rather than the crossovers. They’ll offer great boot space, much better back seat comfort I assume over their crossover counterparts and hopefully a better comfort as well thanks to being a bit lower (less pitching / body roll).

I’ve never closely followed the Slavia vs Virtus comparisons so don’t know off the bat which feels nicer. Whichever ones feel classier inside as well as out spec for spec and finish wise. Personally from the external images at least I prefer the overall look and silhouette of the Virtus. But I’ve seen some garish interiors on it though so if they’ve got a high end variant without the loud colors, that would be my pick. Engine wise, I’d pick the 1.5 DSG. My running is low enough to accept the lower FE and as a two car garage, I am ok to take some down time chances with the DSG.

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

If I could ever get myself to buy a VW or Skoda car (highly doubtful), my pick would be the Slavia 1.5 DSG in red.

I personally felt that the Slavia was the best looking of the lot, absolutely banging looker. It still turns my head when I see it on the road. And that 1.5 TSI engine is the sweetest.

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

A Kushaq Monte Carlo would have been my shortlist but I felt it was overpriced. Am certainly glad I sold the Jetta as the saloons offer everything except the multilink suspension and solid build.

Having owned 4+ VAG cars, these did not make my shortlist for the following reasons:

• Expensive
• Build quality does not reflect the premium
• The niggles
• The rear end of the sedans are a bit "pear-shaped"

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.