The First Kushaq Is Ready Ahead Of The SUV’s Launch This Month

• The Kushaq is set to launch by the end of this month.

• It is likely to be priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh.

• It is a key part of Skoda’s India 2.0 strategy.

• It will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and platform sibling, the VW Taigun.

The first unit of the Kushaq has been rolled out from Skoda’s facility in Pune, Maharashtra, as series production begins. 

Skoda’s upcoming SUV is close to a June-end launch with deliveries beginning next month in July. The Creta rival was first showcased as a concept with the Vision IN moniker at the Auto Expo 2020. We finally saw the Kushaq in all its glory when Skoda took the wraps off the production version of the SUV in March.

The Kushaq is underpinned by Skoda’s new heavily localised MQB-A0-IN platform, which it shares with the VW Taigun, serving as a key piece in the Czech carmaker’s new India 2.0 strategy. 

Skoda will offer the Kushaq with the choice of two turbo-petrol powertrains and a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 115PS/175Nm 1.0-litre TSI will get a 6-speed torque converter automatic option, whereas the 150PS/250Nm 1.5-litre TSI will feature a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option. The Kushaq will also come loaded with features including a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, ambient lighting, a 6-speaker sound system, ventilated seats, and auto climate control. 

With just a couple of weeks left for its launch, the Kushaq will take on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taigun, which is set to arrive after the Kushaq. With over 95 percent localisation, we expect the Kushaq to be priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom).