Skoda has unveiled the brand-new KUSHAQ SUV in India as part of its world premiere of the first product under the INDIA 2.0 project. The Škoda Kushaq is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a variant of the modular MQB platform specially adapted for the Indian market and will be launched in June with the deliveries beginning in July. The name of the mid-size SUV is derived from Sanskrit, denoting a king or an emperor. The spelling with the letter ‘K’ at the beginning and the letter ‘Q’ at the end is in keeping with the distinctive nomenclature for the internationally successful ŠKODA KODIAQ, KAROQ and KAMIQ SUV models.
Thomas Schäfer, ŠKODA AUTO CEO, said: “Today is a very special day for ŠKODA and Volkswagen. With the world premiere of the ŠKODA KUSHAQ, we are launching our model campaign on the Indian market and are fulfilling the mandate Volkswagen Group tasked us with roughly two and a half years ago when we were asked to assume responsibility for the Indian market. I would like to thank Gurpratap Boparai and his team for what they have achieved so far. We are now focusing on a smooth market launch and the successful start of our new model, while setting the course for the next steps on the Indian subcontinent. I am convinced of the country’s great growth potential. And we will make the most of it for ŠKODA and Volkswagen."
The Kushaq gets headlights with crystalline structures feature LED technology, which comes as standard for the tail and brake lights. The metallic Honey Orange and Tornado Red paintwork, is exclusively offered by ŠKODA on the Indian market. The launch of the Skoda KUSHAQ sees the brand enter India’s rapidly growing mid-size SUV segment.
The KUSHAQ is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, and is 4,225 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and has a height of 1,612 mm. Its long wheelbase of 2,651 mm – which is among the longest in the segment – and has a ground clearance of 188 mm. The entry-level trim line, Active, features 16-inch steel wheels and Lhotse full wheel covers. In the Ambition trim level, the KUSHAQ comes with Grus 16-inch alloy wheels, while 17-inch Atlas two-tone alloys provide a visual highlight as standard for the Style variant.
Inside the cabin is a free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 10 inches, Climatronic with a touch control panel and ventilated leather front seats. Other features include KESSY keyless entry, an electric sliding glass roof and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Safety wise, the Skoda Kushaq gets Hill-Hold Control, tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, ESC system, Multi-Collision Brake, rear-view camera and sensors at the front among others.
Two petrol engines are being offered in the Kushaq, a 1.0-litre India made TSI unit producing 115 PS and a 1.5-litre TSI engine producing 150 PS. There are three gearbox options – 6-speed manual gearbox, 6 speed automatic transmission or 7-speed DSG.
Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, stated: “The unveiling of the KUSHAQ marks the beginning of a new era for ŠKODA AUTO and the Volkswagen Group in India. The latest addition to the ŠKODA SUV family puts forth a compelling combination of emotive design, unrivalled performance, superior build quality, exemplary value proposition, outstanding safety, and numerous Simply Clever solutions. The first product designed and developed under the INDIA 2.0 project and based on the MQB A0 IN platform, the ŠKODA KUSHAQ is inspired by the diversity of our vibrant nation yet resonates with the sensibilities of a global audience. With the ŠKODA KUSHAQ, we are poised to tap the burgeoning demand for mid-size SUVs – a segment set to grow multi fold over the next few years in India."
Initially, the campaign will see the launch of two SUV models and two notchbacks in the A0 segment. They will all be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which has been designed to meet the latest, stricter safety and emission requirements for India. In a second phase, the models manufactured in India will then also be exported to other countries.
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