Tata Curvv vs Skoda Kushaq: Which Turbo Petrol-Manual Combo Performs Better When Put Through Their Paces?

The Tata Curvv and the Skoda Kushaq are two contenders from the compact SUV space that makes up for a fun drive. And here at Zigwheels, we took both the cars with their petrol-manual configurations to the straights and the turns of the real-world tarmac to see which performs better. In this test, we particularly focused on who throttles up the quickest and also slows down at the earliest. Before you make any guesses, let’s roll ahead. Ready?

First thing first…

Spec Check!

The Tata Curvv comes with three engine options: a 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.2-litre T-GDI turbo petrol – which is the one we tested here. While we’ve tested the Skoda Kushaq with its 1-litre turbo petrol engine, it also gets a larger 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission.

Also, for the engine options we tested, the Tata Curvv offers a 7-speed DCT, and the Kushaq comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, both of which have not been considered in this report.

As on paper, the Tata Curvv is equipped with a larger engine with more power output compared to the Kushaq. But how does that fare out in the real world? We’ll see that next.

Acceleration Test…3..2..1..

Maybe or may not be a surprise, but when pushed to its limits with full throttle, the Skoda Kushaq proves to be the quicker of the two. It outpaced the Tata Curvv in the 0-100 kmph sprint by a notable 1.7 seconds. 

While 0-100 kmph timings might be more exciting for enthusiasts, in-gear acceleration is what is more practical in real-world driving, especially for in-city and highway overtaking.

In this scenario, the Tata Curvv takes the lead in the 30-80 kmph sprint in third gear, clocking 0.59 seconds quicker than the Skoda Kushaq.

However, in the 40-100 kmph run in fourth gear, the Kushaq is just 0.04 seconds faster, making both nearly identical in this test.

Screeechhh…! Braking Test

Just as we pushed the throttle, we also slammed the brakes ruthlessly to check which compact SUV stops better. Once again, the Skoda Kushaq has proven to be equipped with better braking, coming to a halt from 100-0 kmph in 3.8 metres less than the Tata Curvv and from 80-0 kmph in 1.1 metres less.

Price And Verdict

Above are the prices of the cars with the turbo-petrol and manual transmission combination that we tested. The Tata Curvv offers this setup with the Creative S and Accomplished Plus A variants, while the Skoda Kushaq provides it with the Classic, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo, and Prestige variants.

As for this test, it was a close head-to-head, with both cars performing similarly in terms of acceleration and braking. Despite having a smaller engine with lower power and torque output, the Skoda Kushaq delivered slightly better numbers than the Curvv. That said, it also comes at a more affordable price. In the end, these differences are small and may not make a big difference in your decision to pick either of these cars.

So, which one would you choose to drive: the Curvv or the Kushaq? Let us know in the comments below!