| Škoda Kushaq | |
| Platform: | Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN |
| Production: | 2021–present |
| Designer: | Dalibor Pantůček |
| Assembly: | India: Chakan (Škoda VW India) |
| Height: | 16121NaN1 |
| Width: | 17601NaN1 |
| Length: | 42211NaN1 |
| Wheelbase: | 26511NaN1 |
| Related: | Volkswagen Taigun Volkswagen T-Cross Škoda Kamiq |
| Body Style: | 5-door SUV |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Class: | Subcompact crossover SUV (B) |
| Manufacturer: | Škoda Auto |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed DSG |
The Škoda Kushaq is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto in India since 2021. The vehicle is heavily based on the Volkswagen T-Cross and its derivative for the Indian market, the Volkswagen Taigun. The name 'Kushaq' was derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kushak' which denotes 'King' or 'Emperor'.[1]
The vehicle was previewed as the Vision IN Concept in February 2020. The production model debuted in 18 March 2021 as the first product from Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s "India 2.0 project".[2] [3] The car is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform dedicated for Indian market and closely related with the Volkswagen Taigun.[4] It is manufactured in Chakan, Maharashtra, India with a local parts content of 95 percent to achieve a lower price point.
The Kushaq in India is available with two petrol engine options, which are the entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI producing 1150NaN0 and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI with 1500NaN0.[5] [6] The 1.0-litre engine is available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox options, while the 1.5-litre TSI unit, is available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option.[7] Both engines are produced at Škoda's Chakan plant.
The Kushaq contains 95% local parts.[8]
In May 2022, Škoda released the Monte Carlo edition for the Kushaq.[9]
There are lots of cars in the market and each body type category has its own popularity. Even though people are more eager to buy SUVs, there is a huge section that prefers Sedans. When we talk about Sedans there are certain brands that come to our mind. In which Skoda will be top preference and if talk about a particular model then you can look out for Skoda Kushaq and Skoda Slavia.
In 2023, Škoda started exports of the Kushaq for the Middle East.
As the follow-up of the reintroduction of Škoda Auto brand in Brunei, Škoda Auto's distributor in Brunei, TCY Motors unveiled the Kushaq, offered in Ambition and Style variants powered with 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine mated with 6-speed automatic and other Škoda cars on 24 January 2024.[10]
| Petrol engines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | |
| 1.0 TSI | 999 cc I3 | 1150NaN0 | 1750NaN0 | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic | |
| 1.5 TSI | 1,498 cc I4 | 1500NaN0 | 2500NaN0 | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG | |
The Škoda Kushaq is equipped as standard with double frontal airbags, anti-lock brakes, i-Size anchorages, ESC (electronic stability control), multi-collision brakes, a claimed high-strength steel structure, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and three-point seatbelts with adjustable head restraints for all passengers. The highest 'Style' trim level is additionally equipped with side and curtain airbags, hill start assistance and a tyre pressure monitor. At launch, side and curtain airbags and the tyre pressure monitor were not available on cars equipped with an automatic transmission, but this has since been corrected.[11]
| Global NCAP scores (H2 2022) | ||
| Adult occupant stars | ||
| Adult occupant score | 29.64/34.00 | |
| Child occupant stars | ||
| Child occupant score | 42.00/49.00 |
In October 2022 the Kushaq was independently rated for safety by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP, based on Latin NCAP 2016) crash-testing a Volkswagen Taigun at Volkswagen's expense, and scored five stars for adult and child occupant protection, the first car to do so under the organisation's new assessment protocols. In the frontal offset test, protection of all body regions was good or acceptable, except for the driver's left tibia. In the side mobile barrier and pole tests, protection of the driver's chest was rated marginal, and protection of the driver's abdomen was rated acceptable in the side pole test. The Kushaq could pass minimum European regulatory requirements for electronic stability control and pedestrian protection.[12]
| 2021 | 16,291 | |
| 2022 | 26,648[13] | |
| 2023 | 27,760[14] |