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The production-spec Skoda Kushaq has finally made its world premiere. Previewed by the Vision IN concept, the midsize SUV is the first model to arrive from the VW Group’s India 2.0 project.
- Based on India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform
- Top-spec versions get a 10-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster
- Two engine options – a 115hp, 1.0-litre and a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrols
Production-spec Skoda Kushaq: what is the exterior like?
The exterior design of the production-spec Skoda Kushaq remains quite similar to the Vision IN concept. Up front, it features a prominent and wide Skoda grille flanked by a dual-headlight set-up. The Kushaq’s front bumper has plenty of cuts and creases, which makes it look sporty.
Along the sides, there’s a bold character line, along with body cladding on the lower parts of the doors and around the wheel wells. Top-spec versions also get roof rails and the 17-inch diamond-cut dual-tone alloys look sporty as well.
At the rear, the production-spec Kushaq gets a roof spoiler and a faux diffuser element that’s finished in silver. There are also wraparound LED tail-lights that add to the sense of width of the SUV. Overall, the Kushaq looks similar to larger Skoda SUVs such as the Kodiaq and the Karoq.
The Kushaq is 4,225mm long, 1,760mm wide, and has a height of 1,612mm. 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 will offer five colour options - Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, Tornedo Red.
Skoda says that out of the three trims available with the Kushaq, only the top-spec Style variant will get the aforementioned 17-inch alloy wheels, while the entry-level Active variant will get 16-inch steel wheels with covers. The mid-spec Ambition trim will come with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Production-spec Skoda Kushaq: what is the interior like?
The Kushaq gets a layered dashboard with a thin chrome bar that separates the top from the bottom. The chrome bar spans the length of the dash and connects the large, chrome-lined vents at each end.
A free-standing, 10-inch touchscreen, which features smartphone connectivity, connected car technology and more, takes centre stage. The central AC vents are positioned below the touchscreen, under which, are the feather-touch HVAC controls. While the touch panel for the climate control looks neat, it is not as intuitive to operate as physical buttons are. Naturally the “crystalline element” that was placed atop the dash on the Vision IN concept is not present on the production model but there is a recess where an idol can be placed.
The steering wheel on the production-spec Kushaq is a two-spoke unit, in line with newer Skoda models like the Superb and the upcoming Octavia. The steering wheel feels premium and features knurled scroll wheels and buttons for audio and phone controls, voice commands and cruise control. The Kushaq comes with traditional dials for instrumentation. While the dials do look nice and are neatly laid out, it would have been nicer if Skoda offered a digital instrument cluster, atleast on the top-spec variant.
When seated up front, you get a good view out of the cabin. The front seats are ventilated and offer good support. At the rear, there's plenty of legroom even for six-footers. The seat itself is comfortable and has there's a good amount of underthigh support as well. However, the headroom for six-footers will be a bit tight at the back.
There are also twin cup holders, a centre armrest and multiple storage areas in the cabin. Other kit includes ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, a cooled glove box, six speakers and a 50w subwoofer, internal memory storage, wireless Smartlink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Type-C USB ports, 1and the my Skoda connect app.
Safety features on the top-spec Kushaq will include six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, auto headlamps and wipers, and a multi-collision braking system. However, all Skoda Kushaq variants get disc brakes up front and drum brakes at the rear.
Production-spec Skoda Kushaq: engine and platform details
The Skoda Kushaq comes with two engine options – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol. The 1.0-litre TSI puts out 115hp and comes with 6-speed manual and torque convertor auto gearbox options. The 1.5-litre TSI unit, meanwhile, puts out a healthy 150hp and will be available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option.
Both engines will be produced at Skoda's Chakan plant.
The Skoda Kushaq is based on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform – which will be shared with the Volkswagen Taigun and the replacements for the VW Vento and Skoda Rapid.
Production-spec Skoda Kushaq: expected price and rivals
Due to the 95 percent localisation of parts and the sharing of essential components with other models, expect the Skoda Kushaq to be priced competitively, in the Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom) range. Skoda is expected to announce prices for the Kushaq in the coming weeks.
In terms of rivals, the Skoda Kushaq will compete against the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun, the Kia Seltos, the Hyundai Creta, the Nissan Kicks, the MG Hector and the Tata Harrier.
Also see:
2021 Skoda Kushaq first look video
2021 Skoda Kushaq image gallery
Skoda diesels gone for good in small cars
Skoda Octavia Pro unveiled for the Chinese market
Mindset change key to Skoda’s success in India says Global CEO
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