Skoda Kushaq launched at Rs 10.49 lakh

The much-awaited Skoda Kushaq has been launched in India, with prices starting at Rs 10.49 lakh for the base 1.0 TSI Active trim and going up to Rs 17.59 lakh for the top-spec 1.5 TSI AT Style trim. Skoda first showcased the SUV in concept form as the Vision IN, back at the 2020 Auto Expo, with the production-spec model being revealed in March 2021. This is also Skoda’s first SUV based on the localised MQB A0 IN platform.

Skoda has also begun accepting bookings for the midsize SUV via its dealerships and website, with the booking amount set at Rs 35,000.

• The Skoda Kushaq is available in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style
• Kushaq is available with 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engine
• Automatic gearbox options to include 6-speed automatic and 7-speed DCT

2021 Skoda Kushaq price (ex-showroom, India)
	Active	Ambition	Style
1.0 TSI MT	Rs 10.49 lakh	Rs 12.79 lakh	Rs 14.59 lakh
1.0 TSI AT	-	Rs 14.19 lakh	Rs 15.79 lakh
1.5 TSI MT	-	-	Rs 16.19 lakh
1.5 TSI AT	-	-	Rs 17.59 lakh

Skoda Kushaq: design

On the design front, the Kushaq carries over many elements from the Vision IN concept, and its overall style is in line with Skoda’s larger SUVs. Up front, it has Skoda’s trademark grille flanked by sleek headlights on either side and a secondary light cluster positioned just below.

The Kushaq features some sharp lines and prominent creases along the body. At the rear, it has large wrap-around LED tail-lights, a faux diffuser element on the bumper, and a roof-mounted spoiler. The top-spec model also comes with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Skoda Kushaq: interior and features

The interior of the Kushaq has a clean and minimal design, with a layered dash that has a free-standing touchscreen sitting in the middle. Skoda has also equipped the SUV with a two-spoke steering wheel (like the one in the new Octavia).

Coming to the kit on offer, the top-spec Style trim gets a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected-car tech, leatherette seats, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, touch sensitive buttons for the climate control, in-car Wi-Fi, wireless charger, and a sunroof, to name a few. Safety kit includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, TCS, rear-parking camera, 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: variants

The Czech carmaker has launched the Kushaq in three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style. However, Skoda is expected to introduce a new range-topping Monte Carlo trim down the line. 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: engine details

Powering the Kushaq is a pair of turbo-petrol engines. The first is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI unit that produces 115hp and 178Nm, and the other is a larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI unit that develops a 150hp and 250Nm. Both engines get a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Additionally, they 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. Additionally, the 1.5 TSI also gets cylinder deactivation technology for better fuel efficiency. 

Skoda claims the 1.0 TSI version of the Kushaq can do the 0-100kph sprint in 10.6sec in manual form and 11.7sec in automatic gearbox guise. The 1.5 TSI on the other hand can do 0-100kph in 8.6sec (with both gearboxes).

Skoda Kushaq: competition check 

The Kushaq has entered the hotly contested midsize SUV segment, where it takes on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector and Tata Harrier. This list will grow with the introduction of its sister car, the VW Taigun, which is expected to arrive in the coming months.

Also see:

Skoda Kushaq review, test drive

Skoda Kushaq video review