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Kia Seltos DCT vs Volkswagen Taigun DCT vs Skoda Kushaq DCT: Real-world Performance Comparison

November 28, 2023 Prafful Singh

Can the German duo match the performance of the slightly more powerful Kia Seltos? Let’s find out…

The Kia Seltos received a midlife refresh in July 2023, including the introduction of a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in place of the previously available 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit. With the Seltos now being the most powerful SUV in its segment, we decided to compare it against the other two performance-oriented compact SUVs – the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq – to see how they perform in a real-world performance test.

Disclaimer: We are only comparing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol DCT variants of all three models here.

Powertrains

Specifications	Kia Seltos	Volkswagen Taigun	Skoda Kushaq
Engine	1.5 Turbo-petrol	1.5 Turbo-petrol	1.5 Turbo-petrol
Power	160 PS	150 PS	150 PS
Torque	253 Nm	250 Nm	250 Nm
Transmission	7-speed DCT	7-speed DCT	7-speed DCT

The table clearly shows that the Kia Seltos, equipped with its new turbo-petrol engine, is 10 PS more powerful than the compact SUV duo from VW and Skoda. Although the torque figures are nearly the same, the Seltos edges the Germans by 3 Nm. All three SUVs feature a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with their turbo-petrol engine.

Also Check Out: Watch: Here’s How Using ADAS On The Kia EV6 Helps Increase The Range

Acceleration Test

Tests	Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT	Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT	Skoda Kushaq 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT (Wet)
0-100 kmph	9.24 seconds	10.08 seconds	9.38 seconds
Quarter Mile	17.19 seconds at 135.15 kmph	17.37 seconds at 134.75 kmph	17 seconds at 137.56 kmph
Kickdown (20-80 kmph)	5.18 seconds	6.08 seconds	5.49 seconds

In terms of the acceleration tests, all SUVs performed very closely, with less than a 1-second difference between each of them. The Seltos emerges as the quickest in the 0-100 kmph run, boasting a marginal lead of under 1 second each over the Taigun and the Kushaq. The Kushaq outpaced the others, completing a quarter mile around 0.5 seconds faster. It’s worth noting that the Skoda Kushaq was tested in wet conditions, unlike the other two SUVs.

Also Check Out: Volkswagen Taigun, Virtus Sound Editions Launched, Prices Start From Rs 15.52 Lakh

Braking Test

Tests	Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT	Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT	Skoda Kushaq 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT (Wet)
100-0 kmph	39.67 metres	38.80 metres	42.56 metres
80-0 kmph	23.92 metres	24.35 metres	22.37 metres

The Volkswagen Taigun demonstrated the best braking performance in the 0 to 100 kmph test, achieving a stopping distance of 38.80 metres, which is almost the same as the Seltos but nearly 4 metres less than the Kushaq’s stopping distance. However, in the 0 to 80 kmph braking test, the Kushaq outperformed the other two SUVs with a stopping distance of 22.37 metres.

The Kia Seltos in its top-spec trim gets 215/55 R18 alloy wheels, while both Taigun and Kushaq come with smaller 205/55 R17 alloy wheels.

Also Check Out: Honda Elevate Petrol CVT vs Maruti Grand Vitara AT: Real World Performance Comparison

Price Comparison

Kia Seltos	Volkswagen Taigun	Skoda Kushaq
Rs 19.18 lakh onwards	Rs 16.99 lakh onwards	Rs 16.98 lakh onwards

The 1.5-litre DCT variants of the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are more affordable by almost Rs 2 lakh than those of the Kia Seltos. Which turbo-petrol DCT model would you choose between them? Let us know in the comments section below. You can also check out our comparison page for all three SUVs mentioned here for more details.

Note

Mahindra XUV400 Offered With Discounts Of Up To Rs 3.5 Lakh This Diwali

November 4, 2023 Prafful Singh

Maximum benefits are available only on slightly older units of the electric SUV’s top variant

Mahindra had updated the XUV400 with some safety features in August 2023.
Older stock of the electric SUV prior to August gets total discounts of up to Rs 3.5 lakh.
Updated XUV400 also comes with savings of up to Rs 3 lakh.
These offers can vary depending on the city of purchase.
All offers are valid till the end of November 2023.

Diwali is one of the most preferred times of the year when people buy new products, including new cars, as they can be availed with heavy discounts and benefits. So, if you have been planning to buy an affordable electric SUV, specifically the Mahindra XUV400, now might be a good time to get one. The electric offering is carrying savings of at least a lakh in November 2023.

City- And Variant-wise Offers

…

Variant	Delhi Offers	Mumbai Offers

Note: These offers are limited to the two cities mentioned above and are likely to vary based on the state you live in and the variant chosen. We request you to contact the nearest Mahindra dealership for more details.

The XUV400 was updated with some safety features in August 2023, increasing its prices by up to Rs 20,000. Hence, the older inventory of the pre-update model can be had with the maximum discounts of up to Rs 3.5 lakh.

