Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Venure vs Renault Duster - The 1.0-litre battle
The mid-size SUV battle has been spiced up with the return of the Renault Duster in the mix, and we look at how the new Duster stacks up against the Hyundai Venue and the Skoda Kushaq in terms of powertrain, dimension, and features.
Powertrain
| Specifications | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Venue |
| Engine | 1-litre Turbo-petrol Engine | 1-litre turbo petrol | 1.0-litre Turbo petrol |
| Power | 100 PS | 115.5 PS | 120 PS |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 178 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT/8-speed AT | 6-speed MT/ 7-speed DCT |
In terms of power, the Hyundai Venue leads the class with 120 PS and the torque section is lead by the Skoda Kushaq. The Renault Duster is underpowered in the class and only comes with a single transmission option.
Dimension
| Dimension | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Venue |
| Length | 4,346 mm | 4,229 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,815 mm | 1,760 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Height | 1,703 mm | 1,612 mm | 1,665 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,657 mm | 2,651 mm | 2,520 mm |
When it comes to sheer size, the Duster leads the pack in every aspect, be it length, width, height and wheelbase. Clearly the bully. And thus we can also expect extra leg room, head room, and shoulder room for the occupants.
Features
In terms of features, the Renault Duster comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Other highlights include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, panoramic sunroof and powered front seats with ventilation.
Noteworthy mentions on the Skoda Kushaq includes dual-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats with six-way power adjustment, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, wireless charging and a six-speaker audio system. Skoda has also added a rear-seat massage function and integrated the Google Gemini AI assistant into the infotainment system for voice-based controls and real-time information.
Highlights for the Hyundai Venue includes dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays, one for infotainment and one for the instrument cluster, paired with Hyundai's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, powered by NVIDIA for smoother graphics and faster processing, 2-step reclining rear seats and rear window sunshade, 70+ Blue Link connected features, a Bose 8-speaker system, front ventilated seats, a voice-enabled smart sunroof, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Verdict
On paper, the SUVs are quite equipped to the gills in terms of tech and features. The size and power battle on paper seems to be telling a different story altogether, Hyundai Venue has the most power in the class and when it comes to sheer size, the Duster is leading the class. But how these perform on the road is a different story. The Renault Duster starts at Rs 10.29 lakh for the base model, and the Skoda Kushaq will set you back by Rs 10.69 lakh. The Hyundai Venue starts at Rs 10.90 lakh for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol variant.