The wait is over! Skoda has launched Kushaq and finally revealed the prices. The ought to be emperor has been priced at ₹10,49,999. Skoda claims that the Kushaq has been aggressively localised to keep the costs in check. It is a crucial product for the Czech carmaker as it is their first product in the ‘India 2.0’ lineup. Let’s take a detailed look at the Kushaq and see what does this king has to offer to the audience and we’ll also see whether it was worth the wait or not.
Skoda Kushaq: Dimensions
Kushaq is not the longest in the segment. But it does not affect the space inside the car as Skoda has managed to give the Kushaq segment’s largest wheelbase of 2,651mm. This means that the emperor has a smaller overhang which makes it a bit compact looking on the outside. Inside, you get good legroom, thanks to the extended wheelbase. But the shoulder room is not enough if you plan to seat 5 people at the rear as Kushaq is 30-40mm shy in width when compared to the Korean counterparts. All-in-all, Kushaq does seem to be doing the job just fine, not too big, nor too small.
How does the Skoda Kushaq perform?
You are going to get two engine options with the Kushaq. A 1.0-litre TSI capable of producing 115hp of power and a peak torque of 178Nm and a 1.5-litre TSI churning out class-leading 150hp of power a peak torque of 250Nm. The smaller 3-cylinder engine is a fun to drive one and is smooth and does not feel like a 3-cyl mill. There are no excessive vibrations and the engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual as standard. You also get a 6-speed automatic as an option which is really smooth to drive.
The engine that we really need to talk about is the 1.5-litre TSI. With the class-leading power and first-in-segment ACT tech, it is one of the finest engines out there. ACT or the Active Cylinder Technology deactivates two out of the 4 cylinders under low load conditions which improves the fuel efficiency. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG as an option. DSG, as always, is one of the finest in the segment, especially when compared to the Creta’s or Selos’ DCTs. You will also get paddle shifters with this combination. If you can wait for the deliveries to commence for this engine, which will be by the end of July, you must!
What about the features? Is this SUV premium like the other Skodas?
We all know when it comes to quality, Skoda has never failed to impress. Those who already own a Skoda might feel that the quality has come down a notch when compared to the European standards, thanks to over 93% localisation. That does not mean that Kushaq is not going to feel premium.
Skoda Kushaq is loaded with features like an electric sunroof, wireless charging, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, Skoda sound system with 6-speaker setup, ventilated seats, ambient lighting and so on. Kushaq does miss on some features like remote start, a panoramic sunroof which the sibling Taigun will be getting), drive modes, electronic parking brakes to name a few. You do get a Valet Parking mode and Skoda MySkoda Connect App through which you can set limits on your Kushaq. Overall, Skoda Kushaq is pretty loaded and there seems to be no deal-breaker feature that is missing on this SUV.
Skoda means safety, is it the case with the King?
Well, definitely. Skoda has loaded the Kushaq with safety features. You get ESP standard across all variants, ABS with EBD, parking distance control and rear camera, up to 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelt for all 5 passengers, hill hold assist, tyre pressure warning system, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. You get 6 airbags in the top-spec Style variant, but only in the manual variant. In the automatic, you will be getting only 2 of them, strange, isn’t it?
Skoda Kushaq: Price and Rivals
The Kushaq will rival Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and MG Hector. Let’s take a look at the prices, variants and colour options.
Verdict: Should you go for it?
Well, definitely. It is an Indianised European product that feels premium, drives premium and costs not so premium. If you don’t fancy a panoramic sunroof or remote start option or you are not going to seat 5 people in total, Kushaq is a great option. You might feel a slight miss in terms of the Skoda Premium feel if you already have experienced it but for the new Skoda customers, it surely feels European. If you can wait for a bit longer, you should go for the 1.5-litre TSI variant as the engine offers a great package of performance.
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