Skoda Auto has finally kick-started its India 2.0 journey with the all-new Kushaq compact SUV. It's a petrol-only offering that is available in three trims: Active, Ambition, and Style. Let's take a look at its variant-wise pricing: –
Variant | 1.0-litre TSI | 1.5-litre TSI |
Active (MT) | Rs 10.49 lakh | – |
Ambition (MT) | Rs 12.79 lakh | – |
| Ambition (AT) | Rs 14.19 lakh | – |
Style (MT) | Rs 14.59 lakh | Rs 16.19 lakh |
| Style (AT/DSG) | Rs 15.79 lakh (AT) | Rs 17.59 lakh (DSG) |
All prices are ex-showroom.
As the above table indicates, the Kushaq is available with two engines and three transmission options. The entry-level Active variant of Skoda Kushaq is nearly Rs 50,000 more expensive than the Hyundai Creta (Rs 10-17.71 lakh) and Kia Seltos (Rs 9.95-17.65 lakh); however, the top-spec Style variant undercuts both rivals. Also, it is important to note that the bookings for the Skoda Kushaq are now open, but the deliveries of the 1.5-litre variant will start from the first week of August 2021.
Now, have a look at its engine specifications: –
| Engine | 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol | 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with ACT |
| No Of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
Max Power | 115PS | 150PS |
Peak Torque | 178Nm | 250Nm |
Transmission Option | 6-speed manual / 6-speed torque converter automatic | 6-speed manual / 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel-drive (FWD) | Front-wheel-drive (FWD) |
While the 1.0-litre TSI unit is standard with all the trims, the bigger displacement engine is exclusive for the top-end Style variant. This engine also features Active Cylinder Tech (ACT), which is a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down two of its four cylinders under low load condition for improved fuel economy.
Underpinned on the all-new MQB-A0-IN platform, the Skoda Kushaq is the smallest offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment, measuring 4,221mm long, 1,760mm wide, 1,612mm tall, and has a boot capacity of 433-litres. However, its wheelbase (2,651mm) is longer than the Korean duo (Creta and Seltos), which means it will offer more cabin space. Click on the following link for Kushaq's specifications and features comparison against its core rivals.
Speaking about the exterior design, Kushaq's front fascia is dominated by Skoda's traditional butterfly grille, flanked by sleek LED headlight units with crystalline detailing and L-shaped LED DRLs. The fog lamps are placed just below the headlamp units that in conjunction with the muscular bumper & aggressive air dams up the ruggedness in its appearance. At the rear lies a LED tail lights with the signature crystalline effect, a bigger roof spoiler and a rear diffuser. The SUV runs on machine-cut dual-tone alloy wheels of 17-inches.
Skoda has offered the Kushaq in five exterior colour options: Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red.
Inside the cabin, it is decked up in a black-&-light grey dual-tone theme having a nice touch of the piano black bar running across the dash and honeycomb mesh-like detailing around the central console and door pads. There is a 10-inch freestanding PLAY infotainment system in the centre, a unique two-spoke steering wheel with metal knobs and hexagonal-shaped vertically stacked AC vents on either side of the dashboard. Included in the list of creature comforts are SmartLink tech, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, connected car tech with in-car wifi, auto AC with touch-based control panel, rear AC vents, wireless charging, a single-pane electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, cruise control, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a 6-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, keyless entry with push start button, cooled glove box, and more.
Passenger's safety is supervised by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, multi-collision braking, hill-hold control, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover protection, electronic differential lock, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera.
Also Read: Eight Features Kia Seltos Offers Over The Skoda Kushaq
In the Indian market, the Skoda Kushaq challenges the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, and its upcoming sibling Volkswagen Taigun.
