The Skoda Kushaq has made a remarkable entry into the Indian SUV market, offering a dynamic blend of stylish design, advanced features, and solid performance.
This compact SUV is a product of Skoda’s India 2.0 strategy, aimed at meeting the specific needs of the Indian car buyer while retaining the brand’s hallmark European quality and engineering.
The Kushaq is Skoda’s first SUV to be built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, specially developed for India. With an appealing price point, excellent performance, and a range of features.
The Skoda Kushaq is poised to compete with some of the most popular compact SUVs in India, such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the Tata Harrier.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key features, performance capabilities, pricing, and how the Kushaq stands out in this competitive segment.
Design and Exterior: A Bold Presence
The Skoda Kushaq presents an impressive, bold, and dynamic design that makes it stand out in the compact SUV category. It brings a modern yet classic appeal with sharp lines and a commanding road presence.
1. Front Facade
The Kushaq’s front profile features the signature Skoda grille, which is flanked by sleek LED headlights and integrated DRLs. The front bumper, with a silver skid plate, adds a rugged touch while maintaining an elegant look. The wide air intake vents and chrome inserts elevate the overall aesthetic, making the Kushaq instantly recognizable as part of Skoda’s premium lineup.
2. Side Profile
The side profile of the Kushaq is equally striking, with its sculpted character lines, strong shoulder line, and sharp creases. The SUV’s 17-inch alloy wheels are stylish yet functional, complementing its athletic stance. The large windows and compact proportions give it a spacious feel while maintaining a sporty, confident silhouette.
3. Rear Design
The rear design of the Kushaq features wide, angular LED taillights that give the vehicle a futuristic touch. The rear bumper with a silver accent and dual exhausts adds to the car’s sporty character. The compact yet sharp rear profile enhances its dynamic, road-ready appearance.
Interior: Premium Comfort Meets Practicality
Step inside the Skoda Kushaq, and you’ll be greeted by a well-designed cabin that offers both luxury and practicality. The interior is spacious, comfortable, and packed with features that cater to both the driver and passengers.
1. Spacious Cabin
The Kushaq’s cabin is designed with a focus on comfort and usability. The spacious cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making long journeys more enjoyable. The 385-litre boot space ensures there’s enough room for luggage, groceries, or travel gear, further enhancing its practicality for daily use and weekend getaways.
2. Quality Materials
Skoda is known for its high-quality interiors, and the Kushaq is no exception. The cabin features premium materials such as soft-touch plastics, leatherette upholstery, and textured surfaces that exude sophistication. The use of dual-tone color schemes adds a sense of luxury, while the intuitive layout of the dashboard ensures that every button and control is easily accessible.
3. Infotainment and Technology
The Skoda Kushaq comes equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. The system is responsive and easy to use, offering access to navigation, music, and hands-free calling. The SUV also features a fully digital instrument cluster that displays vital driving information in a clear, customizable layout. Additionally, the Kushaq offers advanced features such as an electric sunroof, wireless charging, and a premium sound system that enhances the driving experience.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Skoda Kushaq delivers a satisfying driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension, powerful engine options, and agile handling. The Kushaq is available with two engine options, providing buyers with the flexibility to choose the powertrain that suits their needs.
1. Engine Options
◉ The Kushaq offers two engine options:
| ✦ 1.0-Litre TSI Petrol Engine: • Power Output: 115 PS • Torque: 178 Nm • Transmission Options: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission This engine provides a perfect balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for city driving and highway cruising. It delivers a smooth, refined driving experience with responsive acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. |
| ✦ 1.5-Litre TSI Petrol Engine: • Power Output: 150 PS • Torque: 250 Nm • Transmission Options: 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG (Dual-Clutch Transmission) The 1.5-litre TSI engine is more powerful and ideal for those who prefer a more spirited drive. It offers strong acceleration, excellent highway performance, and superior fuel efficiency. |
Both engine options are mated to well-calibrated transmissions that ensure smooth gear shifts and improved driving dynamics.
