The new product in the mid-size SUV segment, the Skoda Kushaq, is out to take on the rivals head-on. We have already covered the comparison of the Skoda Kushaq with Hyundai Creta (the segment leader) and the Kia Seltos. This time around, the next popular and new SUV in line is the MG Hector which has also enjoyed quite a success ever since it was introduced in our market as India’s first Internet Car. It did introduce quite an impressive list of connected features and saw great sales and continues to grow strong even today. Now the family has extended to 3 members in the Hector family with 5,6 and 7-seat configurations. So let us see how the Kushaq and Hector fare against each other in the battle of engines, features, specifications and more.
Skoda Kushaq vs MG Hector – Exteriors and Dimensions
Skoda has been able to retain a lot from the Vision IN concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. This means that the Kushaq features a very bold and muscular exterior with a typical butterfly front grille, split crystalline LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a chunky bumper with skid plates and an upright stance. The sharp creases all around make it unmistakably Skoda and the sides are accentuated by 17-inch dual-tone alloys, practical roof rails and sporty. At the rear, the LED tail lamps around the corners make the car look wider, the skid plates under the rear bumper, the chrome strip running across the width of the SUV makes the rear modern and sophisticated.
Also read: Sales Report of the mid-size SUV segment for February – Creta, Seltos, Hector, Harrier!
The MG Hector, on the other hand, is a long and tall SUV. there are LED Haedalmpas with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, bold chrome touched front grille, gunmetal front skid plates, the headlamp unit placed at the lower end of the bumper and the DRLs on the top of the bonnet, 18-inch dual-tone alloys, floating-effect turn indicators, sleek rear LED tail lamps with chrome bar connecting the rear tail lamps. Overall, the design language is very modern and is a head-turner.
Also read: Compact SUVs in India around Rs 10 lakh with diesel automatic!
Parameter | Skoda Kushaq | MG Hector |
Length | 4225 mm | 4655 mm |
Width | 1760 mm | 1835 mm |
Height | 1612 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase | 2651 mm | 2750 mm |
Boot Space | 385 l | 587 l |
Ground Clearance | 188 mm | 192 mm |
Well, there is just no comparison between the two in terms of the exterior dimensions. The Hector is miles ahead of the Kushaq in terms of overall dimensions in addition to the boot space and ground clearance. The Hector is a more practical choice if you are someone who goes out with the family on the weekends regularly. If you will be driving in the city often, then Kushaq can be a bit easier to live with.
Also read: Renualt Kiger vs Hyundai Venue – Prices, Features and Engines Comparison!
Skoda Kushaq vs MG Hector – Interiors and Features
The Skoda Kushaq boasts of an impressive features list and has all the modern amenities, features and connectivity. This includes a free-standing 10-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Connected Car Tech with a ton of features, pre-installed Apps, Wireless charging, Automatic Climate Control with touch inputs, two-spoke multi-purpose Steering Wheel, White Ambient Lighting, LED Reading Lights, chrome-plated Door handles, chrome bits at various places inside the cabin, 6-speakers Skoda Audio System with extra subwoofer in the Spare Wheel well and much more. The special Skoda simply clever bits include a non-slip base in a cup holder, a ticket holder on A-Pillar, bag hooks in the boot, a phone box in the front fro the smartphone and smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks.
The MG Hector comes with a ton of convenience and modern connected technology. The interior includes a new dual-tone theme, which MG likes to call Champagne and Black theme. The list of features include an upright 10.2-inch Digital Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch Colour MID Display Instrument Cluster, iSmart Connected Car Tech with over 60 features, Navigation, Wireless Smartphone Charging, Hinglish Voice Commands, Ventilated Front Seats, a large Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, 8 Speaker Premium Infinity Sound System, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Cruise Control, Auto-Diming IRVMs, 2nd Row Seat Recline, 6 Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat, Heated ORVMs, 5G Ready SIM, Over-the-Air Updates and much more.
Also read: MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari – Engines, Prices, Features and Safety Comparison!
Skoda Kushaq vs MG Hector – Safety Features
On the safety front, the Kushaq comes equipped with 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD and ESC, Hill-Hold Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Multi-Collision Brake, Three-point Seatbelt, Front and rear parking sensors with Camera and much more.
The MG Hector is also filled with safety tech upto the brim. This includes 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Front and rear Parking Sensors with 360-degree view Camera, All-four Disc Brakes, Hill Hold Function, Electronic Parking Brake, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ESP, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, and more.
Both these SUVs come with plenty of safety tech and it seems that the Hector might have a slight edge because of the all-four disc brakes and 360-degree view Camera.
Also read: Current-gen Hyundai Creta sold over 1.20 lakh units in one year – Can the Kushaq challenge it?
Skoda Kushaq vs MG Hector – Engines and Expected Prices
The Skoda Kushaq comes with the legendary 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, making 115 PS and 175 Nm and its bigger sibling, the 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol unit making 150 PS and 250 Nm in action with the Kushaq. Complementing the 1.0-litre engine will be a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The larger 1.5-litre unit will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (DCT) gearbox. The expected prices of the Skoda Kushaq will be in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom.
The MG Hector offers a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. Both these engines make 143PS and 250Nm and can be mated to either a manual or a DCT automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine makes 170hp and 350Nm and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission option only. Recently, MG also launched the Hector with a CVT transmission. The prices of the MG Hector range between Rs 12.89 lakh and Rs 18.42 lakh, ex-showroom.
Skoda Kushaq vs MG Hector – Verdict
While there is no doubt that both these SUVs are a complete package in their own right. The choice comes down to individual requirements. If you are someone who is looking for a diesel-powered SUV, then there is really one option for you. If, however, you are looking for a powerful, fun-to-drive car with great handling and dynamics, Skoda Kushaq should be the one for you. On the other hand, if you want something practical and utilitarian with a ton of boost space, for example, then MG Hector is your SUV. The mid-size SUV segment has become increasingly competitive with new players entering the game, Volkswagen Taigun is all set to make its debut on March 31, 2021, and will compete against the Kushaq and the likes directly.
Also read: Hyundai releases official sketches of Alcazar – The upcoming 7-seat SUV based on Creta!