Skoda has just launched the Kushaq SUV starting at a price of Rs 10.50 lakh. It is the first SUV to be built on the company’s India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform and is also the first model to be introduced under the India 2.0 project. Here are five things you need to know about the new Skoda Kushaq.
Design
The Skoda Kushaq was first unveiled earlier this year in March. It is based on the company’s Vision IN concept that was showcased last year and in terms of design, does wander far. The front fascia is dominated by the company’s trademark grille surrounded by chrome. Flanking that is a pair of very sleek headlamps below which a secondary set is housed. The conventional fog lamp position is taken up by faux air intakes.
Off to the side, you get to see the butch stance of the Kushaq complete with all the creases and curves that signify SUV styling and add to that a nice set of dual-tone alloy wheels. Moving to the rear, the wraparound tail lamps, a diffuser on the bumper and a roof spoiler completes the Kushaq.
The Kushaq was first unveiled in production form in March
Powertrain
The Kushaq gets engine options, both petrol and diesel. The 1-litre three-cylinder TSI is capable of producing 113 PS of maximum power and 175 Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI, on the other hand, churns out 148 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox comes as standard for cars. Automatic options, however, include a 6-speed torque convertor for the three-pot and a 7-speed DSG transmission for the larger engine.
The Kushaq gets the new two-spoke steering wheel like in the new Skoda Octavia
Interiors
Over to the inside, the cabin is finished in a layered and minimal design. It gets a 10-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment system complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, in-car Wi-Fi, leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and wireless charging to name a few features. Like the new Skoda Octavia, the Kushaq also gets a new two-spoke steering wheel.
The Skoda Kushaq is available in three trim options, Active, Ambition and Style, but a new Monte Carlo trim level is also expected in the future. This will be the slightly sportier variant in the Kushaq line-up with features like contrast stitching, sporty seats and a digital instrument cluster.
Pricing
The Skoda Kushaq starts at a price of Rs 10.50 lakh for the smaller engine mated to the manual transmission in the Active trim. This goes up all the way to Rs 17.60 lakh for the larger 1.5-litre DSG powertrain in the Style trim. Deliveries for the new Kushaq are expected to begin on July 12.
Competition
As far as competition goes, the mid-sized SUV segment is filled with rivalry from the likes of the very popular Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and even the Nissan Kicks.
