Škoda Auto has recently revealed its first made-for-India model with up to 95% localisation, the Kushaq. It will be the first product under the brand's 'India 2.0' business strategy. Bookings of the SUV will commence from June month this year with deliveries likely to start from July 2021. On its arrival, it will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, and Maruti S-Cross.
The Skoda Kushaq will be based on the Skoda-Volkswagen’s MQB A0-IN modular platform, which has been especially localised for the Indian market. It will be available in three trims – Active, Ambition, and Style. The base Active trim will be offered with a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that's good enough in producing 115PS of maximum power and 175Nm of peak torque. The other two variants will also get this engine option along with a more powerful 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol unit which is capable of delivering 150PS & 250Nm. Gearbox choices include a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, a 6-speed torque converter automatic option for the 1.0-litre mill, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for the 1.5-liter unit.
In terms of design, the Kushaq looks quite elegant with retaining most of the elements from its VISION IN concept. The proportion of the car is also as par with its rivals. At 4,221mm, it is slightly smaller than its core competitors, but its wheelbase is the largest in the segment, which suggests that it will offer the most cabin space. Here's how it fairs against the segment leader Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos: –
Dimensions | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos |
Length | 4,221mm | 4,300mm | 4,315mm |
Width | 1,760mm | 1,790mm | 1,800mm |
Height | 1,612mm | 1,635mm | 1,620mm |
Wheelbase | 2,651mm | 2,610mm | 2,610mm |
The key features of the upcoming Skoda Kushaq include automatic headlamps, a grey-white dual-tone cabin with glossy black highlights, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, connected car technology, a six-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, two-spoke steering wheel, auto AC with touch-based controls, rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, single-pane sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting, rear Type-C USB ports, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, tyre pressure monitoring, and many more. Safety is covered by upto six airbags, hill hold control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, multi-collision braking, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors with camera, etc.
As far as the pricing is concerned, it is likely to be priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom).
Skoda Kushaq First Impressions Video –
