Skoda Kushaq An In-depth Look

Skoda Kushaq is the bestseller compact SUV in India, attractive because of its robust build, sharp design, and advanced technology. It is explicitly of Czech origin, from Skoda Auto. The car has been created for the needs and preferences of Indian users, within the Indian market. Although this SUV is compact, it is full of features. Well, it promises good performance with comfort and safety. Below is the detailed Skoda Kushaq review.

Skoda Kushaq Overview :

Launched in India in March 2021 under the India 2.0 project for Skoda, the Kushaq is a compact SUV developed on the MQB-A0-IN platform belonging to the Volkswagen Group specifically for emerging markets. It embodies typical European design aesthetics and brings in certain design features that an Indian consumer might value. Very boldly styled, decently powered, and equipped with an extensive safety package, it ventures into the extremely combative market of compact SUVs.

Key Highlights :

Segment : Compact SUV
Engine Options : 1.0-liter TSI Petrol and 1.5-liter TSI Petrol
Transmission : Manual and Automatic (DSG)
Seating Capacity : It is five – seater.
Safety Features : It has Six airbags, ESC, hill-hold control, ABS, and then some.
Mileage : Claimed for the 1.0 TSI variant is 17.88 kmpl
Price : Begins at around ₹10.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Exterior Design :

The Skoda Kushaq makes its presence felt on the road. The bold and dynamic exterior design fuses some rugged elements with Skoda’s design language. LED headlights and LED DRLs flank that butterfly grille from Skoda, while sharp in their appearance. A chrome outline to this grille uplifts premium perceptions.

Key Exterior Features :

LED Headlamps : Visibility at night is extremely good with the LED headlamps. At the same time, they make the car look even more premium.
LED DRLs and Taillights : The LED daytime running lights and sleek LED taillights provide a modern and sophisticated touch to the SUV.
Roof Rails : Sporty-look silver-finished roof rails are coming on the Kushaq.
Bold Skoda Badging : At the car’s rear, the name Skoda sits proudly across the tailgate.
16 or 17-inch Alloy Wheels : Base trims have 16-inch alloy wheels, and the high-end adorns stylish 17-inch alloys.

Sharp lines and creases run longitudinally along the sides of the Kushaq, creating its muscular look. Here is an SUV with a ground clearance of 188 mm, very good for Indian road clearance and also for rough terrain.

Interior and Comfort :

The Skoda Kushaq offers roomy, well-designed interiors that feel premium. It uses high-quality material and mixes the cabin with soft-touch surfaces and chrome accents. The dual-tone design of the dashboard and ambient lighting make the interior attractive.

Seating and Space :

Spacious, Comfortable Seats : The front and rear seats are spacious with good legroom and headroom.
Height Adjustable Driver Seat : The height of the driver seat is adjustable so that proper driving position can be achieved.
Rear AC Vents : The rear ACvent is intended for the convenience of rear travellers.
Enough Storage : The Kushaq has a lot of storage space which includes a cooled glovebox, a couple of bottle holders, and a good boot of about 385 liters.

Infotainment and Features :

The Skoda Kushaq is packed with tech features for technophiles to ensure that every drive to. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes on the top-end variant and supports Android Auto. The interface is friendly and it has a quick touch response.

Other Features of Notice :

Skoda Connect : Real-time vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, and a remote lock facility are some features of Skoda’s connected car technology.
Wireless charging System : The Kushaq comes equipped with a wireless charging pad, which is fairly useful for contemporary smartphone users.
Steering Mounted control : With this, the driver can access varied functions without removing his/her hands from the steering wheel.
High-End Audio Premium Quality : A six-speaker system is added to higher variants to provide the best possible experience when it comes to music.
Auto HVAC : This does the job of automatically keeping the cabin at a predefined comfortable temperature.

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Engine and Performance :

The Skoda Kushaq will go on sale in the market with a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines – a 1.0 TSI and a 1.5 TSI unit. Both of them should be known for a nice balance between performance and efficiency.

1.0-Litre TSI Engine :

Power Output : 115 PS
Torque : 178 Nm
Transmission : 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
Fuel Efficiency : Around 17.88 kmpl

1.0-liter Engine is good for the city. It gives a balance between performance and the fuel average. It responds well and provides enough power for normal driving requirements.

1.5L TSI Engine :

Power Output : 150 PS
Torque : 250 Nm
Transmission : 6-speed manual / 7-speed DSG automatic
Fuel Efficiency : 18.47 kmpl (est. certified WLTP, with ACT)

In its higher variants, it comes with a 1.5-liter engine that ensures powerful driving. Equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) that closes two of its cylinders in light-load driving, the feature makes the engine fuel-efficient. This can be the right engine for those who want a little more action from their drive.

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Ride and Handling :

The platform underneath is MQB-A0-IN — it gives it great balance and stability at speed. The suspension setup has been localised for our road conditions, nice and soft to swallow all the bumps and potholes. The steering is light enough for parking ease in the city. It feels stable at higher speeds on the highway.

Braking System :

The Kushaq is equipped with a strong braking system by Skoda. It comes fitted with disc brakes at the front and drum units at the rear. In higher trims, it also gets an electronic stability control system which will further enhance the stability of the car.

