The brand-new Skoda Kushaq is the first production car as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. The Skoda Kushaq is based on the MQB-A0-IN, a variant of the modular MQB platform specially adapted by Skoda for the Indian market, and unites traditional Skoda qualities with the requirements of Indian customers.
The name of the mid-size SUV is derived from Sanskrit, an Indian language that is thousands of years old. In the ‘language of the gods’, still used today, the word ‘kushak’ denotes a king or an emperor. This complements the powerful appearance of the new Skoda Kushaq to perfection. The spelling with the letter ‘K’ at the beginning and the letter ‘Q’ at the end is in keeping with the distinctive nomenclature for the internationally successful Skoda Kodiaq, Karoq and KamiqSUV models.
Under the lead responsibility of Skoda Auto, Volkswagen Group is investing one billion euros in its model campaign on the Indian subcontinent to strengthen the presence of Skoda and Volkswagen there for the long term.
Available with a choice of powerful yet efficient TSI engines and boasting a striking design, modern infotainment systems, high levels of comfort and a plethora of safety features, this brand-new SUV is ideally equipped for a successful start to the group’s model campaign.
Orders will be taken from June with the first Kushaqs to be delivered in July. As part of INDIA 2.0, a total of four new MQB-A0-IN-based Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles will be launched – an SUV and a notchback for each brand, all four in the A0 segment. In order to achieve the best possible level of localisation in India, Skoda has set up a new MQB production line at its Pune plant. Most of the development is taking place at the new technology centre, also in Pune, which the Czech carmaker opened in January 2019.
2021 Skoda Kushaq Exterior Features:
The Kushaq is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which has been specially adapted by Skoda for India, and its innovative design and ideal dimensions make it an excellent companion in India’s metropolises. The SUV is 4,221 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and has a height of 1,612 mm. Its long wheelbase of 2,651 mm – which is among the longest in the segment – and a ground clearance of 188 mm make it appear much larger.
The Skoda Kushaq offers plenty of space for five occupants and, with a capacity of 385 l, has a generous boot. The entry-level trim line, Active, features 16-inch steel wheels and Lhotse full wheel covers. In the Ambition trim level, the Kushaq comes with Grus 16-inch alloy wheels, while 17-inch Atlas two-tone alloys provide a visual highlight as standard for the Style variant.
The clear-cut headlights of the Skoda Kushaq feature a two-part design. From the Ambition trim level upwards, this design consists of an LED module behind a clear lens in the upper part for low beam and high beam, and a thin, L-shaped LED module for the daytime running lights. Together with the reflectors in the bumper, the rear lights featuring the Skoda-typical crystalline structures create a fresh look in the familiar C-shape. Tail and brake lights are fitted with efficient and instantaneously responsive LEDs.
Skoda has retained a wealth of the striking VISION IN concept car’s aspects in the production model virtually without making any changes. Featuring a distinctive front and prominent bonnet, the Kushaq’s Skoda SUV family resemblance is clear at first glance. The ribs of the wide grille are gloss black and the chrome grille surround extends to the headlights.
The upper section of the muscular front bumper is body-coloured, the lower part is black. From the Ambition trim level upwards, the underbody protection comes in a silver finish, as do the roof rails, which are black in the Active trim. A straight roof line as well as a tornado line at the height of the door handles make the vehicle appear longer.
At the same time, the powerful wheel arches set off with black plastic trim and black side skirts bring out the Kushaq’s athletic look and lend it a self-assured stance on the road. The Style variant also features chrome-plated window frames and door handles. The clearly structured rear is characterised by the elongated roof spoiler, the Skoda lettering in block letters on the tailgate and the bumper with a robust rear diffuser, which is set off in silver from the Ambition trim line upwards.
2021 Skoda Kushaq Colour Options:
The metallic Honey Orange and Tornado Red paintwork, exclusively offered by Skoda on the Indian market, are particularly eye-catching. In addition, the brand-new SUV is also available in Candy White, metallic Reflex Silver and metallic Carbon Steel.
2021 Skoda Kushaq Interior Features:
Even the entry-level variant of the Skoda Kushaq features particularly powerful air conditioning, and from Ambition upwards, the SUV boasts Climatronic with a touch control panel. Even more ultra-modern features are offered in the range-topping trim, Style, which comes with ventilated leather front seats, KESSY keyless entry, an electric sliding glass roof and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The interior of the Kushaq is dominated by a central, free-standing infotainment touchscreen; the character line running below this makes reference to the silhouette of the Skoda grille. A unique storage option has been specially designed to meet the needs of Indian customers: a utility recess on the dashboard. This is where the driver can keep a firmly attached lucky charm in clear view.
A two-spoke multifunction steering wheel in the latest Skoda styling comes as standard. From Ambition upwards, this is upholstered in leather, and vehicles with automatic transmission or DSG also feature shift paddles.
All variants of the brand-new SUV offer numerous storage compartments in the interior with a total capacity of up to 26.2 l. These include, for example, the 6.1-litre glove compartment, which is air-conditioned from the Ambition trim upwards, and the 2.2-litre Jumbo Box in the centre console. In the front and rear door panels, there is plenty of room for storing bottles and other items.
