Indian-Market 2021 Skoda Kushaq Says ‘Namaste’, Will Launch In June

Skoda expects India to become the third largest car market in the world in a few years, and they want a bigger piece of the pie. As a result, they have introduced the Kushaq, a small crossover designed, developed and built specifically for India.

Representing a new chapter for both Skoda and the Volkswagen Group, it is the first model built on the new MQB-A0-IN platform, adapted by Skoda for India, and will launch in June, with customer deliveries kicking off one month later.

Dimensions and powertrains

Joining the likes of the bigger Karoq and Kodiaq as Skoda’s third high-rider in India, it is 4,221 mm (166.2 in) long, 1,760 mm (69.3 in) wide and 1,612 mm (63.5 in) tall. It has a 2,651 mm (104.4 in) long wheelbase, among the longest in the segment the car manufacturer claims, 188 mm (7.4 in) of ground clearance and 385 liters (13.6 cu-ft) of boot space behind the rear seats.

Also See: 2021 Skoda Octavia Stretches Its Wheelbase For China, Becomes The Octavia Pro

The Kushaq will be offered with a 1.0-liter TSI making 115 PS (113 HP / 85 kW) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque, and a 1.5-liter TSI with 150 PS (148 HP / 110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). The smaller engine is available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, and the bigger unit comes paired to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. There is no optional AWD system, as all models are front-wheel drive.

Exterior design

Defining the youthful-looking exterior are the prominent bonnet, wide grille flanked by two lighting units on each side, and bumper with sharp side and big lower air intakes. It has two parallel lines that run across the doors, from the front fenders to the big L-shaped taillights. The tailgate, with a spoiler mounted on the upper part, displays the ‘Skoda’ and ‘Kushaq’ logos, and is adorned by silver trim, which can also be found on the front apron and rear diffuser.

The entry-level Active will sit on 16-inch steel wheels with covers, while the Ambition and Style will get 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels respectively. Customers will get to choose between five exterior paint finishes, including the Honey Orange and Tornado Red, which are exclusive to the Kushaq in India, and Candy White, Carbon Steel and Reflex Silver.

The cabin

Offering space for up to five adults, the Kushaq’s interior is highly practical, with lots of storage spaces. A 7- or 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits in the middle of the dashboard, depending on the grade, with the latter obviously reserved for the upper specs. These will also be offered with part-leather upholstery, touch-operated climate control panel (entry-level getting standard A/C), ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror and keyless entry.

Skoda’s Connect services with remote vehicle access, wireless charging for smartphones, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, USB sockets and others will also be available.

Safety gear

According to Skoda, the 2021 Kushaq will get up to six airbags, electronic stability system, multi-collision brake, hill-start assist, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and dusk-sensing headlamps, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system and cruise control.