The Skoda Kushaq is a stylish and practical compact SUV designed for the Indian market, offering a blend of European design, robust performance, and modern features. Launched as part of Skoda’s India 2.0 project, the Kushaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which is specifically tailored to meet the needs of Indian buyers. With its striking design, turbocharged engines, and advanced technology, the Skoda Kushaq aims to compete with popular rivals in the compact SUV segment, such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon. Let’s dive into what makes the Skoda Kushaq a strong contender in the market and why it’s an appealing choice for SUV enthusiasts.
Design and Styling: Bold and Distinctive
The Skoda Kushaq brings a distinctive European touch to the compact SUV segment, with bold styling elements that make it stand out on the road. Its design reflects Skoda’s latest design language, characterized by sharp lines, a wide stance, and premium details.
Key Exterior Design Features:
- Signature Skoda Grille: The Kushaq features the brand’s signature butterfly grille with chrome surround, giving the SUV a bold and upscale look.
- LED Headlights with DRLs: The sleek LED headlights come with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs), adding to the SUV’s premium appearance and providing excellent visibility at night.
- Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels: The Kushaq rides on stylish dual-tone alloy wheels (16-inch or 17-inch, depending on the variant), which enhance its sporty character.
- Rugged Cladding and Roof Rails: The SUV comes with rugged body cladding and silver roof rails, adding a touch of toughness and adventure-ready appeal.
- Sharp LED Tail Lamps: The rear features sharply designed LED tail lamps with Skoda’s signature crystalline elements, giving the SUV a unique look from the back.
Dimensions and Space: Compact Yet Spacious
While the Skoda Kushaq falls into the compact SUV category, it makes excellent use of space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.
| Dimension | Specification |
| Length | 4,225 mm |
| Width | 1,760 mm |
| Height | 1,612 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm |
| Boot Space | 385 liters (expandable with rear seats folded) |
The generous wheelbase of 2,651 mm contributes to the spacious cabin, providing ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The high ground clearance of 188 mm ensures that the Kushaq can easily tackle rough roads and speed bumps, making it suitable for Indian driving conditions.
Engine Options and Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
The Skoda Kushaq offers two turbocharged petrol engine options, providing a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. Both engines deliver a peppy performance, making the SUV suitable for city driving and highway cruising.
Engine Variants and Performance Specifications:
1.0-Liter TSI Turbocharged Petrol Engine:
- Power Output: 115 PS (113 hp) and 178 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Mileage: Approximately 17-18 km/l, making it a fuel-efficient option in its segment.
1.5-Liter TSI Turbocharged Petrol Engine:
- Power Output: 150 PS (148 hp) and 250 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
- Mileage: Around 15-16 km/l, providing a balance between performance and efficiency.
- Active Cylinder Technology (ACT): The 1.5-liter engine features ACT, which deactivates two cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel efficiency.
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Driving Experience: Engaging and Comfortable
The Skoda Kushaq is designed to deliver an engaging driving experience, with its turbocharged engines providing ample power for spirited driving. The lightweight MQB-A0-IN platform, along with a well-tuned suspension setup, ensures a comfortable ride and stable handling.
Driving and Handling Features:
- Responsive Steering: The steering is well-weighted, offering precise control, whether driving in the city or on the highway.
- Suspension Setup: The suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and handling, absorbing bumps and rough patches while keeping body roll in check.
- Drive Modes: While the Kushaq does not offer selectable drive modes, the 1.5 TSI DSG variant provides a “Sport” mode for a more dynamic driving experience.
Interior and Features: Modern and Premium
The interior of the Skoda Kushaq is designed to provide a premium feel with high-quality materials, a clean dashboard layout, and a host of modern features that cater to the needs of tech-savvy buyers.
Interior Features and Highlights:
- Touchscreen Infotainment System: The Kushaq is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless connectivity.
- Virtual Cockpit (Digital Instrument Cluster): The digital instrument cluster displays essential information in a customizable layout, enhancing the driving experience.
- Automatic Climate Control: The Kushaq comes with automatic climate control with touch-sensitive controls, offering convenience and a modern touch.
- Ventilated Front Seats: Higher variants offer ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, ensuring comfort during hot weather.
- Sunroof: The SUV features an electric sunroof that adds to the airy feel of the cabin, making the driving experience more enjoyable.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Comprehensive Protection
The Skoda Kushaq places a strong emphasis on safety, with a robust suite of safety features and driver assistance systems designed to protect occupants.
Safety Features in the Skoda Kushaq:
- 6 Airbags: The SUV is equipped with six airbags, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags, providing protection for all occupants.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC is standard across all variants, ensuring that the vehicle maintains stability during sudden maneuvers.
- Hill Hold Control: This feature prevents the vehicle from rolling back on an incline, adding safety during hill starts.
- Multi-Collision Braking: In the event of a collision, the system automatically applies the brakes to prevent further impacts.
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: The Kushaq is equipped with rear parking sensors and a rearview camera to assist with parking.
Comparisons with Competitors
The Skoda Kushaq competes with other popular compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon. Here’s how it compares to its rivals:
- Hyundai Creta: The Creta offers a wider range of engine options, including diesel, but the Kushaq’s turbocharged petrol engines deliver a more engaging driving experience. The Kushaq also boasts superior build quality and a premium feel.
- Kia Seltos: The Seltos is known for its feature-rich cabin, but the Kushaq’s interior quality and driving dynamics give it an edge in terms of driving pleasure.
- Tata Nexon: The Nexon is more affordable and offers a diesel option, but the Kushaq’s more refined cabin, better ride quality, and European design language make it a more premium choice.
Why Choose the Skoda Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq stands out in the compact SUV segment for several reasons, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and feature-packed vehicle. Here are the key reasons why the Kushaq might be the right SUV for you:
- Turbocharged Performance: Both the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engines deliver spirited performance, catering to different driving preferences while providing good fuel efficiency.
- Premium Build Quality: The Kushaq’s European build quality and high-grade materials give it a premium feel that is a cut above some competitors.
- Advanced Safety Features: With six airbags, ESC, and other safety features, the Kushaq provides comprehensive protection for occupants.
- Spacious and Practical Interior: The Kushaq’s roomy cabin and practical features, such as ventilated seats and ample storage space, make it suitable for families.
- Modern Technology and Connectivity: The touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, and digital instrument cluster ensure that the Kushaq stays ahead in terms of tech features.
The Skoda Kushaq successfully brings a blend of European style, robust performance, and premium features to the compact SUV segment. It caters to those who prioritize driving pleasure, build quality, and a modern feature set while offering the practicality needed for everyday use. With its turbocharged engines, engaging driving dynamics, and spacious cabin, the Kushaq proves to be more than just a good-looking SUV – it’s also a well-rounded and capable vehicle.