Skoda Kushaq Review

 Skoda Kushaq 
Rs 10.49- 17.59 Lakh (exshowroom)

What is it?

Skoda just launched the all new Kushaq in the Indian markets. This is their answer to the mid-sized SUV segment. This car will be directly competing with the bestselling Hyundai-Creta and the kia-Seltos.  The model is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform that will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.
Let’s find out is it worth buying or not?

Pros:

1. Ride quality is just like a SUV.
2. Handling and drive quality is just bang on.
3. Impressive cabin design.
4. Infotainment and sound systems also stand out.

Cons:

1. Build Quality is decent but some bits are finished with hard plastics.
2. Narrow cabin on the rear side.
3. No diesel variants available.

The Kushaq come in 3 models:
1. Base- Active which comes with 1.0-Litre turbo petrol with manual transmission
2. Medium- Ambition which offers the same 1.0-Litre turbo petrol with automatic/manual transmission
3. Top- Style offers:
            a. 1.0-Litre turbo petrol with 6-speed manual / automatic transmission and,
            b. 1.5-Litre turbo petrol with 6-speed automatic / 7-speed DSG transmission

Exterior Overview:

Front View:

The car has a lot going on. The front design is more on the balanced side. The creases running all the all the way to the grille adds to the design. The perfectly complimented chrome wrapping the grille along with the headlamps also successfully compliments the design. The top model also gets a cornering light, which lights up individually in the direction of the movement of the car. The headlamps have a decent spread and clarity. 

Front View

Side View:

From the side it is very prominent that the car is not the tallest of the lot. The 17-inch wheel on the top model (16-inch in other models) and the slight flared wheel arches also adds up to design language. Besides this the chrome accents on the door handles and functional roof rails also stand out. The car also gets passive entry on the passenger side at the front. The wheel base is also greater than the competition. The ground clearance is also decent 155mm-Laden (Laden- When the car is loaded with passengers) and 188mm-Unladen (Unladen- When the car is completely empty).

Side View

Rear View:

In the rear end the same design language is continued over. The split tail lamps, the connected light at the lower section with the chrome line is again enhancing the overall look. As tradition there is a big Skoda written.
The overall exterior design is a more streamlined approach. It has a unique design but not as distinct to stand out on the road. Overall a big thumps up for exterior design.

Rear view

                            

 Interior Overview:

Dashboard:

The exterior design is also carried in throughout the cabin. The cabin is very well thought out and very practical. The dash board is mostly having soft touch materials but some bits of hard plastic for cost cutting is also clearly evident. 
Starting with the steering with its two-spoke design, chrome accents and the good tactile buttons are a really nice touch. The steering mimics a premium experience with good feedback and the touch and feel of the materials used.  The chrome finished rotating knobs to navigate through the instrument cluster is just very satisfying.
Both the instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch centre screen are very prominent and have a good resolution.
The instrument cluster do offer a bit simpler approach with black and white theme. While the centre console is extremely responsive and also supports wireless Android auto and Apple Car play.

Dashboard 

Instrument Cluster

     

Steering Wheel 

                                         

Front seats:

The seats at the front provide good support. They are very well contoured and the top end variant also gets a ventilated option. The seats are really very comfortable for long rides and there is no such complain.

                

Front Seats

             

Rear seats:

At the rear there is a good amount of leg room, knee room and sufficient head room for 6 feet long individual. There are three adjustable head rests in the rear end but the middle passenger will be very comfortable due to the slightly stiff back rest. But for two individual it is fine. The centre armrest also provides two cup holders.

                                        

Rear seats

 

There is an AC vent placed between the two front seats which also helps in cooling and moreover this console also houses two type “C” ports for mobile top ups on the go.
Overall the cabin is airy but the black interior option can just make it a bit more claustrophobic at the rear.

       

Rear AC vents and ports

                             

Performance:

The vehicle comes paired either a 1.0-Litre turbo petrol curving out 115PS and driving front wheel via a 6-speed manual or auto or a 1.5-Litre turbo petrol producing 150PS via a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT transmission. The former I.0-litre turbo petrol is the same powertrain as on the Rapid with minute tweaking’s here and there, so experience will be quite similar.
The later 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is smooth and refined with linear power delivery and also provide plenty of power for exciting twisty roads as well as effortless long trips. The car is certainly going to make the driving enthusiasts put a wide smile every time they are driving. The motor pulls from as low as 1300rpm, so driveability at city speeds is also breeze.
 

Under the hood of a Kushaq

The top end variants also get a feature of shitting off the engine on signals and also can shut off 2 cylinders from 4 while cruising at a constant speed which will again add to its mileage.

Ride and Handling:

The Kushaq has a great balance to its ride setup. It's comfortable over paved roads, absorbing small imperfections well, staying composed over bigger bumps and settling quickly after. The suspension does a good job over completely broken roads as well and though there is some side-to-side motion, it isn't uncomfortable.
This translates to good handling around corners as well. The Kushaq remains planted with very little body roll. The steering is comfortably weighted in the city and weighs up nicely on the highway as well. In short, people who like to drive will enjoy being behind the wheel of the Kushaq.

Features:

The Kushaq has all the basics covered with ventilated seats, climate control, auto headlamps, cruise control, sunroof and wireless charger. It also provides telescopic adjustment for the steering, rain-sensing wipers, and touch controls for the climate. However, with all the features also this car lacks in the competition.


The 7-speaker unit also deliver decent level of loudness and clarity.

The 7-speaker unit also deliver decent level of loudness and clarity. That said, you also get AC vents, charging ports, big door pockets, armrest for both front and rear passengers.

Completely folded rear seats

Boot Space 285 litre

The boot space, at 285 litres, may sound small but its shape allows you to fit in a lot. The low-loading lip is almost flat and the 60:40 split seats help free up more space even if they don't fold completely flat.

 Safety:

The Kushaq has a full safety net with ABS and EBD, ISOFIX mounts, six airbags, hill-hold control, multi-collision braking, rear parking sensors, and a camera. A standout in the segment is ESC, which is offered as standard. What's missing in the Kushaq are rear disc brakes, pressure readouts for tyres, and for some reason (price?), the automatic transmission variants get only two airbags.    
 

For any further details visit: Test Drive a ŠKODA | ŠKODA India (skoda-auto.co.in)