Skoda has finally unveiled the Kushaq in a world premiere today revealing the much-anticipated SUV in the production avatar. The Kushaq is based on the Vision IN concept study showcased at the 15th edition of the Auto Expo 2020 in Delhi. The SUV is part of the Volkswagen Group’s INDIA 2.0 project spearheaded by Skoda Auto in India and the Kushaq is the first product under the initiative.
Nomenclature & Platform
The ‘Kushaq’ moniker comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and it means King or Emperor. According to Skoda Auto, the name Kushaq echoes with the brand’s 125 years of heritage and personifies the SUVs powerful stance. Underpinning the Kushaq SUV is the MQB-A0-IN platform which is the Indianised version of the MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) or Modular Transverse Matrix platform. Thanks to the MQB-A0-IN the Kushaq measures 4225mm in length, 1760mm in width, 1612mm in height and a wheelbase that measures 2,651 mm, offering generous amounts of space inside the cabin as well as 385-litre of boot space for the luggage. The brand has revealed that the Group’s Chakan production line has been retooled to accommodate the Skoda Kushaq and the brand targets 95% localization.
Design & Styling
The Skoda Kushaq SUV features the brand crystalline design language inspired by India and the Czech Republic. According to the brand the Skoda Kushaq is Made for the World, Inspired by India’. The hallmark Skoda grille in the butterfly shape, an upright fascia with vertical slats on the grille giving the SUV a butch look from the front, geometric elements on the front bumper, sleek headlamp units and new generation Skoda design taillamps, a clamshell-style bonnet, muscular wheel arches, chrome window line, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, tailgate integrated spoiler, multispoke alloy wheels, and five exterior paint options etc.
Features
The Skoda Kushaq comes with features such as all Skoda Four-Eyed LED headlamp setup, wraparound LED tail lamps with crystalline effect, a panoramic sunroof, 16/17-inch alloy wheels, etc. On the inside, the Kushqq features a 10-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration and the brand’s latest-generation MySkoda Connect telematics, automatic climate control, Skoda two spoke steering with controls, ambient lighting system, ventilated front seats, cooled glove box, Skoda sound six-speaker sound system with an additional sub-woofer located in the spare wheel well to optimise space.
Powertrain
Powering the Kushaq is a 1.0-litre Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) turbo-petrol engine that produces 115 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque. Another 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine that makes 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The engine comes with a front-wheel-drive architecture and the SUV gets three transmission options – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed DSG. According to Skoda, both powertrains offer a balance between performance and efficiency.
Safety
The Skoda Kushaq SUV will come with a thorough active and passive safety net including ESC (Electronic Stability Control) as standard with all trims which is a segment-first in the Indian market, hill hold control and tyre pressure monitoring system as optional extras, ISOFIX and top tether mounts as standard for safest possible child anchorages. The occupants also get up to six airbags, the additional option of front side airbags and curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts on all seats including the middle seat on the second row as well as all height-adjustable headrests on all seats. The Kushaq also features driver assistance systems such as rain sensors that wipe the windscreen automatically, light sensors that automatically switch on the headlamps. The car also gets rear parking sensors as standard and higher-spec variants come with a rearview camera as well.
Launch Timeline
The Skoda Kushaq will make its debut in the Indian market after the market launch of the new-generation Skoda Octavia.
