The much-awaited Skoda Vision IN based mid-sized SUV will be called “Skoda KUSHAQ” in the Indian market. It is the first vehicle designed and developed under the VW Group’s ‘India 2.0’ project, which is headed by Skoda Auto India. The Skoda Kushaq name derives from an ancient language of the Indian subcontinent, Sanskrit, the KUSHAK refers to ‘KING’ or ‘EMPEROR’.
The Skoda Kushaq is the latest model to join the Skoda Auto SUV line-up, which comprises of Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq. It will be based on the locally developed MQB AO IN modular platform, which also underpins the Volkswagen Taigun mid-sized SUV, a new Skoda sedan (Rapid replacement) and the next-gen Vento sedan. This platform will be used to develop India-specific products, which will be introduced in the next 18 months.
Skoda has also released the teaser image, which previews the silhouette of the Kushaq SUV. The SUV was first unveiled as the VISION IN concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. The production version of the SUV is scheduled to be unveiled in January 2021, while launch is expected in March-April 2021. It is expected to be priced around Rs 9.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. The SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.
The Skoda Kushaq mid-sized SUV will retain most of the styling cues including sharp lines and aggressive creases from the Vision IN concept. It will have signature high-set butterful grille and high-set fog lamps. Several design elements will be shared with the bigger SUVs including the Kodiaq and the Karoq. The SUV will have split projector headlamps, three-slot skid plate, prominent roof-rails, crystal-like LED tail-lights, etc.
The Skoda Kushaq will measure around 4.25 meters in length; however, it will ride on the segment-largest 2,671mm wheelbase. The long wheelbase will help Skoda to create more space inside the cabin. The production version of the SUV will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The new Kushaq will come with high-end comfort and convenience features. It will come with a large 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with voice recognition. The SUV will have 10.25-inch fully digital instrument console, connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, automatic AC, multi-functional steering wheel, etc.
The Skoda Kushaq 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 108bhp of power and 175Nm of torque, the 1.5L engine churns out 148bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic (1.5L Turbo-Petrol Only).
