ŠKODA KUSHAQ

ŠKODA AUTO has unfolded a new chapter in its India journey with the global premiere of the all-new ŠKODA KUSHAQ. It is the first offspring to bear fruit from the ŠKODA AUTO-led INDIA 2.0 project of the Volkswagen Group. The KUSHAQ is an amalgamation of the signature ŠKODA quality and Indian diversity. So, what makes this ŠKODA special? Well, here are the top six highlights of the all-new ŠKODA KUSHAQ.

Design

Styling is what sets apart an SUV from the rest, and the ŠKODA KUSHAQ’s commanding stance is what makes it a premium mid-size SUV. It features a striking design that embodies its muscular demeanor. Highlights include the prominent 3D grille, clean straight lines, and aesthetic chrome embellishments. The LED lighting all-around, muscular body-claddings and the sporty alloy wheels bring a sense of premium feel to the design.

Space and Comfort

Space and comfort have been ŠKODA’s forte, and the KUSHAQ is no different. The interior layout is clean, ergonomically laid, and clutter-free. In pursuit of offering class-leading interior space, the KUSHAQ comes with the largest wheelbase of 2,651mm, which the MQB A0-IN platform has to offer. It is not only longer than its segment rivals but also larger than the ŠKODA KAROQ.

And in trademark ŠKODA style, there are some ‘Simply Clever' touches inside the cabin like the utility recess on the dashboard, non-slip base in the cup holders, Phone Box with wireless charging, ticket holder on A-pillar, and the smartphone pockets at the rear. That said, the highlight of the cabin is the 10-inch free-standing infotainment system that comes with support for Wireless SmartLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

You also get 26-litres of storage space inside the cabin and two USB-C ports at the front and rear for charging your devices. What’s more, the KUSHAQ gets spacious interiors with enough room for all passengers. And if that isn’t all, all passengers get individually adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts.

Features

As far as features are concerned, the ŠKODA KUSHAQ gets them by the bucket load. You get a 10-inch (25.4cm) infotainment system, automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, keyless entry, and more. The range-topping Style variant comes equipped with an electric sunroof, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, auto-dimming IRVM, auto headlamps and wipers, and smartphone pockets.

Connectivity

In today’s day and age, smart connectivity and the way you interact with your car is of prime importance. And connectivity is at the forefront for the ŠKODA KUSHAQ. So, besides the usual features like Wireless SmartLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the KUSHAQ also gets the ŠKODA Connect mobile online services via the myŠKODA Connect. Users can access various data like vehicle health reports, online tracking, driving data, etc. What’s more, the KUSHAQ also gets the ŠKODA Play App Store that allows you to download various apps like Sygic, Gaana, Audiobooks and more, for your various connectivity needs.

Safety

With stringent safety protocols and strict emphasis on passenger safety, ŠKODA has equipped the KUSHAQ with a range of active and passive safety features. At the forefront is ESC, (Electronic Stability Control), which is standard across the trims. Higher variants get six airbags, hill-hold control, Multi-Collision Brake system, traction control, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and more.

Then, there are various driver assistance systems that the KUSHAQ comes equipped with. These include cruise control, rear parking sensors, TPMS, and a rear parking camera.

Specifications

ŠKODA cars are known for their enthusiast-friendly powertrains and unmatched driving dynamics. And the MQB A0-IN platform promises just that. With around 95 percent localization, ŠKODA has managed to localize the 1.0-litre TSI direct-injection motor. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre TSI with ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) engine is partly manufactured in India, which should result in aggressive pricing.

The former makes 115PSand 175Nm and comes paired to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The latter produces 150PS of power and 250Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-litre unit is coupled to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. It also comes with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which deactivates two cylinders under low load, thereby improving efficiency.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, the all-new ŠKODA KUSHAQ that promises a combination of superior build quality, striking design, and unrivalled performance. And not to forget, the numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features. The KUSHAQ will go on sale in India by the mid of this year, and when launched, it will be priced aggressively against the competition, thereby offering an exemplary value proposition in trademark ŠKODA style.

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