King of All Trades

The launch of the exciting new Skoda Kushaq is just around the corner. With a brilliant design, class-leading features, family-centric space, multiple powertrain options and many simply clever features it is set to be the King of All Trades in its segment. We take a closer look at what makes this SUV the best:

Elegance Redefined

The Skoda Kushaq exudes class and confidence with its design. Not much has changed on the Kushaq from the concept Vision IN, which is rare in modern automotive design. A modern SUV, the Kushaq’s design has the right balance between eye-catching details and simplicity.

At the front, the Kushaq gets slim headlights with dual-barrel lamps and LED DRLs. These are placed in line with the top of the prominent Skoda-signature grill. The grill itself has a chrome surround and vertical black slats. The Skoda logo sits proudly in the kink of the grille, on the front edge of the clamshell engine cover. The engine cover features a power bulge in the middle and other contours which point to the TSI power hidden underneath. The fog lamps are placed high up the fascia, below which one will find sporty air intakes. The chunky lower black cladding, wide central air intake and silver skid plate are the final pieces of the puzzle in the powerful front design of the Kushaq.

The bold silhouette of the Kushaq is prominently displayed when seen from the side. Interesting elements like the chiselled shoulder lines which run from the front fender to the taillights, silver roof rails, chrome window trim and dual-tone 17-inch wheels scream class-leading luxury. All this combine to make an impression like no other SUV on Indian roads.

The boomerang-like tail lamps, large roof-mounted spoiler, attention-grabbing chrome slat which neatly integrates into reflector strips on both sides and a tall bumper with integrated black cladding and skid-plate complete the sporty and confident exterior design of the Kushaq.

Inside, the Kushaq features a multi-layer dashboard with the highlight being a 10-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment system. A silver strip runs the width of the dashboard and neatly integrates with the outer hexagonal A/C vents. The two-spoke steering wheel is a new Skoda signature design element and adds a sense of luxury here.

Loaded, Like A Skoda

In typical Skoda fashion, the Kushaq gets all the luxury features expected in an SUV in its segment and more. The centrepiece is the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, connected-car tech and Skoda’ own app store. This is connected to a seven-speaker Skoda Premium Audio surround-sound system and subwoofer. A powerful smart wireless charging pad is added to the lower dashboard console.

The automatic climate control is operated via a modern, convenient touchscreen. There are dedicated vents for the rear passengers behind the front centre console. It is also offered with ventilated front seats and a cooled glovebox. A sunroof adds to the luxury ambience inside, while single-colour ambient lighting lifts the mood at night.

The two-spoke steering wheel features high-quality buttons and silver scrollers for quick and easy access and control of various features. Cruise control and auto-dimming interior mirror, a rear central armrest with cup holders and future-proof C-Type USB charging ports for the rear passengers are some of the other features available on the upcoming Skoda Kushaq.

The Ideal Family SUV

The Skoda Kushaq has short front and rear overhangs and a large wheelbase of 2651mm. All this points to an SUV whose cabin has been maximised for passenger and luggage space, making it the ideal family SUV in its segment.

All seats are designed for maximum space; the front bucket seats feature comfortable cushions and bolsters and are also ventilated for maximum comfort during the summer. The rear can easily seat three in comfort, with all passengers getting height adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts. When seating only two, the wide central armrest complements the comfortable seating posture while also allowing passengers to keep their drinks safely thanks to the integrated cup holders.

The three-point seatbelts for all passengers are part of the suite of safety features that make the Kushaq the safest SUV in the class. It is also offered with electronic stability control (ESC) is also offered as standard, an important safety aid for a car of its size. Other standard safety features include two airbags, ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, adjustable headrest for all occupants, rear parking sensors and a Multi-Collision Brake system. The Kushaq, depending on the variant, offers up to six airbags, hill hold control, cruise control, front parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

A Kushaq for Everyone

There are four powertrains on offer for the Skoda Kushaq, which should cover the needs of almost every customer in the segment.

Need a frugal, no-nonsense, cost-effective city runabout? – the 113bhp 1.0-litre TSI motor with the six-speed manual transmission should be your choice. Need the convenience of an automatic transmission? Combine the 1.0-litre engine with a 6-speed torque converter.

Need more power for the open highway? Choose the 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI motor with a six-speed manual. For those with a need for speed, the 1.5-litre motor paired to the lighting quick seven-speed DSG should do the trick. The additional performance does not come at the expense of efficiency, with start/stop technology and segment-first active cylinder technology (which can shut off two of the four cylinders while cruising), the 1.5-litre motor is also highly fuel-efficient.

At the heart of the Kushaq’s powertrain is its engines, with the company’s widely acclaimed TSI technology. Perfected over the years, the Turbocharged Stratified Injection technology blends efficiency, performance and low emissions in a small, explosive package. This allows for lightweight, small engines which are better in performance than engines of much larger displacement while improving the inherent advantages of fuel efficiency that and low emissions that such engines deliver.

Simply Clever

Skoda prides itself on designing clever features that enhance the occupants' experience in its cars, and the Kushaq has a lot of such features.

Simple but effective reflective tape on the doors improve safety at night, a ticket holder on the right side A-pillar is convenient, an elastic strap in the door storage keeps things steady, rubberised bases keep smaller cups from sliding in the cup holders and the front seatback pockets feature dedicated smartphone holders. There is a dedicated recess on the top of the dashboard where idols can be kept, design keeping in mind our love for divinity. And of course, the brand-new Kushaq is also equipped with Simply Clever classics, such as the ticket holder on the A-pillar and the bag hooks in the boot.

So, the Skoda Kushaq promises to be the SUV you wanted and you will ever need. It combines solid design, class-leading interior space, advanced equipment, frugal but powerful TSI engines and thoughtful features. It is set to be launched soon and will be priced very competitively. For more information on the King of All Trades, check out this link to the Skoda Kushaq’s website.