The new Skoda Kushaq SUV has made its global debut in India and will launch in the coming months. It was first showcased as the Skoda Vision IN concept at the Auto Expo 2020.
The Skoda Kushaq then has a lot riding on it. Based on the MQB-A0 platform specific to the Indian subcontinent and boasting of a localization level of up to 95 percent keeping aside its name, Skoda has put in a lot to ensure its Indian innings (re)starts on a strong footing.
The Kushaq’s styling has been heavily derived from the vision IN concept showcased in Feb, 2020. With the front end being characterized by the prominent butterfly grille flanked by LED headlamps with the daytime running lights and the high set fog lamps placed below, the front end of the Kushaq does bear a striking resemblance to that of its European cousin, the Kamiq. The presence of thick black cladding with a contrasting silver skid plate complement the 188mm of ground clearance quite well. The stylish 17-inch alloys are the star of the show when it comes to the side profile along with a strong character line running from the front fender to the tail lamp across the shoulder. The black cladding continues its way around the wheel arches down the sides of the car. The rear end is once again dominated by the silver skid plate and the sharp LED tail lamps. The Skoda nameplate assumes position in the center in the absence of the Skoda logo, a new trend which we saw first on the Superb 2020. All in all, Skoda is betting big on the design of the Kushaq and we can see why.
Coming to the interiors, the Kushaq yet again has a few tricks up its sleeve. The two spoke steering with well finished scroller wheels integrated on both spokes takes precedence here with the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. The overall dashboard layout is extremely contemporary , the large door pockets with nifty phone holders packaged into them and even the tactile buttons for the seat ventilation and the hazard lights. The only thing that might be an ergonomical sore-point is the low-set touchscreen climate control panel, which might force you to take your eyes off the road to alter settings.
Features are aplenty with the Kushaq being loaded to the gills on both the safety and convenience front. For starters, the infotainment system gets wireless mirror Link along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, paired to 6 speakers complemented by a 50W subwoofer packaged in the spare wheel well. The Kushaq also comes with ambient lighting, ventilated seats and Skoda’s versatile digital instrument cluster which was seen on the CBU Karoq in India first. Auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers and a sunroof are also a part of the feature list.
On the safety front, the Kushaq comes equipped with 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a multi-collision braking system with ABS, EBD and hill hold apart from TPMS.
Coming to the drivetrain, the Kushaq will be available with the staple 1.0 TSI seen in the Polo, Vento and Rapid mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The more interesting choice on offer however is the 1.5 TSI seen on the now sold out Skoda Karoq CBU, which makes a massive 150ps and 250nm of torque. This engine will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Its interesting to note that both these engines will be made in India.
The Kushaq is expected to be priced around the 10-15L (ex-showroom) mark in India. At that price, with a solid combination of looks, an expansive feature list, safety and a number of drivetrain options, the Kushaq could just be the car that gets Skoda India back in the game.
Author: Ananth Iyer
Skoda Kushaq First Look Video
