Best Loaded Base Variants in Mid-Size SUV Segment

The bottleneck while buying a car is choosing the right variant for your perfect fit. But this math becomes irrelevant when you get the top variant of your chosen car within the allocated budget you decided, or you get a base variant fully loaded with features that match everybody's needs. Let's scroll below to know about these treasure cars.

Skoda Kushaq

Price: 10.69 Lakh (ex-showroom)

Kushaq Classic Plus is the base variant, which comes with a 1.0L petrol engine, offered in both manual and automatic transmission. The key features of this variant are as follows:

The exterior has LED headlights and sequential turn indicators; however, the MT variant misses out on LED fog lamps. It runs on 16-inch alloy wheels, though the spare wheel is a 15-inch steel unit. It features rain-sensing wipers, a rear wiper, washer, and defogger. It also includes functional black roof rails capable of carrying up to 50 kg.

The interior of the base doesn't make it look like a base variant, as it comes with automatic climate control AC, all power windows, a sunroof, driver seat height adjustment, and headrests for all three rear passengers. The steering wheel offers reach and rake adjustment, along with steering-mounted buttons.

It also features an analog cluster with a 3.5-inch MID and a 7-inch touchscreen system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a USB-A port. It does not offer wireless connectivity or USB-C ports. Customers also get a 6-speaker sound system, a centre armrest with storage, and an auto-dimming IRVM.

In terms of safety as well, Skoda has kept the base variant well-kitted with 6 airbags and three rear parking sensors. For AT buyers, paddle shifters are on offer. This is a well-equipped variant, with all the essential features.

Volkswagen Taigun

Price: 11 Lakh (ex-showroom)

The base variant of the Taigun is Comfortline. It is twinned with its sister product, the Skoda Kushaq Classic Plus, sharing the same engine; however, the Taigun base only offers a manual transmission.

The exterior has an auto-levelling LED projector headlight setup with DRLs, and at the rear, it stands out with connected LED tail lights, a feature missing on the Kushaq base. It runs on 16-inch steel wheels with silver wheel covers. It features a rear wiper, washer, and defogger, along with roof rails.

The interior of this base variant offers a dual-tone theme. Unlike the Kushaq, it does not include a sunroof or a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It comes with fabric upholstery, driver seat height adjustment, and headrests for all three rear passengers. It is also equipped with automatic climate control and rear AC vents, though it lacks rear charging points. The mirrors are electrically adjustable but do not have an auto-folding feature.

It also features an analog cluster with a MID and a 7-inch touchscreen system that supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a USB-A port. Customers also get a 6-speaker sound system, a centre armrest with storage, and an auto-dimming IRVM.

In terms of safety as well, Taigun Comfortline has kept the base variant well-kitted with 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, and three rear parking sensors.

Comparison: Taigun Base vs. Skoda Kushaq Base

Kia Seltos

Price: Rs. 10.99 Lakh (ex-showroom)

The HTE is the base variant of the new-generation Seltos, offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, both paired only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. No automatic option is offered at this level.

The exterior gets a full LED lighting package as standard, including LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED tail lamps, and a LED high-mount stop lamp, something both the Kushaq and Taigun base variants don't fully match. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels and adds styling touches like front and rear skid plates, a shark-fin antenna, and an integrated rear spoiler.

Inside, the HTE gets a dual-tone smoky black and grey cabin, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a multi-function Double D-cut steering wheel. Where it pulls ahead of the Kushaq and Taigun is on tech: it comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, and rear AC vents.

On safety, the HTE gets six airbags as standard along with the usual ABS and EBD, keeping it competitive with its rivals despite being the entry trim.

91wheels Recommendations

The price difference between the Kushaq base and Taigun base is Rs. 30,000. The most sensible buy is the Skoda Kushaq base variant because it offers significantly better value. It is cheaper while providing premium features missing in the Taigun, such as alloy wheels, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an automatic transmission option. The only major feature the Taigun base offers over the Kushaq is the connected LED tail light design.

However, if the battle is between Seltos and Kushaq, then Seltos is more tech heavy whereas Kushaq is a well rounded SUV in terms of design, interiors, features, and driving dynamics.