Latest Update:– Skoda Auto has finally launched the Kushaq SUV in the Indian market. Click here for variant-wise pricing and other details.
Czech Republican carmaker, Skoda Auto has finally taken the wraps off from the most-awaited Kushaq SUV. Based on the Vision IN concept, this Creta-rivalling SUV will be Skoda’s first made-in-India SUV with up to 95 percent localization. In fact, it will also be the first product to be launched under VW Group's India 2.0 business plan.
The Kushaq will be offered in three variants: Active, Ambition, and Style. For the people not in know, the word 'KUSHAQ' derives from the Sanskrit term ‘Kushak’ which means ‘King’ or ‘Emperor.’
Skoda Kushaq – Design & Features
The Skoda Kushaq is the first SUV to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which focuses on the cabin space. It looks largely similar to the VISION IN concept, showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. Upfront, it features Skoda’s signature butterfly grille, flanked by a split lighting setup that comprises headlamp units with fog lamps placed right below it. The SUV gets an aggressively styled bumper, featuring large air intakes and a sturdy skid plate.
The upright stance, boxy silhouette, flared wheel arches with all-around grey cladding, and flowing shoulder line, amplifies the SUV’s vogue and gives it a rugged appeal. The rear features C-shaped LED tail lamps which seem to be inspired by the Kodiaq SUV. It also sports an extended roof spoiler and a bumper-integrated diffuser that accomplish the overall styling on the outside.
The Skoda Kushaq measure 4225mm long, 1760mm wide and has a height of 1612mm. It rides on the segment-largest 2,651mm of the wheelbase, while its boot capacity stands at 385-liters. It has a ground clearance of 188mm.
Similar to the exterior, the Kushaq’s interior also retains most of the concept’s elements. It features a dual-tone dashboard with highlighting elements like contrast trims, a 10-inch touchscreen floating infotainment system, and a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The other features on board include automatic headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillamps, alloy wheels (16-inch for mid-spec trim, and dual-tone 17-inch alloys for top-end trim), wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car technology with OTA updates, 6 speakers sound system with amplifier and subwoofer, ventilated front seats, auto climate control with rear AC vents, rain-sensing wipers, wireless charging, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), cruise control, rear Type-C USB ports, a sunroof, ambient lighting, etc.
Safety quotient, on the other hand, is taken care of by six airbags, ABS, hill hold control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, multi-collision braking, electronic stability control (standard), front and rear parking sensors with a rear parking camera, etc.
Skoda Kushaq – Powertrain
The Kushaq will be offered with two petrol engine options – a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged (115PS/175Nm) and 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (150PS/250Nm). While both the mills will get a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, the automatic gearbox option differs for each unit. The liter-class engine will be available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, whereas the 1.5-liter unit will get a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic).
The more powerful TSI engine will also get an idle engine start-stop system along with active cylinder shut down technology that senses the driving behavior and accordingly activates/deactivates two cylinders accordingly for better performance and mileage.
Here's the variant-wise powertrain breakup: –
|
Skoda Kushaq Variants |
1.0-litre TSI |
1.5-litre TSI |
|
Active |
6-speed MT |
– |
|
Ambition |
6-speed MT/AT |
6-speed MT/ 7-speed DSG |
|
Style |
6-speed MT/AT |
6-speed MT/ 7-speed DSG |
Colors Options
Skoda will offer the Kushaq in five color choices – Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red.
Expected Launch Date and Pricing
The Skoda Kushaq is likely to be launched in June this year. Expect to be priced between Rs 10 lakh to 15 lakh (ex-showroom). In the compact SUV segment, the Kushaq will battle it out with Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos, Maruti S-Cross, and Renault Duster.
Skoda Kushaq First Impressions Video –
