Volkswagen Taigun vs Skoda Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI: Same On Paper, Big Differences In Real Life

The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq… For the common man, one is a VW and the other a Skoda. But underneath their distinctive top hats, both cars share the same underpinnings, engines, and even the gearboxes. So that should automatically mean that real-life performance will be the same, right? 

To find that out, we have the top-spec models with the 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine coupled with the 6-speed stick shifter. 

Performance Test

Despite using the same powertrain, the Taigun is around 0.4 seconds quicker than the Kushaq in the 0-100kmph run. Even during roll-on accelerations, the Taigun managed to usurp the Kushaq by a whisker. Though differences are minor, we suspect the differences in engine tuning comes down to the fact that the VW is faster. 

Fuel Efficiency Test

Well, this was a surprise. The Taigun, while a better performer, is the more fuel efficient SUV in this test. While the difference in town is around 0.5kmpl, it goes up to almost 1kmpl on the open road. Both cars have cylinder deactivation technology, shutting down two cylinders under light load for better fuel economy. 

Verdict

The Volkswagen Taigun clearly wins this test as it’s quicker and much more fuel efficient than the Kushaq. However, note that you can’t get the 1.5-litre TSI MT in the Taigun’s top-spec GT+ trim, while the Kushaq gets this powertrain in the top-spec Style. So, you won’t get all the bells and whistles if you opt for this powertrain in the Taigun.