The new Skoda Kushaq is set to launch in India on June 28. Bookings for the mid-size SUV will also begin on the same date as the launch. Built on the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform, Skoda’s mid-size SUV is the first model under parent company Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s India 2.0 plan which will see the introduction of two mid-size SUVs and mid-size sedans by 2022.
- Kushaq to be offered with 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engines
- Gearbox options to include 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch auto
- Expected to be priced between Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom)
Skoda Kushaq: expected variants
The Czech carmaker is expected to offer the new mid-size SUV in three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style. As you would expect, the lower variants will be down on equipment, will feature cloth upholstery on the interior and the base-spec Active will even feature alloy like plastic wheel covers.
At launch, the top-spec trim will be the Style, which will get leatherette seats, ventilated front seats, all the new tech and alloy wheels. However, Skoda will introduce a range-topping Monte Carlo trim later on. Key features for the Kushaq Monte Carlo will include a digital instrument panel, sporty seats, contrast stitching and an overall sporty look and feel to the cabin. The Monte Carlo edition could also be limited to the 1.5 TSI version.
Skoda Kushaq exterior design
Revealed in production-spec in March 2021, the Kushaq doesn’t stray far from last year’s Vision IN concept in overall looks. The design is in-line with Skoda’s larger SUVs with the brand’s trademark grille flanked by sleek headlamps and a high-set secondary light cluster and plenty of cuts and creases along the body.
The rear is characterised by a faux diffuser element on the bumper, a roof mounted spoiler and large wrap-around LED tail-lamps. Rounding out the looks will be 16-inch wheels on lower variants with the fully-loaded SUV sitting on 17-inch alloys. The Kushaq will be available in a choice of three variants – Active, Ambition and Style.
In terms of dimensions, the Kushaq measures 4,225mm in length, 1,760mm in width, and 1,612mm in height. It also has a ground clearance of 188mm, a wheelbase that is 2,651mm long and a 385-litre boot that can expand up to 1,405 litres.
Skoda Kushaq interior and equipment
The cabin design is in line with the newer Skodas on sale in international markets, with a layered dash and a free-standing touchscreen sitting on a shelf-like design element atop the centre console, a two-spoke steering design and large vertically positioned rectangular side air-con vents.
There will be plenty of kit on offer too with fully-loaded models packing in a large 10-inch touchscreen, connected car tech, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, in-car Wi-Fi and a sunroof to name a few. Safety kit will include six airbags, auto headlamps and wipers, a multi-collision braking system, tyre pressure monitor and hill start assist. All variants will also come fitted with ESC as standard.
Skoda Kushaq engine details
The Kushaq will be offered with a pair of turbo petrol engines – a 115hp 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol and a larger and more powerful 150hp 1.5-litre TSI unit. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be offered as standard with both engines. Additionally, both units will also get the option of automatic gearboxes – a 6-speed torque converter for the 1.0 TSI and a 7-speed DSG for the 1.5 TSI. We have driven the pre-production Kushaq prototype, you can read our initial impressions here.
Skoda Kushaq expected price and rivals
At the time of launch the Kushaq will go up against the popular Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector and Tata Harrier. Also joining the list of rivals will be its sister car, the VW Taigun, which is expected to arrive in the coming months. Expect prices for the Kushaq to be in the region of Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom).
Aside from the Kushaq, Skoda is also expected to launch the new Octavia in India on June 10 with the petrol Kodiaq also expected to arrive later in the year. The carmaker is also expected to debut its all-new mid-size sedan for India by end-2021.