Skoda Kushaq (Upcoming Kia Seltos Rival) Gets A Step Closer To Market Debut

Skoda is having a line of new vehicles getting ready to enter the Indian market. One of the upcoming Skoda cars is the compact SUV named Kushaq. It is expected that the new SUV will be unveiled by the end of March. Recently, the Czech car manufacturer has revealed some new details of this upcoming compact SUV.

Skoda Kushaq will go on sale by the end of March 

Earlier, the Skoda Kushaq was introduced to the Indian customers under the form of Vision IN Concept at the Auto Expo 2020. This model was developed specifically for the Indian market, as Skoda calls it: “Made for the world, in India.”

The upcoming compact SUV will be the first vehicle to deploy the MQB-AO-IN architecture. This platform is the cost-effective version of the MQB-AO platform and is developed specifically for the Indian market. Apart from the Kushaq, this platform will also be used on various upcoming models of Volkswagen and Skoda. By using this India-specific platform, Skoda will be able to lower the cost of manufacturing while not compromising the European quality that it aims to keep.

Skoda Kushaq will be fully-equipped with various equipment, including LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED taillights on the outside. Interiorly, the compact SUV will be loaded with some highlight features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, automatic climate control, cruise control, hill hold control, and tyre pressure monitoring system. In addition, it will not miss out on the latest version of MySkoda Connect connectivity system. As far as the safety is concerned, the Kushaq will come with Electronic Stability Control along with other basic safety features as standard. On the top-spec variants, there will be up to 6 airbags, including airbags and curtain airbags.

Skoda Kushaq will be the first vehicle to be underpinned by MQB-AO-IN architecture

In terms of engine options, the Skoda Kushaq will be offered with two petrol engines. There will be no diesel on offer because Volkswagen Group has completely cut off their range of diesel models after BSVI emission norms went into effect. Accordingly, it will come with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine that is powering the Skoda Rapid. This engine is good for 110 PS and 175 Nm. It will be offered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The other option is a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine which is currently used on the Skoda Karoq. On the Karoq, this engine is capable of making 150 PS and 250 Nm. It is offered with a 7-speed DSG DCT gearbox. It’s likely that Skoda will offer this engine option exclusively for the higher variants only.

It is expected that Skoda Kushaq will be priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). At launch, this SUV will rival against the Kia Seltos, Maruti S-Cross, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Taigun.