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The much awaited Skoda Kushaq has finally been launched in India. Based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, engine options on the new Skoda Kushaq will include a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, as well as a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. A six-speed manual unit will be standard, while a six-speed automatic unit and a seven-speed DSG unit will be offered with the 1.0-TSI and 1.5-TSI versions respectively. The Kushaq will be available in three variants, the entry level ‘Active’, the mid-range ‘Ambition’ and the range topping Style. Prices start at ₹10.49 lakh for the base trim and go up to ₹17.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Kushaq’s design is in-line with Skoda’s larger SUVs. It gets the brand’s signature butterfly grille flanked by sleek headlamps with integrated DRLs and plenty of cuts and creases along the body. At the rear, it gets a roof mounted spoiler, a faux diffuser and large wrap-around LED tail-lamps. Not to mention the individually spelt out Skoda badge. The Kushaq will be available in a choice of three variants – Active, Ambition and Style. The Active and Ambition variants come with 16-inch steel wheels, whereas the Style variant gets two-tone 17-inch alloys as standard. Apart from the Candy White, metallic Reflex Silver and metallic Carbon Steel colour finishes, there two colours that are available exclusively for Indian markets, namely Tornado Red and Honey Orange
The Kushaq measures 4225mm in length, 1760mm in width and 1612mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2651mm, and a 385-litre boot that can expand up to 1405 litres.
On the inside, the Kushaq will come equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen (7-inches on Active) infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, a two-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and a cooled glovebox. On the safety front, the Kushaq gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold control, traction control, and multi-collision brake assist. The top-end Style variant will additionally offer an electric sunroof. The two-spoke steering wheel is standard across all variants except that it is upholstered in leather on the Ambition and Style variants. The Skoda Kushaq gets an abundance of storage pockets sprinkled across different spots, from the 6.1-litre glovebox, a 2.2-litre jumbo box in the centre console and plenty of cubby holes in the doors. Chrome and leather treatment is seen in plenty in the Style variant which even gets ventilated leather seats as standard. The Kushaq comes standard with a premium six-speaker surround sound system. The Style variant adds in a separate amplifier and a subwoofer that Skoda says is tucked into the boot.
The Kushaq will be available with a three-cylinder 1-litre TSI engine producing 109bhp and 175Nm of torque, and a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre TSI engine producing 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both engines will be available with a 6-speed manual as standard, while the 1-litre will get the option of a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and the 1.5-litre unit will get the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic. What isn't available though is a diesel engine. Both automatic variants also come with steering mounted paddle shifters. It's worth mentioning here that the Active can only be had with the 1.0 TSI with the manual gearbox, the Ambition gets the 1.0 TSI with manual and auto while the Style can he had with all drivetrains – the 1.0 TSI with both transmissions, and the 1.5 TSI with both transmissions.
Read our review of the Skoda Kushaq here, to see if it delivers in the #ThrillOfDriving department!
The Skoda Kushaq’s primary rivals is the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and its sister car the Volkswagen Taigun, which will arrive in a few months. The Kushaq sits right bang in the middle when it comes to features and pricing. It’s only demerit is the unavailability of a diesel engine. It is also a bit smaller when compared to rivals like the Tata Harrier and the MG Hector.
Here are the variant-wise ex-showroom prices of the 2021 Skoda Kushaq:
Active 1.0 TSI MT - ₹10.49 lakh
Ambition 1.0 TSI MT - ₹12.79 lakh
Ambition 1.0 TSI AT - ₹14.19 lakh
Style 1.0 TSI MT - ₹14.59 lakh
Style 1.0 TSI AT - ₹15.79 lakh
Style 1.5 TSI MT - ₹16.19 lakh
Style 1.5 TSI DSG - ₹17.59 lakh
