New Delhi: The Volkswagen-owned Czech automaker Skoda Auto on Monday launched Kushaq SUV with an introductory price of INR 10,49,000 (ex-showroom) going up to INR 17,59,999 in India. Available in three trims of Active, Ambition and Style, the bookings for the new SUV are open.
With the new launch, Skoda Auto has forayed into the midsize SUV segment in India.
According to the automaker, the new SUV is powered by the TSI technology with two engine options of 1.0L and 1.5L TSI, delivering 115 PS and 150 PS respectively. It will come with three transmission options of 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed DSG.
Kushaq SUV is the company's first product designed and developed under the INDIA 2.0 project and based on the MQB A0 IN platform.
Skoda SUV will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos in the mid-size SUV segment. Both the Creta and Seltos come with petrol and diesel engines, while Kushaq is available with only petrol powertrain options.
| Model | 1.0 (MT) | 1.0 (AT) | 1.5 (MT) | 1.5 (DSG) |
| Active | 10,49,999 | - | - | - |
| Ambition | 12,79,999 | 14,19,999 | - | - |
| Style | 14,59,999 | 15,79,999 | 16,19,999 | 17,59,999 |
* All prices in INR (ex-showroom)
Zac Hollis, Brand Director, said, “The launch of Kushaq is a watershed moment for Skoda Auto India as we enter one of the most exciting segments in this dynamic automotive market. Kushaq is made keeping in mind what really matters to our customers and is localised and tailored to suit the Indian market. Built on the acclaimed MQB-A0-IN platform, Kushaq is well designed, robust, exceptionally well-built, safe, spacious, feature-laden and future-proof. We will also offer the globally renowned TSI technology across the range, empowering an optimum combination of performance, efficiency, refinement and output. With a world-class SUV that is ready for India, we are looking at taking the Skoda brand to new and emerging markets across the country.”
The new product comes with a choice of two modern infotainment systems, each of which enables smartphone integration via smart link technology. The Ambition and Style trim levels include the range-topping infotainment system with a 25.4 cm colour touchscreen akin to smartphones, whereas the lower-trim gets a 17.78 cm touchscreen.
The SUV will get features like Electronic Stability Control as standard, along with rollover protection and Multi Collision Braking (MKB). Safety features include hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring system and brake assist features like ABS (Anti-Lock Braking), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), along with varied segment-first features like EDS with XDS & XDS + (Electronic differential lock – advanced differential lock), HBV (Hydraulic brake-boosting), BSW (Brake disc wiping).
SUV Kushaq will come in five colour options namely Honey Orange, Tornado Red, Candy White, Reflex Silver and Carbon Steel. With the Kushaq launch, the company aims to penetrate deeper in the country by expanding its network to Tier II and III cities.
Skoda Auto India currently has 120 sales touchpoints in 85 cities and plans to expand to 150 touchpoints by the end of 2021.
