MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq Comparison - Which One to Pick?

Our MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq comparison lets you decide which of the two small SUVs you should choose based on aspects like specifications, features, prices, and more

The MG Astor keeps matter uber-cool and smart.  It gets the segments first personal AI-assistant and Autonomous Driving Assist System with Level 2 technology. It has a subtle and elegant appeal which disguises the fact that it is loaded with features.

On the other hand, the Kushaq is Skodas first made-in-India (MQB AO IN platform), SUV. To make it feel more rooted, it even gets an Indian name - Kushaq is a sanskrit word for "Emperor." And if anything is to go, its bold and muscular creates a rugged appeal and confidence to try the off-road short cuts. The interior is equally luxurious, with an unique two-spoke steering wheel, and a dual-tone dashboard and the 25.4 cm infotainment touchscreen neatly placed in the middle. The touchscreen gets an in- built navigation system, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, just like the Astor.

But, with an ex-showroom price that starts from Rs. 10.49 lakhs ( ex-showroom price, Delhi), the Skoda Kushaq misses out on a digital instrument cluster. And the MG Astor, which is almost Rs. 60,000 cheaper at Rs.9, 78,000, gets a digital instrument cluster, although in top models. So, how many other factors differentiate the two new mid-SUVs in India? Our MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq comparison should help you decide -

Also Read: MG Astor vs Kia Seltos Comparison - Which One to Pick?

MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq Comparison: Design and Dimension

The Skoda Kushaq measures 4225 mm long, 1769 mm wide and stands tall at 1612 mm. It is based on Volkswagen's India-specific MQB A0 IN platform. This versatile platform gets you 188 mm of ground clearance, suitable for off-road situations. When it comes to its looks, the Skoda Kushaq looks posh but rugged, at the same time. The signature chrome grille along with those CRYSTALLINE headlamp units have an aggressive design with strong lines. This is further complemented by a sizeable front and rear bumper, that gets further dark plastic claddings, a design mostly found off-road centric vehicles. However, the 17-inch wheels on regular tyres will not do justice to that. Bigger wheels will nicely fit in with those already flared wheel arches. 

On the other hand, the Astor measures 4323 mm long, 1809 mm wide, and is marginally taller with 1612 mm of height. All these extra dimensions does make the Astor heavier and look bigger than the Kushaq. But somehow. the Skoda miraculously extracts a bigger wheelbase at 2651 mm, compared to the MGs 2585 mm. So, the cabin feels quite spacious in the Kushaq, but the MG is not behind much. The Astor looks simple too and instead of strong muscular lines, it gets clean character lines, and the Celestial explosion styled grille gives that front fascia, quite the flair.  

Also Read: MG Astor vs VW Taigun Comparison - Read To Know More

MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq Comparison - Specifications

Both the mid-size SUVs get petrol engines only. The Skoda Kushaq comes with two TSI engine options - the base 1.0-litre (also available with the Skoda Rapid) and the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI. The base engine is available with the Active and Ambition trim models. Both can be had with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output of this base engine is the same as the Skoda Rapids, at 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. The bigger and performance oriented 1.5-liter TSI engine produces 147 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. It is available with the top Style variant and it can be had with either a 7-speed DSG gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter.

The Astor gets a comparatively less powered engine. There's the base 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that produces 108.49 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. This unit can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission. Whereas, 1.3-litre 220TURBO engine, that is only available with the Smart and Sharp trim models, produces 139 bhp and 220 Nm of torque. However, the turbo engine in the Astor can be had with a 6-speed automatic only. 

But when it comes to driving, the Kushaq packs in the most potential. It can easily hit three digits figures, and with refined power delivery - the Kushaq feels comfortable and at home when doing long-distance travelling. The Astor might not be as powerful as the Kushaq, but with linear power delivery and smoother upshifts, driving the MG feels effortless. 