Safety Features of the Car :

In the Kushaq, Skoda keeps a keen eye on safety features. And it gets many in number, advanced safety features fitted to the SUV which collectively make it one of the topmost safest choices within its segment. Key safety features in which they can be listed:

Six Airbags : Available in the higher trim levels, they offer the benefit of providing protection to both sets of passengers- be it the front row occupants or those seated at the rear.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) : ESC is standard for all. With such a feature, the skidding of the car is avoided assisting in gaining control of the vehicle.
Hill-Hold Control : This would help to prevent the car from rolling back on the slope hence making it easy during starts on an incline.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) : Helps to avoid wheel locking and thus prevents skidding during hard braking.
Traction Control System (TCS) : To avoid having a loss of traction with the vehicle over slippery surfaces.
Multi-Collision Braking : Automatic emergency braking Multi Collision. If the driver is unable to move after a crash, the system will automatically apply brakes to prevent second and more collisions.
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage Points : These are used to securely and easily affix child seating/seat belts.

Fuel Efficiency :

For Indian customers, the prime concern while choosing their set of wheels is fuel efficiency, and the Skoda Kushaq stands high here too. The 1.0-litre TSI version returns 17.88 kmpl, while with ACT, the 1.5-litre TSI gives you 18.47 kmpl. These numbers are good and fairly competitive in the compact SUV segment.

Variants and Price

The Skoda Kushaq is available in three main trims :

Active : An entry-level trim with essential features.
Ambition : Mid-range trim with added features like LED DRLs, Touchscreen Infotainment, among Others, and More Safety Features.
Style : Top-end trim with all features, including Wireless Charging, a 10-inch Infotainment Screen, and Six Airbags.

The Kushaq will be priced around ₹10.89 lakh onward and the top variant would be priced at about ₹18 lakh. The pricing of the Kushaq is very competitive after all the features it offers.

Advantages and Disadvantages (Pros and Cons) :

Advantages (Pros) :

Good Build Quality : The Kushaq appears strong and has a premium build.
Potent Engines : Both options come with good potential in terms of power and economy.
Advanced Safety Features : Very safe, with six airbags ESC, multi-collision braking.
Promising Fuel Efficiency : ACT in the 1.5L engine will better fuel economy.
The Interior Space : Legroom and headroom are what the Kushaq will offer.

Disadvantages (Cons) :

No Diesel Engine : People have their own reasons to prefer diesel engines, but the most important fact about Skoda Kushaq is that it is available in only the petrol version.
Limited Boot Space : The boot space is admittedly smaller in comparison with some rivals.
Premium Pricing for Top Variants : The pricing of the top-end variant would be pegged on the higher side as compared to peers, particularly when others are offering similar features at slightly lower price points.
Limited After-Sales Network : In smaller cities and rural areas, the scarcity of service centers compared to other more popular brands could be a possible inhibiting factor for buyers.

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Comparison with Rivals :

The compact SUV segment is home to numerous established nameplates and Skoda Kushaq goes up against them all! The Venue’s rivals are as follows:

Hyundai Creta : Which is perhaps the most well-known SUV in this segment — The Creta has slightly more sluggish engines. It is available with more engine choices. In fact, it comes with a diesel variant too. Its boot space is slightly bigger than that of the Kushaq. However, it is the European styling, powerful engines, and build quality that set this Skoda apart from the competition.
Kia Seltos : Similar to Hundai, Kushaq misses on this 1.5-liter diesel powertrain as well from Kia The Seltos delivers more kit in the higher variants, too (heads-up display and BOSE sound system), but it’s only where you talk about safety features and driving dynamics that the Kushaq is genuinely exciting.
MG Astor :The MG Astor is known for its technology features. It has, of course, an AI-enhanced personal assistant. In contrast, the Skoda Kushaq is the better car to drive and gets more upmarket quality.
Volkswagen Taigun : The Taigun is based on the same platform and engine same as the Kushaq. The driving experience is also similar in both vehicles, along with the safety features. We can safely say that the choice between them usually boils down to brand preference and design (the Taigun gets a slightly different exterior).

Customer Reviews and Feedback :

The Kushaq users and automotive reviewers have appreciated the Skoda offering so far. Many appreciate its European design, sturdy structure, and safety features. Other highlights include the powerful and frugal 1.5-liter TSI engine with Active Cylinder technology. Nonetheless, a few gave demerits for the absence of diesel options and limited service outlets.

Maintenance and Services :

Skoda has made efforts to improve its service experience and now offers multiple packages of after-sales maintenance for the Kushaq. The brand provides the standard six-year warranty, which can be upgraded to a six-year term at an additional cost. Skoda also provides packages of service that include prepaid maintenance contracts, these contracts cover routine maintenance and extra parts. These packages facilitate ease and lower the overall cost of ownership.

Skoda’s Ownership Price :

While historically associated with higher maintenance costs, the Kushaq’s service intervals are reasonably spaced, which reduces the frequency of visits to the service centre. Skoda’s ” India 2.0 strategy” also involves lowering the cost of ownership in the Indian market.

Conclusion : (Is the Skoda Kushaq Car worth purchasing ?)

The Skoda Kushaq is a great option for someone looking for a compact, premium-feeling SUV that is built well and boasts powerful engines. The intriguing design, modern safety features, and new-age technology together give it something special, which is a pretty crowded SUV pack. While the lack of a diesel vehicle may disappoint some consumers, the Kushaq’s TSI engines have a high degree of efficiency and performance.

The safety features, quality of the build, and equalised ride make up the appeal of the compact SUV segment. If you appreciate a superior build, consistent performance, and extra features, the Skoda Kushaq is undoubtedly worthy of consideration. However, if the economy of diesel or a larger network of services is of paramount importance, you may want to consider these factors before committing to a decision.

Last Ideas :

Skoda has designed the Kushaq to address the demands of the Indian consumer, it successfully combines the most beneficial aspects of European engineering with features that Indian consumers appreciate. It has a bold design, superior safety, and a variety of powerful engine options, it also provides a pleasant ride for long trips. With its fashionable design, advanced features, and budget-friendly pricing, the Skoda Kushaq is notable as a powerful competitor in the compact SUV category.

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