Skoda Kushaq: When Skoda launched the Kushaq in India, it wasn’t just introducing another SUV to an already crowded market. The Czech automaker was making a statement about what modern buyers truly want: practicality wrapped in European sophistication, without the premium price tag that usually comes with it.
Design That Actually Makes Sense
The Kushaq’s exterior strikes a balance that many manufacturers struggle to achieve. It’s neither overly aggressive nor disappointingly bland. The signature Skoda grille dominates the front, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give it a contemporary look without trying too hard to be futuristic. The side profile reveals clean lines and well-proportioned wheel arches that house 16 or 17-inch alloys, depending on the variant you choose.
What really works is how the design translates to real-world usability. The ground clearance of 188mm means you won’t be constantly worried about scraping the underbelly on Indian roads, while the 2651mm wheelbase ensures there’s actual space for passengers, not just the illusion of it.
Interior Comfort That Surprises
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail that Skoda is known for. The dashboard layout is refreshingly uncluttered, with physical buttons for climate control – a blessing for anyone tired of hunting through touchscreen menus while driving. The 10-inch infotainment system responds quickly and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly, which works reliably in most conditions.
The rear seats deserve special mention. Unlike many SUVs in this segment where the back row feels like an afterthought, the Kushaq provides genuinely comfortable seating for three adults. The 385-liter boot space is practical for most families, though it’s not class-leading.
Performance That Delivers
Under the hood, you get two petrol engine options, and honestly, both make sense for different buyers. The 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder engine produces 115hp and feels surprisingly peppy in city conditions. It’s the kind of engine that makes daily commuting less of a chore.
For those wanting more grunt, the 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder pumps out 150hp and provides the kind of highway performance that makes long drives enjoyable rather than endurable. The cylinder deactivation technology helps with fuel efficiency, though real-world mileage varies significantly based on driving conditions and habits.
Safety and Features That Matter
Skoda hasn’t skimped on safety features. The Kushaq scored a respectable 5-star rating in Global NCAP tests, which speaks to its structural integrity. Standard features across variants include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control. Higher variants get up to six airbags, which is reassuring for families.
The feature list includes useful additions like cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM, and ambient lighting. However, some competitors offer features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats that the Kushaq misses out on.
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The Reality Check
The Kushaq isn’t perfect. Service network density, while improving, still lags behind established players like Maruti or Hyundai. Some owners report minor quality niggles, though these seem to be isolated cases rather than widespread issues.
Fuel efficiency, while decent, isn’t segment-leading. If you’re primarily looking for maximum mileage per liter, other options might serve you better.
Skoda Kushaq Why It Still Makes Sense
Despite these limitations, the Kushaq offers something increasingly rare in today’s market: honest value. It doesn’t oversell itself with gimmicky features or aggressive styling that might look dated in a few years. Instead, it focuses on getting the fundamentals right – space, comfort, safety, and driving dynamics.
For buyers who appreciate European build quality and driving characteristics but don’t want to pay premium prices, the Kushaq represents a compelling choice that’s likely to age well both mechanically and aesthetically.