Also Read: Skoda Kushaq vs VW Taigun - Detailed Price Comparison

MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq Comparison - Features

The MG Astor is the first vehicle in its segment that gets a personalised AI assistant, however, this feature is available with the top trim levels. Besides, some of the notable exterior features available with the Astor are automatic headlamps, heated, power-folding wing mirrors, 17-inch silver alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and taillamps, fog lamps with cornering assist, Red Brake Callipers and a  dual-pane panoramic sunroof, chrome claddings. On the inside, the Astor comes with both fabric and leather upholstery, and the drivers seat is 6-way power-adjustable in top trims and manually adjustable in base trims. 

Besides, all Astor models come with single-zone automatic climate control with PM 2.5-filter, rear defogger, keyless entry, an a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. MG also offers an exclusive digital instrument cluster, and in its price range is a clever addition that ups the ante inside the Astor's cabin. Two USB ports are handy for front passengers only, and rear passengers get Bluetooth connectivity. MG's i-Smart hub further makes the cabin an intuitive place with 35+ Hinglish voice commands, that gets you the weather forecasts and a fun interactive emojis display. Safety-wise, the fact that MG offers a Level 2 Autonomous Driving Assist System is reason enough to pit this SUV with the likes of a more expensive model. In addition, theres Blind-Spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, ABS with EBD, and four disc brakes. 

The 2021 Skoda Kushaq on the other hand, is equally filled to the brim with features. To start with, the crystalline LED headlamps with DRLs and rear lights, gives it an upscale impression. The interior feels equally appealing and posh, especially with the Piano Black Luxe theme. And for further indulgence, the premium honeycomb d飯r and ambient lighting makes the cabin a soothing place. The large panoramic sunroof contributes to the cabins air feeling. But the main centrepiece has to be the two-spoke steering wheel that has become a signature of Skoda, and it looks pretty enticing as well. The seats are supportive and are available in both fabric and leather upholstery. Rear passengers get rear aircon vents, just like the MG Astor. 

All in all, space is not an issue in both SUVs. Both the Astor and Kushaq have a pretty sizeable cabin, but with a larger wheelbase, and length, the Astor is the bigger SUV, from the inside. 

Also Read:  Mahindra XUV700 vs VW Taigun Comparison - Which SUV to Pick?

MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq Comparison: Price

The MG Astor is available in four trims: Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. The base Style model has an ex-showroom price of Rs.9,78,000, followed by the second base model Super which starts from Rs.11, 28,000. The top trim model Sharp and Smart are the most expensive Astor models and both get the benefit of a turbo petrol engine option that can only be availed with an automatic transmission option. To further better understand the MG Astors pricing follow the table below:

On the other hand, the Skoda Kushaq comes in three trims: Active, Ambition and Style. The base Active trim has a starting ex-showroom price of Rs. 10, 49,999, and it comes fitted with a 1.0 TSI engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This is followed by the Ambition that gets the same engine, alongside a 6-speed automatic transmission option, and with this combination, the ex-showroom price in Delhi is at Rs. 14, 19,999.

The top-of-the-line Style variant gets the benefit of both the 1.0 TSI engine and 1.5 TSI engine. With the base engine, it can be had with either 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed automatic transmission. But with the 1.5 TSI engine, it also gets the option of a 7-speed DSG gearbox. To understand the pricing of the Skoda Kushaq, refer to the table below:

Final Verdict

Both of these mid-size SUV's are tempting offerings. The MG Astor might have a cheaper price tag and it also comes loaded with tons of features. The Skoda Kushaq looks strong and muscular and has an unmistakable road presence as well, unlike the MG Astor, which looks simpler So, keeping this subjective parameter aside - the main contention between Astor and Kushaq comes down to its engine options. The Kushaq gets the revered Turbo Stratified Ignition engine as standard, but the Astor gets the benefit of a naturally aspirated engine and a turbo engine just one turbo engine on offer So if youre looking for performance - the Kushaq can very well be your choice. But then again Skoda has faced some serious complaints regarding its EPC unit and that is not helping its cause. So, does the Astor make more sense? 

So, what do you think of our MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq Comparison? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below. Join our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group to know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride and much more! Also, you can subscribe to our Youtube channel for video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!