India-bound Skoda Kushaq set for global reveal on March 18

KUALA LUMPUR: Originally previewed as the Vision IN concept last year, the production version of the Skoda Kushaq is now set for global reveal on March 18 in India. The compact SUV is essentially built on a completely new MQB-A0-IN platform for the Indian market and will finally make its way to other global markets. Skoda Kushaq is “made for the world in India” as part of the company's India 2.0 plan.

The spy shots and teasers of the Kushaq are circulating over the internet for quite some time now, indicating that Skoda has made a few changes to the concept previewed at the Auto Expo 2020, although most of the design has been retained. The SUV features the company’s conventional butterfly grille, which is flanked by LED headlights. A smooth character line runs down the side of the SUV leading to the C-shaped tail lights. The Kushaq concept stood on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Skoda’s upcoming SUV is likely to have a well-laid, spacious cabin with premium features such as a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment system, connected car tech with OTA updates, automatic climate control, cruise control and panoramic sunroof. 

As for safety, we can expect that the upcoming SUV will be loaded with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold control, and parking sensors as standard appointments.

Talking about the mechanical setup, Skoda will offer the Kushaq in two petrol engine options. The first one is a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged three-cylinder mill churning out a maximum power of 110 hp, while the second is a 1.5-litre TSI turbo four-cylinder unit generating 150 hp. The smaller unit will get both six-speed manual and automatic transmission options, whereas the bigger engine will be offered with a seven-speed DCT in addition to the six-speed manual.

After the global debut, the Skoda Kushaq launch is most likely to happen in May 2021. The SUV shares its architecture with the Volkswagen Taigun, which is also slated to hit the Indian market later this year. 

Also read: Fourth-Generation Skoda Fabia to feature MQS A0 platform & revised interior