Skoda Kushaq compact SUV

Skoda is a brand that has a history of more than 125 years as a car manufacturer. The Czech brand was quite a popular brand in central and Eastern Europe but did not have a global reach until Volkswagen group acquired Skoda in 1991, which helped them to expand beyond Europe. With the Volkswagen acquisition, they reached more than 100 countries, making them a global Automaker.

Skoda launched its first car in India (Octavia) in 2002. The car was an instant success as it was good-looking, powerful, and feature-packed compared to other cars sold in India those days. Skoda sold 44000 cars in the first year of its launch. Later on, they added many cars to their portfolio like Fabia, Rapid, Laura, superb, Yetti, etc. Skoda motors are now 19years old in India and had tasted success and failures. One of the things that have been a concern for Skoda has been the poor after-sales service and cost of parts. Skoda has recently expanded its service network and hopefully sort out all the things going against them.

Skoda is now planning to enter the compact SUV segment which is one of the most competitive segments in India, with the Skoda Kushaq. The car has gained a lot of buzz already. The design of the car and interior looks stunning and will give the competitors a run for their money. However, it won’t be easy to capture the market as they are going to rival the likes of Creta and Seltos which are already established and are market leaders.

Few things about the Skoda Kushaq

The all-new Skoda Kushaq is based on the new MQB-A0-IN platform. This is a localised version of the Volkswagen Groups MQB platform. This platform was developed by Skoda exclusively for the Indian market. This has caused 95 percent localisation of the components, which will help them to price the Kushaq aggressively. Volkswagen is also set to launch its version of the Skoda Kushaq the Taigun based on the same platform which will have a lot in common.

Dimensions of Kushaq vs Creta vs Seltos

Model Skoda Kushaq Hyundai Creta Kia Seltos

Length 4225mm 4300mm 4315mm

Width 1760mm 1790mm 1800mm

Height 1612mm 1635mm 1645mm

Wheelbase 2651mm 2610mm 2610mm

Comparing the dimensions, Skoda is smaller in terms of length, width, and height while it has more wheelbase than the competitors.

Safety Features

Skoda is always known for offering more safety features compared to the competitors right from the base model. Kushaq will offer safety features like dual airbags, ESC, a three-point seatbelt for all 5 passengers, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard even on the base model. Other optional features include Hill Hold Control, Tyre pressure monitoring, and 6 Airbags.

Engine options

Skoda is currently not planning to offer any Diesel engine on the Kushaq. There will be 2 petrol engine options, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol Engine making 113 bhp and a 4 cylinder 1.5 -litre engine making 147 bhp. A six-speed manual gearbox will be provided as standard with both the engines in addition a 6-speed torque converter will be on offer for the 1.0 -litre engine and a 7 speed DSG for the 1.5-litre engine.

Interior Features

The Kushaq will get a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple car play, Android Auto, and also a wireless MirrorLink system, it will also feature ventilated seats, rear AC vents, Multi-information display (MID) instrument console, Cruise control, Ambient lighting, a seven-speaker music system, new two-spoke steering wheel, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, steering mounted controls and wireless charger, etc. on the top-spec trim.

Kushaq is expected to be priced between 10 to 16 lakh ( ex-showroom).