A cup holder can be found in the armrest of the rear seat, which folds down in a ratio of 60:40 from Ambition upwards. The Ambition trim also offers a compartment in the roof lining in the front for keeping sunglasses, so they are always within easy reach.
The Kushaq also features the brand’s typical Simply Clever solutions, i.e. the small details that make every day driving that little bit easier for customers. One example is the non-slip base in the cup holder in the centre console, allowing the driver to easily and conveniently open a bottle placed there with just one hand.
Of course, the brand-new Kushaq is also equipped with Simply Clever classics, such as the ticket holder on the A-pillar and the bag hooks in the boot. The Style variant also includes the Phone Box in the front, in which a smartphone can be charged inductively, and smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks.
Even in the entry-level variant, the Skoda Kushaq offers white ambient lighting and LED reading lights in the front and rear. From the Ambition trim level upwards, the ambient lighting also illuminates the dashboard and door handles, while the door handles are chrome-plated and the gearstick knob is upholstered in leather.
The Style trim is particularly elegant. It offers an extended chrome package with decorative chrome trim on the instrument panel as well as the gearstick surround; the handbrake locking button also sports a chrome look. The side bolsters of the ventilated front seats, which come as standard, are finished in a leather look, as are the covers of the centre armrest and the armrests in the doors.
Modern infotainment systems that enable smartphone integration and access to mobile online services via SmartLink technology are part of the standard equipment in the brand-new Skoda Kushaq. In the Active trim level, the system features a 7-inch colour touchscreen as well as a built-in microphone in the front which, in conjunction with Bluetooth functionality, enables hands-free phone calls when on the road.
A USB-A port can be used to charge electronic devices or transfer data. A smartphone is connected by cable, which also provides access to Skoda Connect and the Skoda Play App Store. The system is compatible to play MP3 and WMA music files.
The Ambition and Style trim levels include the range-topping infotainment system with a 10-inch colour touchscreen that has the same functionalities as is common for smartphones. This system also features a dual tuner, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an external microphone for hands-free phone calls. On top of this, the system supports the Bluetooth standard 4.0. Smartphones can be paired and the Skoda Play App Store accessed without the need for a cable using Wireless SmartLink technology.
Downloads from Skoda Play App Store allow for the range of functions to be expanded, for example, by a navigation function. The GPS receiver required has been pre-installed accordingly for this purpose. There are two USB-C ports in the centre console for connecting and charging mobile devices via cable; the Style variant can also be equipped with a Phone Box in the front which allows smartphones to be charged inductively. In addition to MP3 and WMA, this system can also play AAC and FLAC media files.
The Skoda Kushaq comes with six high-performance speakers as standard – two separate tweeters and bass speakers in the front and two two-way speakers in the rear – providing a wide frequency range and guaranteeing excellent sound. The Skoda sound system is part of the standard equipment in the Style variant. In addition to higher-performance speakers, it also offers a separate amplifier and a subwoofer that is located in the spare-wheel well.
The Skoda Connect mobile online services can be accessed at any time via the mySkoda app. mySkoda displays a clearly laid out Vehicle Health Report on the smartphone. The system automatically stores important data every time the ignition is switched off. Remote vehicle access is also available, which allows owners to retrieve vehicle information and driving data, including the car’s parking location for instance.
2021 Skoda Kushaq Safety Features:
With its comprehensive range of active and passive safety features and numerous convenient assistance systems, the Skoda Kushaq provides excellent levels of protection for the driver and passengers. High levels of driving safety are ensured at all times by the ESC system, which is a standard feature in all variants. The Multi-Collision Brake prevents potential follow-on collisions in the event of an accident.
Should an accident occur, the vehicle’s occupants are protected by up to six airbags: in addition to airbags for the driver and front passenger, the Kushaq can be fitted with optional front side airbags and curtain airbags. All headrests are height-adjustable, and the centre seat in the rear is also equipped with a three-point seat belt. ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points on the rear seats to fit child seats come as standard.
There are numerous assistance systems, some of which are optional, to support drivers of the Skoda Kushaq and to make journeys even more comfortable. These include, for example, Hill Hold Control and cruise control as well as light and rain sensors which automatically switch on the low beam or windscreen wipers when required. Rear parking sensors are fitted as standard; the higher trim levels also come with a rear-view camera and sensors at the front. A tyre pressure monitor to keep an eye on the air pressure is an optional extra.
2021 Skoda Kushaq Engine and Transmission:
The MQB variant specially adapted for India, the MQB-A0-IN platform, makes it possible to equip the brand-new Skoda Kushaq with advanced and efficient TSI engines. Thanks to their low fuel consumption, the direct-injection petrol engines enable long ranges. The entry-level 1.0 TSI produces 85 kW (115 PS) from its displacement of one litre. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.5 TSI has – as its denomination suggests – a displacement of 1.5 litres. Its power output of 110 kW (150 PS) is delivered to the front wheels via a manual 6-speed gearbox, same as with the 1.0 TSI. This engine can be configured with a 7-speed DSG with gear ratios that offer a perfect blend of sportiness and comfort.
