Skoda Kushaq SUV unveiled: Key things to know
Skoda Auto India has finally unveiled the much-awaited Kushaq SUV that will compete with the rivals like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Skoda Kushaq comes as an important part of the Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 project that is being spearheaded by Skoda. The German automobile group has invested ₹7,900 crore in the country for India 2.0 project.
Also Read : 2021 Skoda Kushaq SUV breaks cover globally
As Gurpratap Boparai, MD of Skoda Auto India has said, the country has emerged as a global R&D hub and will be Skoda Auto's manufacturing hub.
Here are few key facts about the Skoda Kushaq SUV.
MQB A0 IN platform
Skoda Kushaq is underpinned by the MQB A0 In platform that has been specially developed for the Indian market. It is a cheaper derivative of the Volkswagen AG's modular MQB architecture. The MQB A0 In platform will underpin a wide range of segment vehicles, and first of them is the Kushaq.
As much as 90% localisation
Skoda Kushaq is claimed to have been developed as a made-in-India and made for India SUV. The all-new SUV that will compete with tough rivals like Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta comes with 90% localisation that will help the Czech automaker to keep its pricing competitive and affordable, in line with Volkswagen AG's strategy to become an affordable premium car brand in India.
Skoda Vision IN
Skoda Auto India grabbed everyone's attention at the Auto Expo 2020 in February last year with its Vision In concept model. The Skoda Kushaq SUV comes built on that concept model.
Petrol only SUV
Keeping in line with the recent anti-diesel sentiment of the Indian customers and strategy of several automakers, Skoda Kushaq SUV will be sold as a petrol only model. There will be two petrol engine options - a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre TSI motor, both produced locally.
Three transmission options
Transmission options for the Skoda Kushaq SUV will include a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DSG automatic unit. The 6-speed MT and the 6-speed torque converter will be available with the 1.0-litre engine that will be able to churn out 115 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque. The 1.5-litre motor will be mated to 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DSG transmission. It will be able to deliver 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque.
Front-wheel drive
Skoda Kushaq mid-size SUV will be available with front-wheel drive. The SUV gets a 188 mm ground clearance and 2,651 mm long wheelbase, which Skoda claims to be the best in the segment.
Stylish and featured-packed interior
The cabin of the Skoda Kushaq SUV gets a 10-inch floating touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay among other connectivity options. The spacious cabin also gets ventilated front seats, a sub-woofer, wireless charging, ambient lighting etc.
Five exterior colour options
The Skoda Kushaq SUV will be offered in five different colour schemes - Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange and Tornado Red.
Competitive pricing
The Skoda Kushaq SUV is likely to be priced in the range of ₹12 lakh to ₹16 lakh (ex-showroom).
