Skoda Kushaq: The compact SUV space in India is set for a complete transformation with the arrival of the Skoda Kushaq – a competing model which sets new benchmarks in offering unparalleled European engineering, advanced technology and attractive pricing, all at once.
This SUuV has been intelligently designed based on the local consumer requirements, thus ensuring that it has the Skoda hand and feel: the quest for quality, functionality, and emotive driving, as all brand new Skodas offer.
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Skoda Kushaq Philosophy of Design: Complexity in Simplicity
First up, the Kushaq makes an immediate impression with a statement of design that strikes a satisfying balance of visual interest and timeless restraint.
The front combines the brand’s characteristic butterfly grille and dynamically shaped headlights that are anthems for the daytime and superb vision when the sun goes down.
From the hood and sides, you can see how the sharp character lines make the light to play it’s reflection in a very dynamic way yet simple and without unnecessary styling details.
From the side, the proportions are said to be well balanced with short overhangs for the maximisation of space inside the petite footprint of the small car.
The well-sculpted wheel arches hold 17 inch alloy wheels that add to its planted stance yet ensure proportionate support as well. And the subtle roof rails and character line rising toward the C-pillar inject visual interest without looking added or overcooked.
In the rear, the tailgate is sculpted and refined with slim, shaped, crystalline LED taillamps that match the lean and muscular look of the vehicle’s headlamps.
The trademark badge is replaced by the Skoda lettering across the tailgate, underlining the car’s premium appearance. Even the silver underbody skid plate highlights the luxury without looking out of place.
Cabin Feel: European Quality, Indian Practicality
Skoda Kushaq Step inside the Kushaq, and the European inspiration is clear with a horizontal dashboard design using plush soft-touch material on key touchpoints.
Then there’s the juxtaposition of materials and more discreet ambient lighting elements that give the the appearance of depth without looking busy or overdone.
Floating above the central air vents is the dashboard’s showpiece, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you can enjoy your favorite smartphone features on a smooth, responsive display, and with a cable connection, the phone will charge as you go.
The touch slider volume control and haptic button are evidence of Skoda’s dedication to a modern interface, yet there are still enough physical buttons for the functions you need the most.
Seating comfort is better than one might expect from this class, as the front seats provide good thigh support and side bolstering that helps keep you fresh at the end of a long trip.
The rear bench also gets a two-step recline and rear AC vents – small niceties in a country like ours where the climate is never the same. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats provide an even larger 385 litres of luggage space when more boot space is needed.
Technology Integration: Innovation That Is More Than Just Novel
Skoda Kushaq What makes it Distinguishive: The Kushaq stands out with a technology story that’s a bit more prioritized towards the real user benefit rather than a checkbox on the spec sheet.
The wi-fi enabled connectivity in the smartphone goes beyond mere entertainment to the MySkoda Connect app which enables remote vehicle monitoring, geofencing and service scheduling.
Ventilated front seats are much needed in a tropical climate like India, and the automatic climate control ensures the cabin temperature remains a constant irrespective of external conditions.
A tail of the electronic stability control suite is the same regardless of variant – a safety-first policy that puts Skoda ahead of rivals who withhold potentially life-saving active safety gear for their highest-grade models.
Most impressive, however, is the touch-slider climate control panel that is well executed, new age and functional. This is an intuitive way of adjusting temperature but still travel glanceable and a well thought out trade off between digital integration and ergonomic compromise.
Powertrain Excellence: Achieving Performance Without Sacrifice
Skoda Kushaq Under the premium skins, the Kushaq is equipped with two TSI turbocharged petrol engine options that provide thrilling performance with unmatched fuel efficiency.
This is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI that delivers 115 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque – an output which makes the powertrain more than fit for swift city travel while delivering fuel consumption that is more reminiscent of a much lower capacity engine and both can be applied to the new Polo.
Those who want more performance can opt for the 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI, providing 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, which features active cylinder management that deactivates two cylinders under light load to maximise efficiency, but can also shuts all four down when it comes to squeezing past something slow.
Both engines are available with finely-tuned 6-speed manual transmissions and there are two automatic options; the earlier mentioned 6-speed torque converter with the 1.0 TSI and the more advanced 7-speed DSG dual-clutch with the 1.5 TSI. This powertrain versatility lets buyers opt for driving involvement over ease of use, depending on tastes.
Safety Structure: Deep Down Good
Safety engineering showcases Skoda’s European overachieving tendencies, the Stiffer-than-thou Safety Cage adding high-strength steel precisely where it’s needed to deal effectively with collision energy. The all-around aribsags comprise of dual front air-bags in standard trim and available side and curtain protection on upper versions.
Active safety technology specifies electronic stability control as standard on all models, augmented by hill-hold support to stop the vehicle rolling back during starts on an incline.
The multi-collision brake system applies the brakes after a collision to prevent a subsequent one – a feature often included in more affordable cars now too.
The rear parking sensors are standard fit from entry itself and higher plaques also get a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines and front parking sensors. Tire pressure monitoring system can detect tire air pressure and temperature, which is more safe for long distance travel.
Price Point: Quality at an Affordable Price
Skoda’s pricing strategy for the Kushaq has been quite aggressive with the model ranging from ₹10.99 lakh to ₹18.19 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant and powertrain. This pricepoints translates to a lot of value perception, given how innovative the engineering is, and the fact that we are using top-notch materials and a wide array of features.
This goes head-to-head against things like the Tevo Tarantula while giving you a unique European option at similar cost. The value perception is also improved by the inclusion of a full 4-year/100,000 km warranty package, which puts owners’ minds at ease about long term ownership costs.
Skoda Kushaq Conclusion
The Skoda Kushaq is a game-changer in India’s compact SUV space — it is a demonstration that world-class, upmarket European engineering and features can be offered at accessible price points, without losing on basic quality.
Such an approach has enabled the Czech manufacturer to inject plenty of “WOW!” factor into this design while also offering something that’s special underneath all of that great-sounding style – all of which makes a very strong case indeed for the more thoughtful family motorist looking for a refined and efficient driving proposition.
And with consumer sensibilities moving in line with that of the evolved customer greater than ever, the Kushaq comes across a well thought of product that offers the ‘desirability’ quotient alongside the ‘sensibility’ factor—and that should guarantee its continuity in a market that’s getting pedestal enriched at a rapid pace.
