The Škoda Kushaq is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto in India since 2021. The vehicle is heavily based on the Volkswagen T-Cross and its derivative for the Indian market, the Volkswagen Taigun. The name 'Kushaq' was derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kushak' which denotes 'King' or 'Emperor'.[1]
| Škoda Kushaq | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Škoda Auto |
| Production | 2021–present |
| Assembly | India: Chakan (Škoda VW India) |
| Designer | Dalibor Pantůček |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact crossover SUV (B) |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN |
| Related | Volkswagen Taigun Volkswagen T-Cross Škoda Kamiq |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed DSG |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm (104.4 in) |
| Length | 4,221 mm (166.2 in) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) |
| Height | 1,612 mm (63.5 in) |
Overview
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The vehicle was previewed as the Vision IN Concept in February 2020. The production model debuted in 18 March 2021 as the first product from Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s "India 2.0 project".[2][3] The car is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform dedicated for Indian market and closely related with the Volkswagen Taigun.[4] It is manufactured in Chakan, Maharashtra, India with a local parts content of 95 percent to achieve a lower price point.[2]
The Kushaq in India is available with two petrol engine options, which are the entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI producing 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI with 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW).[5][6] The 1.0-litre engine is available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox options, while the 1.5-litre TSI unit, is available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option.[7] Both engines are produced at Škoda's Chakan plant.[2]
The Kushaq contains 95% local parts.[8]
In May 2022, Škoda released the Monte Carlo edition for the Kushaq.[9]
A facelifted version is expected by 2025.[10]
Markets
editThere are lots of cars in the market and each body type category has its own popularity. Even though people are more eager to buy SUVs, there is a huge section that prefers Sedans. When we talk about Sedans there are certain brands that come to our mind. In which Skoda will be top preference and if talk about a particular model then you can look out for Skoda Kushaq and Skoda Slavia.
Middle East
editIn 2023, Škoda started exports of the Kushaq for the Middle East.
Brunei
editAs the follow-up of the reintroduction of Škoda Auto brand in Brunei, Škoda Auto's distributor in Brunei, TCY Motors unveiled the Kushaq, offered in Ambition and Style variants powered with 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine mated with 6-speed automatic and other Škoda cars on 24 January 2024.[11]
Powertrain
edit| Petrol engines | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Displacement | Valvetrain
configuration |
Valves | Power | Torque | Transmission | Top Speed | Acceleration
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
| 1.0 TSI | 999 cc I3 | inline-3 DOHC | 12 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic | 189 km/h
(117 mph) |
9.7 s |
| 1.5 TSI | 1,498 cc I4 | inline-4 DOHC | 16 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG | 203 km/h
(126 mph) |
8.4 s |
Safety
editThe Škoda Kushaq is equipped as standard with double frontal airbags, anti-lock brakes, i-Size anchorages, ESC (electronic stability control), multi-collision brakes, a claimed high-strength steel structure, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and three-point seatbelts with adjustable head restraints for all passengers. The highest 'Style' trim level is additionally equipped with side and curtain airbags, hill start assistance and a tyre pressure monitor. At launch, side and curtain airbags and the tyre pressure monitor were not available on cars equipped with an automatic transmission, but this has since been corrected.[12]
| Global NCAP scores (H2 2022) | |
| Adult occupant stars | 
|
| Adult occupant score | 29.64/34.00 |
| Child occupant stars |
|
| Child occupant score | 42.00/49.00 |
In October 2022 the Kushaq was independently rated for safety by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP, based on Latin NCAP 2016) crash-testing a Volkswagen Taigun at Volkswagen's expense, and scored five stars for adult and child occupant protection, the first car to do so under the organisation's new assessment protocols. In the frontal offset test, protection of all body regions was good or acceptable, except for the driver's left tibia. In the side mobile barrier and pole tests, protection of the driver's chest was rated marginal, and protection of the driver's abdomen was rated acceptable in the side pole test. The Kushaq could pass minimum European regulatory requirements for electronic stability control and pedestrian protection.[13]
Sales
edit| Year | Production |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,291 |
| 2022 | 26,648[14] |
| 2023 | 27,760[15] |
References
edit- ^ "Skoda's upcoming SUV for India is the Kushaq". Autocar Professional. Archived from the original on 2021-01-07. Retrieved 2021-01-07.
- ^ a b c "Production-spec Skoda Kushaq revealed". Autocar India. Archived from the original on 2021-03-18. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
- ^ "ŠKODA VISION IN". www.skoda-auto.com. Archived from the original on 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2021-01-07. Archived 2020-06-09 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Skoda Vision IN will be launched as Kushaq, will face off vs Creta and Seltos". Hindustan Times Auto News. 2021-01-07. Archived from the original on 2021-01-07. Retrieved 2021-01-07.
- ^ "ŠKODA KUSHAQ ushers in a new era for the brand in India". ŠKODA Storyboard. 2021-03-18. Archived from the original on 2021-03-22. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
- ^ "First drive: 2021 Skoda Kushaq prototype review". Autocar. Archived from the original on 2021-02-02. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
- ^ "2021 Skoda Kushaq revealed for India with Euro look, spacious interior". Motor1.com. Archived from the original on 2021-04-16. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
- ^ "Has Skoda outpriced itself in India with the overpriced Kushaq?".
- ^ "Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo Edition launched at ₹15.99 lakh". Hindustan Times Auto News. 2022-05-09. Retrieved 2022-05-10.
- ^ Patil, Jay (2024-07-15). "Skoda Kushaq facelift to launch in 2025". Autocar India. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
- ^ "Introducing new SUV, sedan at Škoda's Lambak showroom". Borneo Bulletin. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "Skoda Kushaq 1.5 Style AT with 6 airbags to launch in November". Autocar India. Archived from the original on 2021-11-08. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq first to achieve 5 stars in Global NCAP's updated crash tests". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ "Annual Report 2022". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2023". Volkswagen.
External links
edit
- Official website Archived 2021-04-17 at the Wayback Machine