2. Ride and Handling
The Kushaq’s suspension setup strikes the right balance between comfort and handling. The SUV glides over rough roads with minimal body roll, while the well-weighted steering offers excellent feedback. Whether navigating tight city streets or cruising on highways, the Kushaq provides a composed and confident driving experience. The Kushaq’s ground clearance, combined with its well-designed suspension, ensures that it can handle moderate off-roading, making it an ideal choice for both urban and rural environments.
3. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is one of the key aspects of the Kushaq. The 1.0-litre TSI engine offers an average fuel economy of around 17-18 km/l, while the 1.5-litre TSI engine delivers around 16-17 km/l. This makes the Kushaq an efficient choice for those who wish to balance performance with economy.
Safety Features: Built for Protection
The Skoda Kushaq comes equipped with a host of safety features that make it a secure and reliable vehicle for you and your passengers.
1. Standard Safety Features
- Dual Front Airbags – For the protection of the driver and front passenger during a collision.
- ABS with EBD – Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution ensures better control and stability while braking.
- Rear Parking Sensors – Standard on all variants to assist with reversing and parking in tight spaces.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Helps maintain vehicle stability, especially during slippery conditions or emergency maneuvers.
2. Advanced Safety Features
- Up to Six Airbags – Higher variants come with side and curtain airbags for additional protection.
- Hill Hold Control – Prevents the vehicle from rolling back on an incline when starting from a stop.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when it’s time to check or inflate the tires.
The Kushaq’s solid build quality, along with its advanced safety features, ensures that it is one of the safest SUVs in its segment.
Pricing and Variants: Affordable Yet Premium
• The Skoda Kushaq offers excellent value for money, combining premium features, powerful performance, and competitive pricing. The SUV is available in three main variants: Active, Ambition, and Style. Below are the approximate ex-showroom prices for each variant:
| ● 1.0 TSI Active: ₹10.50 lakh ● 1.0 TSI Ambition: ₹12.00 lakh ● 1.0 TSI Style: ₹14.00 lakh ● 1.5 TSI Style (Top Variant): ₹16.00 lakh |
• The pricing of the Skoda Kushaq places it in direct competition with other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Harrier, while offering more premium features and performance.
Why Choose the Skoda Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq offers a combination of power, elegance, and practicality that few compact SUVs can match. Its stylish design, comfortable and tech-laden interiors, powerful engine options, and advanced safety features make it a perfect choice for buyers looking for a well-rounded SUV. Whether you’re seeking a family vehicle for city commutes or a versatile SUV for weekend adventures, the Kushaq excels in all areas, offering great value for money.
Skoda Kushaq:Review of Features, Performance, and Pricing.
• The Skoda Kushaq is a standout player in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and advanced features.
• Designed and engineered specifically for the Indian market, the Kushaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which provides a solid foundation for both comfort and performance.
• With its bold, dynamic exterior featuring sharp lines, a wide stance, and a sleek front grille, the Kushaq demands attention on the road.
• Inside, it offers a spacious, feature-rich cabin with premium materials, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless connectivity for a seamless driving experience.
• Under the hood, the Kushaq comes with two powerful engine options: a 1.0-litre TSI engine producing 115 PS and a 1.5-litre TSI engine that delivers 150 PS, both paired with smooth-shifting gearboxes for an engaging drive.
• The Kushaq excels in fuel efficiency and offers a comfortable ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension. Safety is a priority with features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and optional six airbags, ensuring peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
• With a starting price that competes with other top players like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, the Skoda Kushaq delivers a premium driving experience that stands out for its performance, stylish design, and affordability, making it a top choice for compact SUV buyers in India.
Conclusion
The Skoda Kushaq is undoubtedly one of the most impressive offerings in the compact SUV segment. With its striking design, powerful engine options, premium interiors, and top-notch safety features.
It sets new standards for the segment. The Kushaq is a great option for anyone seeking a feature-packed, reliable, and stylish SUV that delivers excellent performance on both city roads and highways.
Whether you’re a city dweller or someone who enjoys weekend trips, the Skoda Kushaq is the perfect companion for your journey.
Visit your nearest Skoda dealership today and experience this exceptional SUV for yourself.