The Skoda Kushaq is Skoda’s first made-in-India SUV under the India 2.0 strategy, and it has quickly become a favorite among urban drivers who want the perfect balance of style, space, safety, and performance. Positioned in the compact SUV segment, the Kushaq takes on some of the most competitive models in the Indian market — and manages to stand out with its premium European design and rock-solid engineering.
Bold Exterior Design That Makes a Statement
From the first glance, the Skoda Kushaq radiates confidence. Its bold front fascia, muscular bonnet, signature butterfly grille, and split crystalline LED headlamps give it an aggressive yet elegant look. The strong body lines, flared wheel arches, roof rails, and chrome detailing make it look larger than it is — a big plus for Indian buyers looking for presence on the road.
The Kushaq rides on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels and offers a good 188 mm of ground clearance, perfect for tackling potholes, speed breakers, or uneven roads commonly found in Indian cities.
Premium Interior with Tech-Savvy Features
Step inside the Kushaq, and you’re greeted with a modern and practical cabin. The dashboard has a clean design with premium soft-touch materials and a two-spoke steering wheel that adds a European flair. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while features like a sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control enhance comfort.
Despite being a compact SUV, Skoda has utilized the space brilliantly. The Kushaq offers generous legroom and headroom in both front and rear seats, and the boot capacity of 385 liters is practical enough for weekend getaways or city shopping trips.
Efficient and Fun-to-Drive Performance
The Skoda Kushaq is offered with two turbocharged petrol engines:
- A 1.0-litre TSI engine that delivers 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque
- A more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine that churns out 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic (with the 1.0 TSI), and a 7-speed DSG automatic (with the 1.5 TSI).
Both engine options are refined and offer excellent low-end torque, making the Kushaq a delight to drive in city traffic as well as on open highways. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, and the steering is light yet responsive — ideal for Indian road conditions.
Safety Features That Inspire Confidence
Skoda has not compromised on safety. The Kushaq has scored a 5-star Global NCAP rating, making it one of the safest cars in its segment. It includes:
- Up to 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard
- Multi-collision braking
- Hill-hold control
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
These features ensure that safety is never secondary, no matter the variant.
Mileage and Maintenance
The 1.0-litre TSI engine offers a mileage of around 17–18 kmpl, while the 1.5-litre TSI variant returns around 18–19 kmpl, depending on driving style and road conditions. Skoda has also improved its service network and ownership experience in India, making the Kushaq a practical choice in the long run.
Variants and Pricing
The Kushaq is available in multiple variants, including Active, Ambition, and Style, with different feature combinations to suit different budgets. Prices start from around ₹11 lakh and go up to ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom), offering excellent value considering its premium quality and performance.
Conclusion
The Skoda Kushaq is an ideal SUV for Indian buyers who value safety, strong performance, stylish design, and modern tech. It is proof that compact doesn’t mean compromised — especially when it’s engineered by a brand like Skoda.
