The Skoda Kushaq will be the production form of Skoda’s Vision IN SUV
Skoda India has started the production of the much anticipated Kushaq SUV at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) facility in Chakan, Pune. The images of the first unit rolling out of the production line have now surfaced, hinting at the nearing market launch. Sources suggest the official launch of Skoda Kushaq will happen towards the end of June 2021.
The Kushaq is one of the most anticipated launches of recent times, and an important product for the Czech giant as well. It is essentially the production form of Skoda’s Vision IN concept showcased previously. The Creta rival has a thoroughly appealing design and vast plethora of creature comforts inside the cabin. The key exterior highlights include LED headlamps, signature butterfly grille, 17 inch wheels, roof mounted spoiler, LED tail lamps etc.
The Kushaq’s cabin will feature the theme of other modern-day Skoda interiors and would get almost all the boxes ticked in terms of equipment and features. It will have auto dimming IRVMs, sunroof, keyless entry, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and a stylish two spoke steering wheel.
The Kushaq will be the first car to feature the brand’s all-new infotainment system, which is now very popular in the international market. Boasting most modern connectivity and uncompromised user experience, this infotainment unit was co-developed by VW Brazil and automotive-component manufacturer Visteon. The unit will have a 10.1-inch touchscreen offering 1540*720 resolution and split-screen support. It will have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrations and would also offer live streaming with the help of in-car Wi-Fi.
An All New Platform!
The most striking fact about the Kushaq would be that it comes built on VW Group’s all new India-spec platform. The brainchild of Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project, this architecture is, in essence, a heavily reworked version of the global MQB A0 platform. This chassis has high degrees of localization gone into it (over 95% to be precise) and is called MQB A0 IN. VW Group’s 1.0L, 3 cylinder, turbocharged petrol (TSI) and 1.5L, 4 cylinder TSI engines are expected to power the Kushaq. While there had earlier been rumours of a diesel engine in the works, we have had no official word on it yet. The SUV will have 3 transmission options- 6MT, 6AT and 7DSG.
Expected Price And Rivals
The best speculations predict the Skoda Kushaq to have its ex-showroom prices in the INR 9.5-16 lakh bracket. The key rivals will include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, upcoming MG Astor (ZS petrol) and of course its VW cousin- Taigun.
