Skoda has officially revealed the India-spec Kushaq mid-sized SUV, which is scheduled to be launched in June-July 2021. The company has announced that the bookings for the new Skoda Kushaq will begin from June 2021, while deliveries are expected in July 2021. The new model will be the first made-for-India Skoda.
1. MQB AO IN platform
The new mid-sized SUV is designed and developed on the new locally developed VW Group’s MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin the Volkswagen Taigun. A total of 4 new products will be launched based on this platform by March 2022. This is basically the Indianized version of the MQB AO platform, which underpins the global-spec VW T-Cross, Virtus, Polo and the Skoda Kamiq.
2. Five Colors
The new Skoda Kushaq will be offered in 5 exterior colour options – Honey Orange, Tornado Red, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel and Candy White.
3. Two Petrol Engines
The Skoda Kushaq will come with two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged. While the former is capable of producing 113bhp and 175Nm of torque, the 1.5L engine churns out 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission options 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.
4. Longest Wheelbase – Dimensions
In terms of proportions, the Skoda Kushaq is 4,221mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,612mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2651mm. The SUV’s direct rivals – the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta rides on 2,610mm of wheelbase. The SUV offers a boot space of 385-litres, which can be extended by folding the second row of seats. It will come with 3 wheel options – 16-inch steel with Lhotse full wheel covers, 16-inch alloy wheels and 17-inch Atlas two-tone alloys.
5. Three Trim Levels
The Skoda Kushaq mid-sized SUV will be offered in three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style. The top-spec trim is likely to be restricted for the 1.5L petrol engine. More details will come around the launch.
6. Expected Price & Competition
Skoda claims to have achieved close to 95% localisation levels, which will help the company to price the new mid-sized SUV competitively. The new Skoda Kushaq is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 9.5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh. The SUV will direct rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks.
7. Key Features
In terms of features, the Skoda Kushaq will come equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and Wireless MirrorLink. The SUV also gets auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front leather seats, keyless entry, wireless charging, factory-fitted sunroof, LED projector headlamps, LED tail-lamps and others.
8. Design Details
The Skoda Kushaq comes with a wide signature grille, flanked a sharply designed two-part projector headlamps. The SUV gets angular bumper design, featuring large air intakes and rugged skid plate. The Kushaq features a roof-integrated spoiler, and a rugged rear diffuser in the bumper. There is a signature crystalline structures for the tail-lamps, while SKODA lettering will be added on the tailgate. The SUV features 17-inch alloys wheels, body plastic cladding, ORVMs with integrated blinkers and roof rails.
9. Safety Features
The new Skoda Kushaq will be equipped with several active and passive safety features. It gets Hill hold control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags, ISOFIX and top tether anchor points. The Kushaq features ESC (Electronic Stability Control), multi-collision brake, ABS with EBD, etc.
10. Simply Clever Features
The SUV comes with several simply clever features such as non-slip base in the cup holders, ticket holder on the A-pillar, the bag hooks in the boot, and smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks. Adding to it, the SUV also gets the Phone Box in the front, in which a smartphone can be charged inductively.
Video – Skoda Kushaq First Look
