Usually, we don’t get all hyped up for Mondays, but then, today’s no usual Monday. Why? Well, Skoda has finally launched its most-awaited, budget segment compact SUV, KUSHAQ. The Czech brand says the ‘Kushaq’ name has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kushak’, which means a ‘King’ or an ‘Emperor’.
The brand new offering will be available in three variants – Active, Ambition and Style. The automaker has opened the bookings of the Kushaq SUV, starting today, with the deliveries commencing July 12, 2021. But before you rush to your nearest Skoda showroom, let us take you through all the details first.
Skoda Kushaq is based on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN architecture that also underpins its brother from another mother, the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun, set to 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 is the signature butterfly grille with robust-looking vertical slats inside it. The whole nose grille 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 back there are the integrated rear spoiler and the wraparound LED tail lamps. Moreover, the stylish-looking 17-inch alloy wheels and silver-coloured roof rails complete its bold upright muscular stance.
On the inside, the Skoda Kushaq offers a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay with 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, keyless entry, and more. Other features like cruise control, ambient lighting, wireless charging, front ventilated seats and a cooled glovebox add to that premium cabin experience.
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 delivers an output of 115bhp with 178Nm of torque, while the larger one churns out a max of 150bhp and 250Nm of torque. The SUV comes with an option of manual and automatic transmission. 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 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 4,225mm in length, 1,760mm in width and 1,612mm in height with 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. The Czech company also announced that the mid-size SUV comes in a choice of five colour options in the form of Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Honey Orange, Carbon Steel and Tornado Red.
The Kushaq comes with 4 Years / 1,00,000 km warranty, which is further extendable up to 6 years / 1,50,000 km. Additionally, it gets the company’s India-developed “MyŠKODA Connect” that assists the owner with real-time car tracking, driving behavior analysis, trip analysis, and insights, and also helps in case of an emergency with features like Roadside assistance and SOS.
The Kushaq is Skoda’s first made-in-India SUV. Production of the model is already underway at the company’s Chakan based facility in Pune. With over 95% localization level, the Skoda Kushaq prices starts at Rs 10,49,999. It will compete against the like of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks along with MG Hector and Tata Harrier.
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