Made-for-India Škoda Kushaq Unleashed

With Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and other SUVs topping the sales charts in the domestic PV market, Skoda India has also followed suit by unveiling Kushaq ahead of its commercial rollout during CY 2021. Making its global premiere in India, the new SUV will only be sold in a petrol option that comprises 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine and a 1.5-litre TSI engine. The B-Segment car is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform, which will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. To be 95% localised, the car will only be available in petrol engine options and will be priced in the range of Rs. 10-18 lakh. It will be offered in three variants: Active, Ambition, and Style.

It is interesting to note that the name 'Kushaq' was derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kushak' which denotes 'King' or 'Emperor' and the Czech hopes this model to lord over its peers once it hits the showrooms. It may be recalled that the concept version of the subcompact SUV was teased as the Vision IN Concept in February 2020.

Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, stated, “The Kushaq is inspired by the diversity of our vibrant nation yet resonates with the sensibilities of a global audience. With this model, we are poised to tap the burgeoning demand for mid-size SUVs – a segment set to grow multi fold over the next few years in India.”

Skoda has only introduced petrol engines with the Kushaq. The company will also be offering six-speed manual as well as a six-speed automatic transmission with the car apart from a seven-speed DSG transmission. The new SUV will be available in five colours including Carbon Steel, Reflex Silver, Candy White, Tornado Red and Honey Orange.

While the Orders for the Kushaq will begin from June 2021 and the deliveries will commence in July’21.

Avishek Banerjee

BW Reporters The author is a Principal Correspondent at BW Businessworld.