Skoda has officially announced the start of production of the Kushaq mid-sized SUV at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) plant in Chakan, Pune. Dealers have already started accepting pre-bookings for the Skoda Kushaq ahead of its launch in the end of June 2021. Skoda has officially announced that the deliveries for the Kushaq will commence in July 2021.
The Skoda Kushaq is the first model based on the MQB AO IN, a variant of the modular MQB AO platform, which is designed and developed for the Indian and global markets. This platform will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda mid-sized sedan and the upcoming new-gen Volkswagen Vento/Virtus. The company claims to have achieve localisation levels up to 95 per cent, which suggests aggressive pricing for the new model.
The Skoda Kushaq is expected to be priced between Rs 9.5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh. It will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. In terms of proportions, the new Kushaq is 4,221mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,612mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,651mm. It offers a boot space of 385-litres, which can be extended by folding the second row of seats.
The mid-sized SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol. While the former is good for 113bhp of power and 175Nm of torque, the 1.5L engine churns out 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic (1.0L only) and a 7-speed DSG automatic with 1.5L petrol.
The new Skoda Kushaq will be offered in 5 exterior colour options – Honey Orange, Tornado Red, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel and Candy White. The SUV will be offered in 3 trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style. Design highlights include Skoda’s signature grille, sleek LED headlamps, a faux diffuser on the rear bumper, a roof-mounted spoiler, a large wrap-around LED tail-lamps, 17-inch alloys.
In terms of features, the new Skoda Kushaq gets a free-standing 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and Wireless MirrorLink, and auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, keyless entry, wireless charging, electrically foldable & adjustable ORVMs with integrated LED blinkers,, electric sunroof, etc.
