Skoda Kushaq

Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

The Skoda Kushaq, which has become a popular SUV in the country, was first launched here in March 2021. The name Kushaq was derived from the Sanskrit word Kushak, which stands for King or Emperor. The car is based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 IN platform, which is exclusive to the Indian market and is closely connected to the Volkswagen Taigun. To attain a more cost-effective price point, it is manufactured in Chakan, Maharashtra, India, with a local component content of 95%. Let’s discuss in detail all the specs and features of the SUV.

Skoda Kushaq Design and Style

2023 Skoda Kushaq adopts the brand's current design language, and one look tells you it's a Skoda. The vigorous Skoda family grille, with broad chrome surrounds and black vertical inlays, definitely draws your attention. All LED sharp design headlights are stylish and include 'L' shaped DRLs. The fog lamps are positioned beneath the headlamps in an unusual yet appealing location. The stylish bumper has a huge air dam with a massive faux skid plate in silver, as well as metal inserts along the borders of the artificial air dams. The bonnet is defined by the traditional Skoda family character lines in the centre.

Turning to the side profile, the fenders receive Skoda badging in chrome and glossy black, while the bottom half of the SUV receives black fibre inlays to enhance its SUV appearance. The rear profile is also quite attractive, with slender L-shaped LED tail lights flushed into the bodyline. The boot lid also receives a chrome SKODA insignia and a broad chrome band running across the bottom part. The rear bumper has a big faux skid plate and massive skinny stop reflectors, with the large spoiler completing the rear appearance. As for body dimensions, the SUV is 4225mm in length, 1760mm in width, and 1612mm in height, with a class-leading wheelbase of 2651mm.

Skoda Kushaq Engine and Gearbox

2023 Skoda Kushaq has been offered two powertrain options. The first one is a 1.0-litre, 999cc, TSI, in-line, 4-stroke positive ignition, direct injection, petrol engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and is capable of generating 115 HP at 5000-5500 rpm and 178 Nm of torque at 1750-4500 rpm. While the other one is a 1.5-litre, 1498cc, TSI, in-line, 4-stroke positive ignition, direct injection, petrol engine with active cylinder technology which comes coupled with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG and churns out 150 HP at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 1600-3500 rpm.

Skoda Kushaq Interior, Instrument Cluster & Boot Space

Getting inside, the new Skoda Kushaq boasts a classy dual-tone grey and black interior. The dashboard gets textured inlays and metal trim surrounding the AC vents. The driver's seat has manual height adjustment, and the comfort level is rather good, with superb back and under-thigh support. Three headrests, a movable armrest, and a flat floor for the centre passenger are included in the back seats. The seating angle is upright, with plenty of leg, knee, and headroom.

The instrument cluster features four global MFA dials and an 8.89cm TFT display MAXIDOT that presents the gear-shift indication. The multifunctional portion displays the following information: basic travel time, distance travelled, average speed, immediate consumption, average consumption, travel distance before refueling, service interval, outside temperature, and clock. The Kushaq has a large and deep boot size of 385 litres, which can be expanded to 1405 litres by folding down the rear seats.

Skoda Kushaq Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

Braking duties in the new Skoda Kushaq are handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear while the suspension is done by McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and stabiliser bar at the front and Twist Beam Axle at the rear. The Active variant of the SUV rides on 16-inch steel wheels while the Ambition variant gets 16-inch alloy wheels. Whereas, the Style variant comes fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. The 16-inch wheels are shod in 205/60 size tyres and the 17-inch wheels are clothed in 205/55 size tyres.

Skoda Kushaq Key Features

As far as the key features are concerned, the new Skoda Kushaq comes loaded with features like Skoda Crystalline LED headlamps with DRLs, split LED tail lights, 25.4cm infotainment system with Skoda play apps, ambient lighting, six-speaker Skoda sound system, smartphone pocket, cooled glovebox, electric sunroof with anti-pinch technology, keyless entry, cruise control, 2-spoke steering wheel with chrome scrollers, rear-view camera with static guidelines, two USB Type-C socket in front and rear, wireless charger, 12V power socket and many more. In terms of passenger safety, the manufacturer has fitted the SUV with dual front airbags, Hill Hold control, traction control system, ABS, rollover protection, multi-collision brake, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring system to name a few.

Skoda Kushaq Top Speed, Acceleration & Mileage

2023 Skoda Kushaq accelerates from 0-100 km/h within 13.06 seconds and can reach a top speed of 170+ km/h. If we talk about the mileage it offers, the ARAI certified fuel efficiency is 15.78 kmpl, however, it can be more or less than this figure, depending on the terrain and driving style.

Skoda Kushaq Variants & Colour Options

2023 Skoda Kushaq is being offered in a total of four variants called Active, Ambition Classic, Ambition and Style. The buyers have the option of choosing any colour from the available five shades named Honey Orange, Tornado Red, Candy White, Carbon Steel and Brilliant Silver.

Ex-showroom Price & On-Road Price

At present, the ex-showroom price for the ACTIVE 1.0 TSI MT variant starts at Rs 11.29 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 18.79 lakh for the STYLE 1.5 TSI AT (6AIRBAGS) variant. Now, to explain the difference between off-road and on-road pricing, a car's ex-showroom price is the sticker price that does not include the cost of road tax, insurance, or registration. The on-road price, on the other hand, includes the previously mentioned costs as well as the cost of insurance, RC, one-time road tax, extended warranty, and all vehicle accessories. It is important to note that in our country, on-road prices vary greatly from state to state.

Skoda Kushaq Competitors

2023 Skoda Kushaq directly competes with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Nissan Kicks, and the Renault Duster.

Verdict - Should You Buy Skoda Kushaq or not?

There is no denying the fact that the new Skoda Kushaq is one of the best SUVs in the country and comes equipped with various sophisticated features. Its design language, as well as material, makes it look premium. In this price bracket, the Kushaq should be the first choice for people who want to buy a stylish, practical SUV with excellent performance.