Production-spec Skoda Kushaq revealed for India

2021 Skoda Kushaq finally has made its world premiere. Previewed under the Vision IN Concept, the midsize SUV is the first model to come from the Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 project.rn

Skoda Kushaq: Engine

rnThe Skoda Kushaq comes with two engine options: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. The 1.0-liter TSI engine produces 115 hp and comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and automatic torque converter options. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter TSI unit delivers 150 hp and will be available with a 6-speed manual option and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. These engines will be produced at the Skoda plant in ChakanrnrnSkoda Kushaq is based on India's MQB-A0-IN platform, which will be shared with Volkswagen Taigun, Vento, and Skoda Rapid.rnrnAlso Read: Volkswagen India begins business services on WhatsApprn

Skoda Kushaq: Design

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Exterior

rnThe Skoda Kushaq's production-spec exterior design remains very similar to the Vision IN concept. Upfront, it features a prominent and wide Skoda grille flanked by two headlights. The front bumper of the stall has many cuts and creases, giving it a sporty look.rnrnAlong the sides, there's a bold, distinctive lineup, along with body trim on the door bottoms and around the wheel wells. The high-spec versions also have roof rails, and the 17-inch bi-color alloy has a sporty look as well.rnrn Skoda Kushaq ExteriorrnrnAt the rear, the Kushaq features a roof spoiler and a fake diffuser element in a silver finish. There are also coil LED taillights that add to the spacious feel of an SUV.rnrnSkoda Kushaq measures 4,225 mm in length, 1760 mm in width, and 1,612 mm in height. It also has a ground clearance of 188 mm, a wheelbase of 2,651 mm, and a 385-liter luggage compartment that can expand to 1,405 liters. Skoda will offer five color options: Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red.rnrnSkoda says that of the three versions available with the Kushaq, only the high-spec model will get the aforementioned 17-inch alloy wheels, while the active entry-level version will have 16-inch steel wheels. The  Ambition trim will come with 16-inch alloy wheels.rn

Interior

rnThe Kushaq has a layered dash with a thin chrome rod separating the top and bottom. A chrome strip runs the length of the dashboard and connects large chrome vents at each end.rnrnStandalone 10-inch touch screen, which will feature connected car technology, smartphone connectivity, etc., takes center stage. The central air vents are located under the touch screen, and below are the soft-touch HVAC controls. Interestingly, the "crystal element" placed above the dashboard on the Vision IN concept is absent from the production model.rnrn Skoda Kushaq InteriorrnrnThe production-spec Skoda Kushaq's steering wheel is a two-spoke unit, in line with newer Skoda models like the upcoming Superb and Octavia. The steering wheel features wheels and knurled scroll buttons for volume, phone, voice commands, and cruise control. The Kushaq comes with traditional hardware tablets and does not come with a digital screen.rnrnThere are also two cup holders, a central armrest, and multiple storage areas in the cab. There is a wireless charger available in front of the gear lever.rnrnThe other set includes ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, cooled glove compartment, six speakers and a 50-watt subwoofer, internal memory storage, Wireless Smartlink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB Type-C ports, 1, and the My Skoda connect app.rnrnSafety features on the high-spec Kushaq will include six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, headlights and automatic wipers, and a multi-collision brake system.rn

Skoda Kushaq: Price in India

rnWith 95 percent parts localized and core components exchanged with other models, the Skoda Kushaq is expected to be priced competitively, in the range of Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom). Skoda is expected to announce Kushaq prices in the coming weeks.rnrnIn terms of competitors, Skoda Kushak will compete against the upcoming Volkswagen Tiagun, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector, and Tata Harrier.rnrnAlso Read: New-Generation Peugeot 308 Unveiled; Check details herernrnAlso Read: Kia EV6 exterior and interior images revealed ahead of the global launch