Czech automaker, Skoda has officially announced that the upcoming Vision IN concept based SUV will be called the Kushaq. The Skoda Kushaq is the brand’s fourth SUV, joining the Karoq, Kodiaq and the Kamiq. It will be offered in petrol version only; however, the SUV could receive factory-fitted CNG version at a later stage.
1. Launch Timeline
Skoda will reveal the production version of the Kushaq SUV in the first quarter of 2021, most probably in January-February. The company has officially announced that the SUV will be launched in Summer, which is the second quarter (April-June).
2. Expected Price
Skoda is aiming to achieve close to 95 percent localisation levels, which should help the brand to price it competitively in the market. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 9.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
3. MQB AO IN platform
The Skoda Kushaq will be the first model to be based on the locally developed MQB AO IN platform. It is basically the Indianized version of the MQB AO platform, which underpins the global VW polo, T-Cross and the Virtus sedan. This platform is a low-cost variant of the VW Group’s MQB system. It is developed by Skoda Auto for use in India and specifically tailored to suit the tastes of Indian customers.
4. Longest Wheelbase In The Segment
The Skoda Kushaq mid-sized SUV rides on 2,671mm long wheelbase, which is the longest in its category. The long wheelbase will allow Skoda engineers to liberate extra room for the rear occupants. The concept was 4,256mm long and 1,589mm tall. It will have a ground clearance of around 190-200mm. The SUV is expected to feature 17-inch alloy wheels.
5. Engine Options
The Skoda Kushaq mid-sized SUV will be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 6MT and 6AT and a 1.5-litre TSI, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol with a 7-speed DSG automatic. While the former is good for 108bhp and 175Nm of torque, the 1.5L unit produces 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque.
6. Design Direction
The Skoda Kushaq features’ the brand’s signature design, which we have already seen on the Kamiq and Karoq SUVs. It comes with India-specific changes, featuring bolder and more upright front with signature chrome-embellished Skoda grille. The Kushaq SUV will have split projector headlamps with LED DRLs, angular bumper, larger air-intakes, plastic cladding all-around the body, and prominent roof rails. The SUV will receive factory-fitted sunroof, and L-shaped LED tail-lamps with horizontal reflectors form the typical C-shaped light cluster.
7. What’s Inside The Cabin
The Skoda Kushaq will offer premium and feature-loaded cabin. The SUV is likely to get a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. It will also offer connected car features. The concept had virtual cockpit and shift-by-wire technology. The production model will have digital instrument console, dual-zone climate control, multi-functional steering wheel, etc.
8. Competition
The Skoda Kushaq will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Kia Seltos. It will also challenge the entry-level variants of the MG Hector, Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass.
