The brand-new Skoda Kushaq is the first production car as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. Under the lead responsibility of Skoda AUTO, Volkswagen Group is investing one billion euros in its model campaign on the Indian subcontinent to strengthen the presence of Skoda and Volkswagen there for the long term. The Skoda KUSHAQ is based on the MQB-A0-IN, a variant of the modular MQB platform specially adapted by Skoda for the Indian market, and unites traditional Skoda qualities with the requirements of Indian customers. Available with a choice of powerful yet efficient TSI engines and boasting a striking design, modern infotainment systems, high levels of comfort and a plethora of safety features, this brand-new SUV is ideally equipped for a successful start to the group’s model campaign. Orders will be taken from June 2021 with the first KUSHAQs to be delivered in July 2021. In order to achieve the best possible level of localisation in India, Skoda has set up a new MQB production line at its Pune plant. Most of the development is taking place at the new technology centre, also in Pune, which the Czech carmaker opened in January 2019.
Powerful, muscular and with a special Indian flair: the exterior of the brand-new Skoda KUSHAQ is perfectly tailored to the taste of local car buyers. The launch of the Skoda KUSHAQ sees the brand enter India’s rapidly growing mid-size SUV segment. Lining up alongside the larger KODIAQ and KAROQ models, the KUSHAQ – developed exclusively for India – is the third Skoda SUV in that market. The two colours, metallic Honey Orange and Tornado Red, provide the KUSHAQ with a special Indian touch. Skoda offers these exclusively in India. In addition, the brand-new SUV is also available in Candy White, metallic Reflex Silver and metallic Carbon Steel. The new SUV has plenty of ground clearance, features large wheels and showcases an innovative design – providing it with a harmonious overall appearance. The KUSHAQ also scores points for its spacious interior as is typical for a Skoda. Depending on the trim level, the headlights with crystalline structures feature LED technology, which comes as standard for the tail and brake lights. The metallic Honey Orange and Tornado Red paintwork, exclusively offered by ŠKODA on the Indian market, are particularly eye-catching.
The name of the mid-size SUV is derived from Sanskrit, an Indian language that is thousands of years old. In the ‘language of the gods’, still used today, the word ‘kushak’ denotes a king or an emperor. This complements the powerful appearance of the new Skoda KUSHAQ to perfection. The spelling with the letter ‘K’ at the beginning and the letter ‘Q’ at the end is in keeping with the distinctive nomenclature for the internationally successful Skoda KODIAQ, KAROQ and KAMIQ SUV models. Skoda AUTO has been responsible for pressing ahead with the INDIA 2.0 project on behalf of Volkswagen Group since June 2018 and has also been orchestrating the activities of the Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini brands in India. Investments in the project total one billion euros, including 275 million euros in research and development of new SUVs and notchback cars. The focus of the project is an all-embracing ŠKODA and Volkswagen model campaign with vehicles tailored to the Indian market’s high-volume segments. Initially, the campaign will see the launch of two SUV models and two notchbacks in the A0 segment.
The Skoda Kushaq’s interior unites ergonomics with a harmonious and emotive design. A free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 10 inches is the central element of the new interior concept that can be found in other current models from the Czech car manufacturer. As is typical of Skoda, the Kushaq boasts a spacious interior as well as a plethora of Simply Clever features and plenty of storage options. The top-of-the-range trim level, Style, comes with an impressive list of modern technologies and comfort features, such as the Climatronic with a touch control panel and ventilated leather front seats. Even the entry-level variant of the Skoda Kushaq features particularly powerful air conditioning, and from Ambition upwards, the SUV boasts Climatronic with a touch control panel. Even more ultra-modern features are offered in the range-topping trim, Style, which comes with ventilated leather front seats, KESSY keyless entry, an electric sliding glass roof and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
ŠKODA is making use of two efficient and powerful petrol engines for the KUSHAQ. The advanced TSI engines have a power output ranging between 85 kW (115 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS). The engines meet India’s stringent BS6 emission standards and put their power to the road via a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6 speed automatic transmission or 7-speed DSG. The MQB variant specially adapted for India, the MQB-A0-IN platform, makes it possible to equip the brand-new ŠKODA KUSHAQ with advanced and efficient TSI engines. Thanks to their low fuel consumption, the direct-injection petrol engines enable long ranges. The entry-level 1.0 TSI produces 85 kW (115 PS) from its displacement of one litre. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5 TSI has – as its denomination suggests – a displacement of 1.5 litres. Its power output of 110 kW (150 PS) is delivered to the front wheels via a manual 6-speed gearbox, same as with the 1.0 TSI. This engine can be configured with a 7-speed DSG with gear ratios that offer a perfect blend of sportiness and comfort.
