The compact SUV segment recently got a new member in the form of the Skoda Kushaq. Priced from Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 17.59 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the SUV is offered in two turbocharged petrol engine choices – a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI. While the deliveries of smaller capacity variants had already begun, Skoda India's Director- Zac Hollis has stated (replying to a tweet) that the test drives and deliveries of Kushaq's 1.5-litre TSI variants will start from August 11, 2021. Interested customers can book the SUV for a token amount of Rs 25,000.
The Kushaq is available in three trims: Active, Ambition, and Style. The availability of the 1.5-liter turbo-engine is limited to the top-spec Style variant only. The brand will also introduce a top-of-the-line Monte Carlo edition of the Kushaq in the near future, which is also expected to be restricted with the bigger capacity motor only. Here's a look at the engine specifications of Skoda Kushaq: –
Engine | 1.0-litre Turbo-Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-petrol with ACT |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
Max Power | 72PS | 100PS |
Peak Torque | 96Nm | 160Nm |
Transmission | 6-speed MT/ 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT/ 7-speed DCT |
| Mileage | 17.88kmpl (MT), 15.78kmpl (AT) | To-Be-Updated |
| Availability | Active, Ambition, and Style | Style |
As of now, the 1.0-TSI variants of the Kushaq account for the highest share of sales, with the mid-spec Ambition Automatic variant being the most sought-after trim. However, Skoda dealers expect the demand for the 1.5-liter variants to increase once the test drives begin.
For those who aren't aware, the Kushaq SUV is Skoda's first product under the India 2.0 business strategy. It is based on the highly localized MQB-A0-IN platform, which has been specially designed for cost-sensitive markets like India. It measures 4,225mm long, 1,760mm wide, 1,612mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,651mm. The brand offers the SUV in five colour options – Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, Tornedo Red, and Candy White.
The compact SUV features a 10-inch PLAY touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, multiple USB Type-C ports, cooled glovebox, auto headlamps, cruise control, and more. Passenger safety is covered by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, and a rear parking camera.
In the Indian market, the Skoda Kushaq rivals the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, and its upcoming sibling Volkswagen Taigun.
