Skoda Kushaq variant line-up to be expanded - Rider, Monte Carlo possible?

Tuhin Guha Published: June 29, 2021, 10:48 AM IST

Following the launch of the Skoda Kushaq, Skoda India brand director Zac Hollis told us that the brand will follow its usual strategy of introducing new variants to keep the Kushaq fresh in the minds of buyers. Although there was no confirmation, Hollis did state that the top-tier Monte Carlo variant could be a possibility for the new Skoda mid-sized SUV.

Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo expected, launch date

The Monte Carlo variant could be the perfect addition to the Kushaq range, and Skoda could use this variant to plug the few feature gaps the Kushaq has to its closest rivals. And with the related Volkswagen Taigun set to arrive by August with the digital instrumentation as an option from launch, that might be the most opportune time for Skoda to launch a better equipped Kushaq. We also think this variant will come with different trim and upholstery options inside, as well as added kit like powered seats and the missing side airbags on the automatic versions. Read our review of the 2021 Skoda Kushaq here.

Skoda Kushaq Rider?

Unlike pretty much all its rivals, Skoda India has decided to offer the Skoda Kushaq with a simplified variant mix. Hollis says this has been done for ease of production and maintaining quality throughout the process. The company is also not keen on offering a stripped-down entry-level version to exploit the tax breaks that sub-10 lakh cars enjoy in certain states across India. Although eventually, much later in the Kushaq's life-cycle, we do expect to see a Rider variant aimed at a more cost-conscious buyer, quite like we saw with the Skoda Rapid.

Skoda Kushaq prices, warranty, rivals

Prices for the Skoda Kushaq start from Rs 10.50 lakh for the base Active 1.0 MT and go up to Rs 17.60 for the top Style 1.5 DCT. The Kushaq is being offered with a four-year standard warranty, extendable by two more years. This package covers mechanical components like the engine and gearbox, among other things. The Skoda Kushaq copetes with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and MG Hector, see how it stacks up to these SUVs here.

Skoda Kushaq 2021 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 10.5 Lakhs

Displacement
1498cc

Transmission
Automatic

Max Power(ps)
149

Max Torque(Nm)
250

Mileage
-NA-

Hyundai Creta 2020 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 9.99 Lakhs

Displacement
1353cc

Transmission
Automatic

Max Power(ps)
115