Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq is on sale with two turbocharged petrol engines. The smaller of these is a 1.0-litre TSI motor that outputs 114 bhp of power and 178 Nm of torque. The bigger motor on offer is a 1.5-litre TSI engine that produces 147 bhp of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque.  

Transmission options on offer include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Of these, the dual-clutch gearbox is available only with the 1.5-litre engine option. The fuel efficiency generally ranges between 14 and 18 kmpl, depending on the driving style, road conditions, and variant. 

City Driving

In city use, the Kushaq feels manageable and easy with light controls and compact dimensions. The 1.0-litre engine is tuned for city traffic and feels responsive without having an overtly sharp throttle response. Even the suspension has been tuned well to offer a good mix of comfortable ride and sharp handling. The visibility from the driver’s seat is good.  Overall, the Kushaq car remains comfortable and predictable even in heavy traffic conditions.

Highway Driving

On highways, the Skoda Kushaq SUV is quite fun to drive. The 1.5-litre turbo engine offers a strong performance above 2,000 rpm. Overtaking fast-moving large traffic is pretty effortless. The DSG offers quick shifts. The SUV feels stable even at high expressway speeds and the body roll remains well controlled. Overall, the Skoda Kushaq encourages confident and comfortable highway cruising.

The Skoda Kushaq is available in four main variants. These are: Classic, Onyx, Signature, and Prestige. One can choose between these based on the budget and exact requirements. 

Classic: This is the entry-level version that comes with features such as LED lighting, a touchscreen infotainment system, and 6 airbags. 

Onyx: The Onyx trim comes with a handful of cosmetic enhancements and a few extra convenience features.  

Signature: The Signature variant is among the more popular options. It carries more connectivity and comfort-enhancing features. Also, it offers more drivetrain choices.

Prestige: The flagship variant comes with all the bells and whistles, including front ventilated seats, sunroof, premium audio system and additional comfort-enhancing features.  

Thanks to this fairly simple lineup, buyers can select a Kushaq Skoda variant that suits their exact requirements. 

Fuel efficiency of the Skoda Kushaq primarily depends on the engine and transmission option, along with, of course, the driving style. As per official figures, the 1.0-litre engine offers around 19 kmpl. In typical city conditions, real-world mileage, however, usually stays between 14 and 15 kmpl. On the highway, one can achieve around 17 kmpl if driving gently, at speeds below 100 km/h. 

The 1.5-litre engine has been tuned more for performance than economy. Therefore, mileage in the city ranges around 12 kmpl. On the expressway, one can extract up to 19 kmpl as this version of the Skoda Kushaq SUV is tuned for better top-end performance.   When buyers evaluate the overall package, the price of Skoda Kushaq appears reasonable considering the performance and driving quality it offers.

The Skoda Kushaq carries a clean and purposeful design. It follows Skoda’s traditional styling philosophy rather than trying to look overly aggressive. At the front, the signature Skoda grille immediately stands out. LED headlights and sharp bonnet lines give the SUV a modern appearance. In the side profile, the proportions of the Skoda Kushaq SUV look balanced. 

Alloy wheels and strong shoulder lines add a bit of visual strength to the profile. At the rear, the LED tail lamps and sculpted tailgate provide a neat finish. Overall, the design of the Kushaq car feels understated yet premium, which is typical of Skoda’s styling approach.

On the inside, the Skoda Kushaq focuses on comfort and usability with clean, fuss-free layouts. The dashboard is simple with all the controls placed within easy reach of the driver. Even the infotainment system is fairly straightforward to operate.

Seat comfort is quite good, both at the front and the row. They provide enough support even on the longer dries. Higher variants eden feature ventilated front seats to improve comfort in summer. Rear seat space is respectable for a vehicle of the compact SUV segment. Two adults and a kid can sit comfortably on urban trips.

Safety remains a key focus area of the Skoda Kushaq. The SUV carries six airbags as standard. It even gets ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and traction control. Additional safety equipment includes hill hold control, rear parking sensors, and a reverse parking camera. Also, the Skoda Kushaq has scored 5 stars at NCAP, which reflects its high crash safety credentials. Thanks to a strong structure and a gamut of safety systems, the Skoda Kushaq feels reassuring and safe. 

The Skoda Kushaq is on sale in the rather crowded compact SUV segment, where it rivals a handful of competent options.  

• Hyundai Creta: Offers more features and slightly more space but isn’t as fun to drive as the Skoda Kushaq.  

• Kia Seltos: Provides a bolder design and more features, but isn’t as driver-focussed as the Kushaq.

• Volkswagen Taigun: A mechanical twin of the Kushaq, it offers the same performance and features but with a slightly different styling package.  

Compared to most of its rivals, the Skoda Kushaq SUV stands out due to its focus on offering engaging driving characteristics. Buyers looking for a fun-to-drive compact SUV will find the Skoda Kushaq price in India justifiable in spite of slightly lower features than rivals. 

Like every car out there, even the Skoda Kushaq has its shares of positives and negatives. Hence, as a potential buyer, one should be aware of both aspects before making the final purchase call. 

In case you are in the market for a compact SUV segment that has a strong focus on driving performance, the Skoda Kushaq should fit the bill. It offers sufficient cabin space, peppy turbo petrol engines and great high-speed stability. These make it a good option for both everyday use and long trips. 

The Skoda Kushaq launch attracted the attention of many compact SUV buyers to a brand that was earlier known only as a premium carmaker. Even today, Skoda enjoys the brand image of a premium car manufacturer that focuses on quality, safety and performance.  

Since the Skoda Kushaq launch date, the SUV has built a reputation for being engaging to drive while still remaining practical for family use. For buyers who enjoy driving but still need a versatile SUV, the Kushaq car remains a sensible option.