Skoda Kushaq SUV; The Definitive Game-Changer

The launch of Skoda Kushaq will set in motion the plans of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd's India 2.0 project. Skoda says the Kushaq will change the way Indian SUV enthusiasts perceive the compact SUV space. In other words the Kushaq will be the definitive game-changer once it is launched in India. The word 'Kushaq' means King or Emperor in Sanskrit, making it apt for Skoda's new SUV. Skoda says that the prices of the Kushaq will be announced in June 2021 while deliveries of the SUV will begin July 2021 onwards.

Visually, the upcoming Skoda Kushaq is quite edgy yet, it looks contemporary and elegant

Design That Impresses

The Skoda Kushaq's design stays true to the Vision IN concept shown at the 2020 Auto Expo and needless to say, it is a handsome looking SUV. The USP is clean, modern lines and a minimalist tone is seen on the exterior details. The overall design is edgy and yet, it is contemporary and elegant. The front end is characterised by a chrome-accented butterfly grille flanked by a set of LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. Then, the SUV also gets cool-looking LED fog lamps. The rear section gets LED taillights, uplifting the rear-end styling. Skoda will sell the SUV in Honey Orange and Tornado Red colours in India. Other colours include Candy White, Brilliant Silver, and Carbon Steel.

The face of the Skoda Kushaq is characterised by a chrome-accented butterfly grille flanked by a set of LED headlights with LED daytime running lights

Simply Clever Features

Like other Skoda cars, the Kushaq is an embodiment of the 'Simply Clever' philosophy. The SUV features a sleek, clean layout with neat lines and crisp design. The main attraction is the 10.1-inch infotainment display that has 'Play' app and is fitted with all forms of smartphone connectivity including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless MirrorLink along with 'mySkoda Connect'. Top-spec models get creature comforts like ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, rear AC vent and a wireless charger along with USB type-C ports. The SUV will also feature a six-speaker music system. The Kushaq SUV also offers Live-streaming of music and audio podcasts via SIM-based internet access, along with in-car Wi-Fi.

The main attraction inside the Kushaq's cabin is the 10.1-inch infotainment system, equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless MirrorLink along with 'mySkoda Connect'

Standard safety features include six airbags, three-point seatbelt for all passengers, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring system and an intelligent multi-collision braking system.

The Skoda Kushaq comes with a host of safety features making its strong cocoon for you and your family

At The Heart Of The Matter

Under the hood, the Skoda Kushaq SUV two modern petrol engines - a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI, both turbo-charged. While the former is tuned to make 115 PS of maximum power, the latter makes 150 PS. The 1.5-litre TSI engine comes fitted with Active Cylinder Technology or ACT, which deactivates two engines out of four, when the car is coasting or doesn't require too much power. Also, it helps in increasing fuel efficiency of the Kushaq. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual gearbox along with optional 6-speed automatic transmission on the 1.0-Litre TSI and a 7-speed DSG on the 1.5-litre TSI unit.

With the Kushaq, Skoda is offering customers two capable petrol engine options - a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI unit and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI motor

TSI Engine Benefits

Skoda's TSI or turbo-stratified injected engines are the epitome of technology when it comes to turbocharged engines, especially in the compact space, be it sedans or SUVs. TSI engines use a blend of turbocharging and direct fuel injection. The benefits are many! The engines usually have lower displacement and offer performance and fuel economy in equal parts. The idea is to offer solid horsepower and torque, with efficient combustion that leads to excellent fuel economy as well.

MQB-A0-IN Versatility

The Skoda Kushaq is built on the versatile MQB-A0-IN platform, which is exclusive to India, hence, the 'IN'. This uniform yet variable platform allows different vehicles to be manufactured in an extremely flexible and efficient manner. So, SAVWIPL can build a hatchback, sedan and even an SUV, with varying levels of wheelbases on the same platform. There are two benefits here; one, it improves efficiency and hence better for economies of scale and the second, more products can be developed and launched quicker in the market than ever before. Benefitting from the MQB-A0-IN platform, the Skoda Kushaq also offers plenty of room for five adult occupants and it gets a boot capacity of 385 litres.

The top-end variant of the Skoda Kushaq will come with 17-inch Atlas two-tone alloys as standard

The Skoda Kushaq's entry-level trim line, Active, will get 16-inch steel wheels and Lhotse full wheel covers. In the Ambition trim level, the Kushaq gets Grus 16-inch alloy wheels, while the top-spec style variant will come with 17-inch Atlas two-tone alloys as standard. The wheel size has been kept only till 17-inch by design. One, it helps keep the weight of the car in check and two, 16 and 17-inch wheels are likely to offer better comfort and ride quality over bigger wheels and tyres with smaller profile. In terms of dimensions, the Skoda Kushaq measures 4,225 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width and has a height of 1,612 mm. The SUV gets a wheelbase of 2,651 mm, which is among the longest in the segment, and the ground clearance is a generous 188 mm.

The Skoda Kushaq is ready to be launched in India and take the compact SUV segment by storm and establishing itself as the 'Kushak' or the king of the segment.