Skoda Kushaq: The Skoda Kushaq is a bold move by the Czech carmaker in India’s mid-size SUV space.
Based on the India specific MQB-A0-IN platform — designed for Indian road conditions — the Kushaq marries the European styling with Indian tastes.
It’s for someone who wants a luxury compact SUV that doesn’t do what everyone else is doing.
With its bold design, fun to drive nature and safety-first approach, the Kushaq has found a niche in the market filled with offerings like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara.
But does it deliver the “Škoda-worthy” experience it’s promising at a normal price?
Bold and Compact Euro Styling
The Kushaq is stamped with unmistakable European design language.
Whether it is the signature butterfly grille, the sharp looking LED headlamps or the imposing skid plates up front, the casual lines define everything about the design.
It rides on 16- or 17-inch alloys, depending on the variant, and the sub-4m footprint (its length is less than some rivals) does go a long way in making it feel nippy on narrow Indian roads.
Chrome inserts, divided headlamps and the roof rails enhance the sporty appeal even more.
While smaller in size than the Creta or Seltos, the smart proportions and sharp styling of the Kushaq mean it certainly commands a presence on road.
Inside: Premium Fine with Practical Space
Enter the Kushaq and the tidy non-fussy dashboard strikes you.
The stacked layout, plush-touch materials (on higher trims) and 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system give the interior a modern and upmarket feel.
But its amenity package includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and a two-spoke steering wheel for a dose of flair.
The front seats are supportive, and there is sufficient leg and head room to hold up two adults in the back, if not class-leading.
There is 385-litres of boot space for weekend luggage or daily grocery runs. Utility is also served by pockets and a cooled glove box.
Performance and Ride Quality
The Kushaq is available with two turbo-petrol engines:
1.0L TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm)
1.5L TSI EVO (150 PS 250 Nm) with active cylinder-on-demand
The 1.0 TSI is perky and will suffice for an urban runabout, although with the 6-speed torque converter automatic, it’s spot-on.
If you’re looking for driving fun the 1.5 TSI is thrilling to drive with strong acceleration and changes gear smoothly provided you go for the 7-speed DSG.
The ride quality is conservative, with well-managed flat bumps and no floatiness. On freeways, the car feels stable and grounded.
The suspension, however, is on the stiffer side, contributing to its precise cornering character.
Safety and Build Quality
Skoda has placed an emphasis on safety with the Kushaq. It was awarded a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating on adult as well as child protection.
It provided additional safety & security features such as six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) as standard, hill hold control, multi-collision braking and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Solid build quality contributes to the feeling of security, which is synonymous with the brand image of Skoda.
Pros:
Tough turbo performance for any terrain
Great ride and handling balance.
SCR-Ctechnology ensures strong atand 5-star safety rating.
High-quality and stylish interior
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Cons:
Some competitors are less expensive in their highest trims
Rear seat room a bit snug for three adults
No diesel engine option
After-sales service continues to be a hit-or-miss affair in smaller towns
Skoda Kushaq: Conclusion
There is a simplicity and honesty to the Skoda Kushaq, a driver’s SUV that refuses to be all things to all people — and that’s what makes it a very special machine.
It has all the sharp European styling, fun-to-drive dynamics and focus on safety and quality of its competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson, and the subcompact Ford EcoSport, while being slightly roomier and more refined.
For those who appreciate sophisticated engineering, turbocharged performance and good in-car sensations, the Kushaq does not disappoint. It isn’t the largest, but it’s among the best constructed in its class.
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