Skoda Kushaq review, road test

Does this Creta-rival have what it takes to grab a sizeable share of the midsize SUV pie? We find out.

Published on Oct 03, 2021 09:00:00 AM

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Skoda has packed in many features that buyers in this segment are looking for such as a large, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system also includes in-built applications like Gaana and Audiobooks, among others, which work using your smartphone’s internet (via Wi-Fi hotspot). A voice command function linked to these apps would have certainly enhanced their usability. For example, in its current state, you’ll struggle to search for songs on the Gaana app using the tiny keypad, especially while on the move.

Pre-loaded apps work on phone’s internet. Voice commands would have made them easy to operate.

The Kushaq also features a touch panel for the climate control settings, which not only looks premium, it’s also as intuitive and as easy to use as regular knobs and buttons. In addition to these, it gets automatic LED headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, a sunroof, wireless phone charging, rear air-con vents, reversing camera and an auto dimming inside mirror. There are ventilated front seats to speak of as well. Curiously, the ventilated seats offer only two fan speeds, rather than three (available in rivals), and the button has orange LEDs (usually associated with heated seats), instead of blue.

Cooled seats don’t perform as effectively as on its Korean rivals.

In terms of safety, all variants get ESP, traction control, multi-collision braking, brake disc wiping, alongside ABS with EBD and dual airbags. Some higher variants get hill-start assist, and only the manual top variants get side and curtain airbags.

Analogue dials with a monochrome MID look rather old-school.

The competition offers kit like rear disc brakes, 360-degree parking camera, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, e-SIM based connected car tech, digital instrument cluster and some even get a head-up display, all of which are missing on the Kushaq.