Skoda Kushaq : In the bustling landscape of India’s automotive industry, where SUVs reign supreme, the Skoda Kushaq has made quite a splash.
This Czech automaker’s foray into the hotly contested compact SUV segment has turned heads and piqued the interest of car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Kushaq a noteworthy contender in this fiercely competitive market.
First impressions matter, and the Skoda Kushaq doesn’t disappoint.
Its design language is a harmonious blend of robustness and elegance, a trait that’s becoming increasingly rare in the world of boxy SUVs.
The front fascia is dominated by Skoda’s signature butterfly grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the Kushaq a sharp, attentive look – as if it’s always ready for action.
Moving along the side, you’ll notice the strong character lines that run the length of the vehicle, creating a sense of motion even when it’s standing still.
The raised stance and roof rails add to its SUV credentials, while the alloy wheels (16-inch on lower variants, 17-inch on higher trims) fill out the wheel arches nicely, giving it a planted, confident posture.
At the rear, the LED taillights echo the design of the headlights, creating a cohesive look.
The faux diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler add a sporty touch, hinting at the Kushaq’s peppy performance.
But it’s not just about looks. The Kushaq’s design is functional too.
The high ground clearance (188mm) ensures it can tackle Indian roads with ease, while the compact dimensions (4,225mm length, 1,760mm width, 1,612mm height) make it perfect for navigating crowded city streets.
Skoda Kushaq Step Inside: A Cabin That Impresses
Open the door, and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its weight class.
The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls that strike a good balance between modern tech and ease of use.
The centerpiece is undoubtedly the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s crisp, responsive, and comes loaded with features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The screen is positioned high on the dashboard, making it easy to glance at while driving.
Skoda has paid attention to the little details that make a big difference in day-to-day use.
The steering wheel, for instance, is a two-spoke design that’s both stylish and functional, with well-placed controls for audio and cruise control.
The climate control system gets its own panel below the infotainment screen, with easy-to-use rotary dials – a thoughtful touch in an era where some manufacturers are burying these controls in touchscreen menus.
The seats deserve special mention. They’re well-bolstered and supportive, making long drives a comfortable affair. In higher trims, you even get ventilated front seats – a godsend in India’s hot climate.
The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, though three adults might find it a bit snug for long journeys.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. There are plenty of storage spaces scattered around the cabin, including a cooled glovebox.
The boot, at 385 liters, is generous for the segment and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Skoda Kushaq Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
Under the hood, the Kushaq offers two petrol engine options, both of which deliver spirited performance.
The base engine is a 1.0-liter TSI unit that produces 115PS of power and 178Nm of torque.
Don’t let its small displacement fool you – this turbocharged engine is peppy and responsive, perfect for city driving and highway cruising alike.
For those craving more power, there’s the 1.5-liter TSI engine, churning out a healthy 150PS and 250Nm of torque.
This engine transforms the Kushaq into a proper pocket rocket, capable of quick overtakes and effortless high-speed cruising.
Transmission options are plentiful. The 1.0 TSI comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the 1.5 TSI offers a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).
The DSG, in particular, is a joy to use, offering lightning-quick shifts that enhance the driving experience.
On the road, the Kushaq impresses with its dynamics. The steering is well-weighted and precise, offering good feedback.
The suspension setup strikes a fine balance between comfort and handling – it soaks up bumps and potholes with aplomb while keeping body roll in check during spirited cornering.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for Indian buyers, is competitive. The 1.0 TSI manual returns a claimed 17.88 km/l, while the 1.5 TSI manual manages 17.95 km/l.
Even the automatic variants offer respectable figures, with the 1.0 TSI AT claiming 15.78 km/l and the 1.5 TSI DSG promising 17.71 km/l.
Skoda Kushaq Safety: A Top Priority
In a market where safety is gaining increasing importance, the Kushaq stands tall.
It’s built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which has been specifically adapted for Indian conditions while maintaining global safety standards.
The safety feature list is comprehensive. All variants come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control as standard.
Higher trims get six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and hill-hold control.
The top-end variant even offers a multi-collision braking system, which automatically applies the brakes after a collision to prevent secondary impacts.
The Kushaq’s commitment to safety has been validated by Global NCAP, where it scored an impressive 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection.
This makes it one of the safest cars in its segment, offering peace of mind to families and enthusiasts alike.
Skoda Kushaq Technology and Features: Loaded to the Gills
Skoda has ensured that the Kushaq is well-equipped to meet the expectations of tech-savvy Indian consumers.
We’ve already mentioned the 10-inch infotainment system, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Kushaq comes with Skoda’s MySkoda Connect app, which offers features like geofencing, trip analysis, and remote vehicle status.
You can even remotely lock/unlock the car or turn on the air conditioning before you get in – handy features in India’s climate.
Other notable tech features include wireless smartphone charging, a sunroof, ambient lighting, and automatic headlamps and wipers.
The top-end variant gets an 8-inch virtual cockpit, which replaces traditional dials with a customizable digital display.
The sound system deserves a special mention. While the base variants get a decent 4-speaker setup, the top-end trim boasts a premium 6-speaker system with subwoofer, delivering rich, immersive audio.
Skoda Kushaq Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The Kushaq is available in three core trim levels: Active, Ambition, and Style. There’s also a Monte Carlo edition that adds some sporty visual touches and extra features.
Pricing starts at around ₹10.89 lakh for the base 1.0 TSI Active variant and goes up to ₹19.69 lakh for the top-end 1.5 TSI Style DSG (all prices ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Kushaq as a premium offering in the compact SUV segment, competing with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and even its cousin, the Volkswagen Taigun.
While it may seem pricey compared to some competitors, the Kushaq justifies its price tag with its build quality, feature list, and driving dynamics. It’s a car that feels a class above in many aspects.
Skoda Kushaq Ownership Experience: The Skoda Promise
Skoda has been working hard to shed its previous reputation for high maintenance costs and limited service network.
With the Kushaq, they’re offering a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, which can be extended up to 6 years/150,000 km. There’s also a 4-year roadside assistance package.
The company has also expanded its service network significantly, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. They’ve introduced mobile service units and are offering competitive service packages to make ownership hassle-free.
Skoda Kushaq Conclusion: A Worthy Contender
The Skoda Kushaq enters a crowded market, but it manages to carve out a niche for itself.
It’s a car that appeals to both the head and the heart – offering practicality and features for the family, while also catering to the enthusiast with its engaging driving dynamics.
Is it perfect? No car is. The pricing might be a bit steep for some, and the rear seat space, while adequate, isn’t class-leading. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a very compelling package.
The Kushaq represents Skoda’s understanding of the Indian market and their commitment to it. It’s a product that’s been designed and engineered specifically for India, yet it doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Instead, it feels like a global product that just happens to be perfect for Indian conditions.
For those in the market for a compact SUV that offers a premium experience, engaging performance, and peace of mind in terms of safety, the Skoda Kushaq deserves to be high on the consideration list.
It’s a car that proves that sometimes, the new kid on the block can indeed teach the old guard a thing or two.
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