Electric Powertrain And Charging Details

Mahindra offers the XUV400 EV with two battery pack options: 34.5kWh and 39.4kWh. These batteries are paired to a single electric motor that produces 150PS and 310Nm. The 34.5kWh battery provides an estimated range of 375km according to MIDC, while the larger 39.4kWh battery claims 456km.

The SUV can be juiced up using both AC and DC fast chargers in the following time periods:

50kW DC Fast Charger: 50 minutes (0-80 per cent)
7.2kW AC Charger: 6.5 hours
3.3kW Domestic Charger: 13 hours

Also Read: 8 Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh With 6 Airbags As Standard

Prices And Rivals

The Mahindra XUV400 is priced between Rs 15.99 lakh and Rs 19.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Its only direct rival is the Tata Nexon EV but it serves as an affordable alternative to the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Read More on : Mahindra XUV400 EV Automatic

Motorsport

2024 Toyota RAV4: Pricing and Upgrades

September 22, 2023 Prafful Singh

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 will have a slightly higher starting price compared to the previous model year. However, there are only a few changes to the lineup. The most notable update is the introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, which returns for its second year with new features like a two-tone paint option and an optional Weather Package.

The gas-powered 2024 RAV4 will now cost $200 more than before, while the hybrid version will see a $250 price increase. The entry-level RAV4 LE, which is front-wheel drive, will start at $29,825 (including the $1,350 destination charge). For the upcoming model year, the RAV4 LE hybrid will be priced at $32,825. As for the RAV4 Woodland Edition, it will experience the biggest price hike, costing $670 more than its previous version.

Motorsport

Watch Lamborghini Gallardo With Gated Six-Speed Hit 199 MPH On Autobahn

August 8, 2023 Prafful Singh

In the 2000s and 2010s, the Lamborghini Gallardo became a more accessible supercar from the Italian brand. The featured Gallardo in this video is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with a gated shift pattern. It reaches a top speed of almost 199 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) on the autobahn.

While the performance advantage of a gated manual is debatable, it adds an aesthetic touch to the car’s cabin by visually representing the gearbox. It provides drivers with a connection to the vehicle’s mechanical components.

Despite nearly reaching 200 mph, the engine’s noise in this Gallardo doesn’t sound particularly aggressive. It could be due to the microphone in the cabin, but the engine noise remains moderate.

In the video, the driver makes two runs that push the car’s speed over 186 mph (300 kph). The autobahn has light traffic, allowing the Gallardo to showcase its capabilities.

The Gallardo made its debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show as Lamborghini’s entry-level model below the Murcielago. Initially, it featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 493 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, similar to the car in the video. More powerful versions were released later, and a 2008 refresh increased the engine displacement to 5.2 liters.

A gated six-speed manual transmission, as seen in the video, was available for the Gallardo. Lamborghini also offered a six-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission called “e-gear.”

Gallardo production concluded on November 25, 2013, with the creation of a 570-4 Spyder Performante in Rosso Mars red. During its production run, Lamborghini manufactured a total of 14,022 Gallardo examples, making it the brand’s highest-volume model at the time.

Currently, the Urus surpasses the Gallardo’s production number, with over 15,000 units produced and counting. The Huracan also has over 20,000 units on the road, but its production is nearing its end.

The successor to the Huracan is set to debut in late 2024. Spy shots provide glimpses of the model’s development.

Car review

BMW M2

July 22, 2023 David

The BMW M2 is known for its fast and smooth performance. The 3.0-litre straight six engine produces a distinct BMW combustion note that sounds incredible. The manual gearlever has a slightly heavy feel but adds to the overall experience of driving the M2.

Unlike the automatic version, the manual M2 doesn’t come with electronic launch control. It has a 10-stage electronic traction control system that can be accessed when the DSC stability control is switched off. Finding the right balance on the traction control is crucial to get the maximum power from the M2 without losing grip. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds, almost matching the official acceleration claim of 4.3 seconds.

The M2’s straight six engine offers a broad operating range and linear power delivery, similar to the M3 and M4. The turbo response is quick, with minimal latency if the revs are kept above 3000rpm. The engine can rev up to 7000rpm without feeling strained.

In terms of gearing, the M2 feels long-geared, allowing you to reach high speeds in lower gears. Second gear can take you past 70mph, while third can go well beyond 100mph. Fourth gear is sufficient for normal driving, except on the motorway.

The M2’s chassis provides great mechanical grip, which is evident during stopping distance tests. It offers good lateral grip and remains stable even at high speeds. While the higher mechanical grip level makes it slightly less accessible for on-demand oversteer, the M2 can still be hooliganistic with the help of adjustable driver aids and linear torque delivery.

Track notes (Hill Route, Millbrook Proving Ground)

The M2 demonstrates strong tenacity during stopping distance tests, indicating improved mechanical grip compared to previous models. Although the chassis response is not as agile as the older M2, the car exhibits excellent grip during turn-in and avoids steady-state understeer even at high speeds.

The M2’s high mechanical grip encourages early power application and allows both axles to remain in control. While it may be slightly heavier when sliding, the adjustable driver aids and torque delivery make it a fun and spirited car to drive.

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