Skoda's strategy of continuously refreshing its lineup has brought us several unique versions of the Kushaq SUV, including the Monte Carlo, Onyx, Matte, and Elegance Editions. This approach has paid off, with the Kushaq securing its place as one of Skoda's top sellers in India, accounting for roughly 45% of the brand's total sales in the country. The latest addition to this family is the Kushaq Explorer Edition, a variant that not only enhances the model's appeal but also promises to cater to the adventurous spirit of its owners.
Exclusive Design and Aesthetics
The Kushaq Explorer Edition elevates the SUV's visual appeal to a new level. It's based on the top-spec Style trim but distinguishes itself through several notable updates. The most striking feature is its matte green exterior paint, which sets a bold statement on the road. This distinct color is beautifully contrasted with vibrant orange highlights that adorn the grille, bumper, side body claddings, and rear spoiler, creating a visually appealing palette that is both adventurous and stylish.
The uniqueness of the matte green and orange theme is further accentuated by tasteful blacked-out elements, including the grille, alloy wheels, fender badges, and rear-view mirrors. This combination not only adds a rugged charm to the Kushaq Explorer Edition but also hints at its off-road readiness.
Inside, the Explorer Edition continues to impress with its cohesive design theme. The matte green color extends to the interior, covering the dashboard, center console, doors, and pillars, offering a fresh and invigorating cabin atmosphere. The dual-tone cockpit is designed to be both visually stimulating and comfortable for passengers, with seats featuring contrast stitching that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall cabin design.
Enhanced Features for the Adventurous
The Explorer Edition isn't just about looks; it also introduces several functional upgrades that enhance its adventure-ready persona. It comes equipped with new 16-inch alloy wheels that sport a blacked-out finish and are fitted with 215/65 section all-terrain tires. This setup is a departure from the top-spec Style trim's R17 wheels and 205/55 tires, offering improved capabilities for off-road excursions.
Additional functional enhancements include a robust roof rack and an integrated auxiliary light bar, expanding the SUV's utility for outdoor activities. The Explorer Edition also gains an array of new equipment, such as an air purifier, rear sunshades, a head-up display, front parking sensors, and a 360° view setup with an improved rear camera. These features build on the comprehensive list of amenities found in the top-spec Style trim, including an electric sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch instrument cluster, extensive connectivity options, wireless charging, adjustable rear AC vents, and USB-C sockets at both the front and rear.
Power, Performance, and Safety
The Kushaq Explorer Edition will offer the same engine options as the standard Kushaq, ensuring that performance is not compromised. Available with both the 1.0-litre TSI petrol and the 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines, the Explorer Edition caters to a range of driving preferences. The 1.0-litre engine produces 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre engine ups the ante with 150 hp and 250 Nm. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or automatic for the 1.0-litre engine and a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG for the 1.5-litre engine, providing flexibility and responsiveness to meet various driving conditions.
Safety remains a priority, as evidenced by the Kushaq's 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. This rating assures drivers and passengers of the vehicle's reliability and safety, making it an ideal choice for families and adventure seekers alike.
Pricing and Launch Details
Although Skoda has unveiled the Kushaq Explorer Edition, specific details regarding its launch date and pricing remain forthcoming. Given the array of upgrades and special features, it is anticipated that the Explorer Edition will command a premium over the standard Kushaq, which is currently priced between Rs 11.89 lakh and Rs 19.79 lakh. As such, the Explorer Edition is poised to attract buyers looking for an SUV that combines style, functionality, and the promise of adventure.