New Skoda Kushaq: The state-of-the-art Skoda Auto Volkswagen plant in Chakan, Pune, buzzed with energy yesterday as workers and management celebrated the new Kushaq rolling off the production line. This wasn’t just another SUV launch but a symbol of Skoda’s deep commitment to India, with the Kushaq being designed and built specifically for Indian roads and Indian families. The atmosphere felt electric as employees shared stories of how developing the Kushaq transformed their understanding of what global brands could achieve when they truly listen to local needs.
Design Language Speaks Modern European
The Kushaq’s appearance immediately sets it apart in the crowded compact SUV segment through its crystalline design language that feels both sophisticated and approachable. The signature butterfly grille creates impressive road presence, while the sharp LED headlamps with crystalline elements add premium character typically absent in this segment. The muscular hood lines and pronounced wheel arches communicate strength without resorting to excessive aggression.
Available in five colors including the striking Honey Orange and sophisticated Carbon Steel, each shade highlights different design elements. The two-tone roof option adds contemporary flair that younger buyers appreciate. At 4,225mm long, it strikes the perfect balance between commanding presence and city-friendly dimensions. The 18-inch alloy wheels fill the arches perfectly, while the silver skid plates and black cladding provide genuine SUV character rather than mere decoration.
Interior Quality Exceeds Expectations
Stepping inside the Kushaq reveals Skoda’s biggest achievement—creating a genuinely premium environment without premium pricing. The layered dashboard design with contrasting colors adds visual interest, while soft-touch materials cover all frequently touched surfaces. The perforated leather seats with contrast stitching wouldn’t look out of place in luxury vehicles, demonstrating Skoda’s commitment to perceived quality.
Space utilization impresses significantly, with rear passengers enjoying generous legroom and comfortable seating angles. The flat floor ensures middle passenger comfort during shorter journeys. The 385-liter boot accommodates weekend luggage easily, expanding to 1,405 liters with seats folded—practical versatility for growing families. Thoughtful storage solutions appear throughout, from cooled glovebox to door pockets that actually hold large bottles.
Powertrain Options Cater to Diverse Needs
Skoda offers two TSI engine options that showcase European engineering adapted for Indian conditions. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI produces 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque—modest numbers that translate into peppy city performance with impressive fuel efficiency. Despite having only three cylinders, refinement levels surprise with minimal vibration entering the cabin.
The 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI transforms the Kushaq’s character completely. With 150 PS and 250 Nm available, it delivers genuinely quick acceleration that makes highway overtaking effortless. The Active Cylinder Technology deactivates two cylinders during cruising, achieving remarkable fuel economy for such performance. Both engines showcase exceptional refinement, with noise levels remaining subdued even when pushed hard.
Transmission Excellence Sets Standards
The six-speed manual transmission offers precise shifts with well-chosen ratios that extract maximum efficiency from both engines. But the automatic options truly impress—the 1.0 TSI gets a torque converter automatic that prioritizes smoothness, while the 1.5 TSI receives the lightning-quick DSG dual-clutch transmission.
The DSG particularly shines, delivering near-instantaneous shifts that maintain momentum during spirited driving. Paddle shifters add engagement for enthusiastic drivers, while the transmission’s intelligence in automatic mode impresses with its ability to select appropriate gears. Even in stop-start traffic, the DSG remains smooth without the jerky behavior that plagued early dual-clutch systems.
Driving Dynamics Balance All Needs
Behind the wheel, the Kushaq delivers European driving dynamics adapted for Indian conditions. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, absorbing bad roads admirably while maintaining body composure through corners. The steering weights progressively with speed, remaining light for city maneuvers while adding confidence on highways.
Ground clearance of 188mm handles speed breakers and rough roads confidently without compromising stability. The wide track provides planted feel, while the ESP and traction control work subtly to maintain safety without intrusive intervention. Hill hold assist and rear parking sensors with camera add convenience in daily situations.
Features List Impresses Thoroughly
The Kushaq’s equipment list embarrasses rivals with its comprehensiveness. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system responds quickly while supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Automatic climate control maintains comfort effortlessly, while the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light. Ambient lighting with ten colors might seem frivolous but genuinely enhances evening drives.
Safety receives serious attention with six airbags standard across variants—remarkable commitment in this segment. The build quality earned a five-star Global NCAP rating, validating Skoda’s safety focus. Connected car features through MySkoda app enable remote operations and vehicle tracking, adding modern convenience.
New Skoda Kushaq European Excellence Made Accessible
The Skoda Kushaq succeeds by bringing genuine European driving experience to Indian families without European pricing. It delivers sophisticated design, premium interiors, efficient yet powerful engines, and comprehensive features at prices that respect Indian budgets. For young families seeking their first SUV, professionals wanting European refinement, or anyone believing quality engineering shouldn’t require premium payments, the Kushaq opens new possibilities. Skoda proved that global brands can create locally relevant products without compromising their core values—sometimes excellence comes from understanding and respecting local dreams.