Skoda Kushaq is the latest entrant in the mid-size SUV segment. Prices of the SUV start at Rs 10.49 lakh for the entry-level 1.0L TSI turbo Active variant and go up to Rs 17.59 lakh for the top-end 1.5L TSI turbo Style AT model. In this price range, the Kushaq takes head-to-head against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. During its launch, the carmaker has confirmed that it aims to sell 30,000 units including 21,000 units of its new mid-size SUV in 2021. The company expects to retail 60,000 units in 2022. Skoda might also bring in the Kushaq Monte Carlo Edition in near future.
The Monte Carlo Edition will be introduced as a new top-end variant of the Kushaq SUV. It’s likely to be offered with some extra goodies such as a digital instrument panel and sporty leather seats with contrast stitching. On the exterior, it might get contrast black treatment on the grille, newly-designed alloy wheels and chrome touches similar to the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo. Though, the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo edition could be exclusively offered with the more powerful 150bhp, 1.5L TSI turbocharged petrol engine.
The Kushaq is Skoda’s first vehicle to be designed on the localised MQB A0 IN platform. It comes with two turbocharged petrol engines – 1.0L, 3-cylinder and 1.5L, 4-cylinder. While the former makes 115bhp with178Nm, the latter is good for 150bhp and 250Nm. Both motors are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI gasoline units can also be had with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission respectively. Read: Skoda Kushaq Vs Creta Vs Seltos – Prices, Features
Skoda claims that the 1.0L TSI engine is capable to achieve 0 to 100kmph in 10.6 seconds in manual and 11.7 seconds in automatic form. The 1.5L TSI, which has been boosted with cylinder deactivation technology, can accelerate 0 to 100kmhp in 8.6 seconds with both gearboxes.
