Czech car maker Skoda has entered the competitive but lucrative SUV segment with the Kushaq. Skoda has started delivering the order for the 1.0 L variant in early July. However, the delivery of the larger engine variant will start in August 2021. The Czech carmaker is hoping to take a huge chunk of the market share with this model made with India in the mind. It will face tough competition from KIA, Hyundai and even Volkswagen. Not to forget the Tata and Suzuki.
Kushaq is inspired from the Indian conditions and mainly made for the local market. The word itself is inspired from the Sanskrit word for the King. Skoda Kushaq uses the same India specific MQB AO IN platform that is used by other cars in the Volkswagen group such as the VX Taigun.
While Kushaq comes with two engine options, 1.0 Litre 3-cylinder turbo charged petrol engine and a 1.5 Litre 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.0 L engine is mated either with the 6 – speed manual or automatic gearbox. The 1.5 L engine is mated with 6 – speed manual or 7 speed automatic gear system.
The mid-sized SUV comes in three trims, the Active, Ambition and Style. The stylish grille, the electronically operated ORVMs, and a fully equipped infotainment console, audio controls in the steering wheel, a powerful but refined engine, all makes this car, a owner’s pride. On safety features too, Skoda well balanced with ABS, Brake Assist and 2 airbags. While the absence of the side airbags can raise a few eye-brows, it is still a safe car.
The well-made interior gives a premium feel. The infotainment control console comes with both Android Auto & Apple Car Play connectivity. All these makes the new Skoda Kushaq a worthy contender in the mid-sized SUV segment of the market.
