Skoda has finally confirmed its long-awaited SUV Kushaq, will be launched in India on June 28, 2021. Just ahead of launch, the automaker has confirmed that their mid-size offering will be available in three variants – Active, Ambition and Style. The Czech company also announced that there will be a choice of five colour options in the form of Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Honey Orange, Carbon Steel and Tornado Red. Wait there’s more. We now also have the official engine specs.
The Kushaq will come with two turbocharged petrol engines – a 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder unit while another will be a 1.5L, 4-cylinder option. The smaller capacity motor is said to deliver an output of 113bhp, while the larger one will churn out a max of 147bhp. There’s also an option of manual and automatic transmission on the new SUV. While both motors come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the other options include a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with the 1.0L petrol engine and 7-speed DSG automatic unit with the 1.5L engine.
Skoda Kushaq is based on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN architecture that also underpins its brother from another mother, the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun which will be launched later this year. The production-spec Skoda Kushaq was officially revealed earlier this year. However, it majorly looks the same as its concept showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The new SUV offering flaunts the typical Skoda design elements. On the front, there are robust-looking vertical slats inside the nose grille which is bordered by a shiny chrome housing. It is flanked by distinctive and aggressive-looking headlamps with angular LED DRLs. The hood has the familiar SUV like muscular character lines, as found on other Skoda cars. The front bumper has blacked-out elements and below it sits a colour skid plate pattern complementing its SUV-ish stance.
On the inside, the Skoda Kushaq offers a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and wireless MirrorLink. The SUV has also been packed with features such as a 7-speaker audio system, auto-dimming IRVM, two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, ventilated front leather seats, keyless entry, wireless charging and more.
Skoda has also packed in its upcoming SUV with a lot of safety features such as multiple airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, rearview camera, multi-collision brake, Isofix child seat anchorages and hill hold control.
Dimensionally, the new Skoda Kushaq measures 4,221mm in length, 1,760mm in width and 1,612mm in height wiht a wheelbase of 2,651mm. The SUV offers a cargo volume of 385-litres that can be further increased by folding the second row of seats.
Skoda Auto is expected to announce the prices of the new Kushaq during the launch event with deliveries probably commencing from July. Production of the model is already underway at the company’s Chakan based facility in Pune. With over 95% localization level we expect the Skoda Kushaq to be priced around Rs 9.50 lakh – Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).
