The Skoda Kushaq Continues To Be On Track For A June Launch

• Pre-launch bookings are expected to commence soon, with deliveries likely a month after launch.

• Will be offered in three variants: Active, Ambition, and Style.

• Key features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, ambient lighting, and wireless charging.

• Will be powered by two turbo-petrol engines, with manual and automatic transmission options.

• To rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.

While the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some carmakers delaying launches, Skoda is very much soldiering on its plan to launch the Kushaq SUV around the end of June 2021. Unveiled in March, it is Skoda’s first made-in-India SUV and is underpinned by the MQB-A0-IN, a localised version of the VW Group’s MQB-A0 platform. Three variants will be on offer initially: Active, Ambition, and Style. A sportier Monte Carlo variant is also in the pipeline for later.

At a glance, the Kushaq gets a smart design with decent proportions for an SUV. Highlights include the familiar Skoda butterfly grille, Karoq-inspired LED headlamps and fog lamps,  L-shaped LED tail lamps with crystalline effect, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Upto five body shades will be on offer: Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red. 

While the cabin is neat and minimalistic, make no mistake, it’s got a vast amount of features. They include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 6-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, connected car tech, wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, and automatic climate control. Safety features will include six airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors with a rear view camera, ABS with EBD, and hill hold control.

The Kushaq can be specced with two turbo-petrol engines: a 1.0-litre TSI making 115PS/175Nm, and a 1.5-litre TSI delivering 150PS/250Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for both engines, with the 1.0-litre unit getting an optional 6-speed torque converter, whereas the 1.5-litre mill gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Expect pre-launch bookings to commence soon, with deliveries likely to begin around July.  Prices are likely to range from Rs 9 lakh and Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go up against its cousin, the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun, as well as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.