Skoda Kushaq India launch pushed to July 2021
Skoda India has pushed back the launch of its new locally developed SUV, the Skoda Kushaq, by about a month. The new C-segment SUV was slated for a May-June 2021 launch but the second COVID19 wave has led to this being postponed to July 2021. Skoda India's other big launch originally planned for May, the fourth-gen Skoda Octavia, has also been put on hold until this wave of the pandemic tides over. However, the launch of the new sedan coming later this year seems to be on track for now.
With the delay in the Skoda Kushaq's launch, we can also expect the Volkswagen Taigun's launch to be pushed back by a similar timeframe. The Taigun was expected to come around August 2021, but that may be postponed to give the Kushaq more breathing room in the market.
Skoda Kushaq engines
The Skoda Kushaq was revealed in production form in March 2021 and is developed on the heavily indigenized MQB-A0-IN architecture. The SUV will be available in two engine and three gearbox options. These are the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 110PS and 175 Nm, which should be offered in the low to mid-spec versions of this new SUV. With a six-speed manual, the six-speed torque converter from the Rapid will also be available. Also, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that makes 150PS/250 Nm and pairs with a seven-speed DCT will be offered on higher trims. The larger engine will get a six-speed manual as well. Read our review of the pre-production prototype of the Skoda Kushaq here.
Skoda Kushaq features
Notable features are matrix LED exterior lighting, a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple Carplay, type-C USB charging, connected-car features, a single-pane sunroof, climate control, ventilated front seats, up to 17-inch alloy wheels and large amounts of interior storage. Safety features are appealing with the Kushaq being one of the first mainstream cars to offer ESC as standard. Other than this, there are six airbags, TPMS, hill-hold function, rear parking camera, front parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Skoda Kushaq expected price, rivalsWhen launched, the Skoda Kusahq will compete most closely with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and MG Hector. Prices are expected to range between Rs 10 to 16 lakh, ex-showroom.