The Skoda Kushaq is arguably one of the most exciting and important new car launches coming up this year. Earlier last week, Skoda confirmed the launch date for the Kushaq in India to be on June 28, 2021. Bookings for the compact SUV will commence on the same day. The Czech carmaker has now shared information on the delivery timeline of the Kushaq across India. As is known, the Kushaq will be available with two engine options - 1.0L and 1.5L TSI petrol engines. Deliveries for the Kushaq 1.0L TSI will start begin by July 12, while deliveries for the more expensive 1.5L TSI variants will only begin by the end of July 2021.
Skoda Kushaq - Exterior Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Kushaq is obviously its design. Skoda has taken a very sophisticated approach for the styling of the Kushaq. The sharp lines and creases and the bold detailing on the Kushaq give it a very handsome and European look. The face is characterized by a prominent and wide Skoda butterfly grille, flanked by a split-headlamp setup on either side. The Kushaq comes wearing heavy body cladding all around, and the rugged-looking skid plates on the front and rear bumper further add to its SUV-appeal. It looks quite butch and truly SUV-ish with its upright bonnet and flared wheel arches.
A couple of weeks ago, Skoda commenced production of the Kushaq in India at their plant in Chakan near Pune.Also Read : No Sunroof Option on New Gen Skoda Octavia
Skoda Kushaq - Interior and Features
ArrayOn the inside, the Kushaq comes with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that takes center stage on the dashboard. The cabin boasts of a dual-tone black-and-white color scheme with a gloss-black finish on several surfaces, adding some visual drama. The other most notable thing about the Kushaq's interior is its two-spoke steering wheel that seems to be a straight lift from the 2021 Superb. Some of the highlight features on the Kushaq include ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, six speakers and a 50w subwoofer, wireless Smartlink, electric sunroof, touch-based climate controls, my Skoda connect app and much more.
The interior of the Skoda Kushaq feels very premium and is quite well equipped.
Skoda Kushaq - Powertrain Options
As already mentioned, the Kushaq will be offered with two petrol engine options in India. VW Group's 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine will be the mainstay on the Kushaq and it produces 115PS of power and 175Nm of torque. This engine will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Skoda will also be offering a larger 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine that will come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. This engine produces 150PS and 250Nm of peak torque. This is the same engine that does duty on the Karoq and the VW T-Roc. Both of these engines are now being locally manufactured in India. There will however be no diesel engine on offer.
With strong TSI engines under its hood and expected good dynamics, the Skoda Kushaq should be great fun to drive.
Skoda Kushaq - Expected Price and Rivals
Being based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the Skoda Kushaq will be sharing its underpinning with the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun, which will also be its arch rival. It will also take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Due to heavy localization and sharing of essential components with other models, Skoda should be able to position the Kushaq very aggressively in the market. It is understood that Skoda will offer the Kushaq in three trims at launch - Active, Ambition and Style - with a special Monte Carlo trim following much later. We expect the prices to range between INR 11-17 lakh (ex-showroom).
Read More: Skoda Kushaq Colour Options Detailed In New Images
