Skoda Kushaq will compete against a host of mid-size SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and MG Hector
Skoda has been working on its transformation phase under the India 2.0 project as Volkswagen Group has invested more than 1 billion euros over the last three years. With improved aftersales support, the Czech Republican auto major concentrates on bringing out new products pertaining to the need of the modern-day customers and the first off the line will be the Kushaq mid-size SUV and it has made its global debut today.
The five-seater carries plenty of significance for the brand as it is the first model based on the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform, specifically developed for India. It will also spawn a Volkswagen cousin in the form of Taigun in the later stages of this calendar year. The Kushaq is the production version of the Vision IN concept showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Skoda conducted 1.5 million km of cumulative prototype testing with the Kushaq. It boasts the brand’s latest design cues followed in the global markets. Up front, the Skoda Kushaq comes with chromed grille in the signature Butterfly shape, split LED headlamp cluster, sharp LED Daytime Running Lights, busy bumper, wide central air inlet, front and rear skid plates.
Other styling highlights are roof rails, inverted L-shaped LED tail lamps, SKODA lettering on the tailgate, sporty-looking alloy wheels and so on. It is powered by a 1.0-litre inline three-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine that can also be found in the Rapid producing around 115 PS at 5,000-5,500 rpm and 175 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm. The top-spec variants use a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder TSI petrol engine developing 150 PS at 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 1,600-3,500 rpm as in the Karoq and T-Roc.
A six-speed manual transmission will be offered as standard in both the powertrain choices while a six-speed torque converter unit in the 1.0-litre petrol and a seven-speed DSG direct-shift automatic DQ200 in the 1.5-litre petrol will be retailed as an option. Skoda is also banking big on its Skoda Sound technology with a multi-speaker audio system to give a unique experience to the passengers onboard.
The interior is equipped with a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, My Skoda Connect, an all-digital instrument cluster, contrast highlights, multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, engine start-stop button, wireless charging facility, and vertical AC vents among others.
My Skoda Connect technology enables live tracking, trip analysis, along with features related to safety and security, while monitoring driving behaviour. The Kushaq will be sold in Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Black, Honey Orange and Tornado Red colour schemes.
