Latest Update:– Skoda Auto has finally launched the Kushaq SUV in the Indian market. Click here for variant-wise pricing and other details.
Skoda Auto India has kickstarted the series production of the upcoming Kushaq SUV at its Chakan (near Pune) plant ahead of its launch later this month. The deliveries of the SUV will begin from July 2021. While an official word is yet to come, we expect Skoda to begin its pre-launch bookings soon.
Also Read: Skoda Kushaq Vs Rivals – Specifications And Features Comparison
Commenting on the production of Skoda Kushaq, Mr Zac Hollis, Brand Director – ŠKODA AUTO India, said-
With the start of production of the all new KUSHAQ, we are looking at a new chapter to mark the success story of ŠKODA AUTO in India. India’s preference for SUVs has continued to grow steadily over the years. The KUSHAQ will offer an unparalleled driving experience and brings together all the attributes that matter to an SUV buyer. The team is gearing up for the launch later this month. We have already increased our network reach substantially and have instituted several best practices towards ensuring customer delight. With KUSHAQ, we are looking forward to welcoming more customers into the ŠKODA family.
Built on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform, the Skoda Kushaq is the first model to be offered under Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 programme. This new architecture will also produce various other cars in due course, including the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun and the successor models of Skoda Rapid and VW Vento.
Skoda is expected to offer the Kushaq in three trims at the time of launch: Active, Ambition and Style, while a sportier-looking Monte Carlo Edition will be introduced later. The top-spec variant of Kushaq will come with a host of premium equipment such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, a two-spoke steering wheel, wireless charging, auto climate control, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, cruise control, and more. Safety will be taken care of by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (standard) as well as front & rear parking sensors, etc.
Also Read: Eight Features Kia Seltos Offers Over The Skoda Kushaq
Skoda will provide two turbocharged petrol engine options with the Kushaq SUV: a 1.0-litre TSI unit and a 1.5-litre TSI. The smaller capacity engine is the same unit that also powers the VW Polo and Skoda Rapid; however, it has been tuned differently for uprated output.
Here's a look at Kushaq's specifications: –
Engine | 1.0-litre TSI petrol | 1.5-litre TSI petrol |
No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
Max Power | 115PS | 150PS |
Max Torque | 175Nm | 250Nm |
Gearbox options | 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic | 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT |
Since the Kushaq will be a heavily localised product (up to 95% of localisation), we expect Skoda to price it in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). Its entry into the highly popular compact SUV segment will put it against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, and Maruti S-Cross.
