Skoda Kushaq : The Skoda Kushaq has fast made a space for itself in a hurly burly, crowded mid-size SUV segment not by trying to do everything, but by being just excellent at something. A result of inputs from Skoda’s global engineers, with a heavy orientation toward Indian conditions, the Kushaq brings the brand’s European sensibilities to a segment that’s otherwise purely form-and-function. With its confident, premium appearance the KAROQ continues the long-established ŠKODA SUV design language. It’s the perfect size, compact but confident fitting in cities and highways, and it’s one of the very few SUVs able to claim it’s cool without being enormous. With its sculpted lines, sporty alloy wheels, and roof rails that carry a hint of adventure, the Kushaq grabs attention, while ensuring its practical roots aren’t forgotten.
Skoda Kushaq A Cottage That Punches Above Its Price Tag
Enter the Kushaq, and the distinction is immediately apparent. It is priced in the league of compact SUVs but the quality of the cabin would look at home a segment above. The neatly layered dashboard features soft-touch materials and gloss-black inserts with chrome detailing for that touch of luxury. It’s driver-focused including convenient controls and a floating touch screen which feels natural to use. They are also being covered with high-quality fabrics in premium variant or premium leatherette and also gives superior comfort while driving for so long. The rear seat space is ample, providing good headroom and legroom, along with separate AC vents and charge points. There’s plenty of boot space for weekend jaunts or airport runs, too. In sum, the Kushaq achieves a harmony of minimalism and richness that is rare at this price point.
Feature-Rich Without Feeling Overloaded
Skoda has chosen to take up the middle ground with the Kushaq’s feature list – loading it with necessities and modern rewards without frustrating the end user. The 10-inch infotainment screen found in higher trims offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 8-inch screen that’s standard in base models is still a great interface. The sound from the audio systems, particularly the one featuring six speakers and a subwoofer, is clear and punchy. Higher-spec trims get a fully digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, wireless charging, ambient lighting and connected car tech. There’s also, very liberally equipped, a sunroof, keyless entry, push-button start, and auto headlamps for added comfort added by Skoda. The way these features are woven together are what’s notable — they don’t feel like add-ons, they’re part of a cohesive, thoughtful experience.
Safety Features That Set It Apart
And in these safety-centric times it’s no longer a choice — and the Kushaq ups the stakes in the compact SUV segment. The Kushaq is based on the MQB-A0 IN platform, which is a variant of Volkswagen’s global modular architecture and it has a great structure. It gains a 5-star safety rating for adult protection as per Global NCAP’s modified protocol which is not common for its segment. Standard safety fare consists of ESC (Electronic Stability Control), multi-collision braking, traction control, hill-hold assist and an electronic tire-pressure monitor. The higher trims offer six airbags, though even the base trim gets a pair of airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The SUV also comes with rear parking sensors, rear camera and rain-sensing wipers. Skoda clearly gave due importance to the safety of the passengers and did not put everything safety-related under the premium tag.
Engines That Are Both Fun and Efficient
The Kushaq comes with the choice of two TSI petrol engines — a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with active cylinder technology. Both engines are turbocharged, which is a rare combination of speed and fuel economy ( the new thing!). The 1.0-litre engine comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic and it provides spirited performance that does the city runabout designation justice. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre version is the sportier one, and can be had with a skewed 6-speed manual transmission or a quick 7-speed DSG. Fun to drive, the engines are also frugal thanks to intelligent tuning and extensive use of light weight tech. The ride quality is another high point—the suspension feels polished, the steering is accurate, and highway stability is even better. Whether rolling through traffic or twisting up and down hills, the Kushaq makes the drive feel engaging and stable.
A Value Proposition You Can’t Resist
Where the Kushaq really stands out is what it offers for the money. Yet Skoda has kept the starting price at a level that makes the car competitive while quality of build and finish is top rate. The SUV commences sub 12 lakh (ex-showroom) and ranges to around 19 lakh for the fully loaded 1.5 DSG variant. Considering what is available in terms of refinement, safety, technology and design, the Kushaq is a smart investment. Service packages and extended warranty plans, and the increasing reach of the dealerships across the country have added to the peace of mind you can have around owning a Jawa. For those in the market for something premium (but not exorbitantly priced), the Kushaq is a tantalising mix of practicality, performance and panache.
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Skoda Kushaq A Compact S.U.V. That Doesn’t Feel So Compact
Long and short of itSkoda Kushaq may have a small footprint but there nothing small about what it offers. From its arresting look to its arch take on the German-engineered powertrains and class-leading safety, this SUV is as close as they come to a premium feeling vehicle at a mass-market price. It s equally appealing to daily commuters, family buyers and driving enthusiasts. In a segment where the choice is usually a compromise, the Kushaq steers away from that norm – for the first time, a premium feel at a compromise free feature mix. It is mindful of the buyer’s budget, but only in a very respectful way — it refuses to feel budget in any category. Verdict For those who want a smart, sturdy and fashionable SUV, something that doesn’t scream but impresses with uncanny confidence, well, this Skoda Kushaq might be the right match.