Skoda Kushaq: The compact SUV segment has witnessed numerous entrants over the years, but few have generated as much anticipation as the Skoda Kushaq. After years of limited presence in the mainstream Indian market, Skoda’s return with this locally-developed SUV represents a calculated gamble on winning back customer confidence. Having spent considerable time with the Kushaq across various driving conditions, it becomes clear that this Czech automaker has created something genuinely compelling.
Design Excellence Inside and Out
The Kushaq’s exterior design language speaks fluent Skoda, featuring the brand’s distinctive crystalline elements and sharp character lines. The front grille integrates seamlessly with the LED headlight clusters, creating a cohesive face that looks premium without being overly aggressive. The proportions work exceptionally well, giving the vehicle a planted stance that suggests stability and confidence.
Interior design showcases Skoda’s attention to detail and build quality. The dashboard architecture feels logical and driver-focused, with physical controls for essential functions that work better than touch-sensitive alternatives during actual driving. Material quality exceeds expectations throughout the cabin, with soft-touch surfaces in key contact areas and robust plastics that should age gracefully. The seats provide excellent support for both short city trips and longer highway journeys.
Engine Options That Deliver
Skoda offers two turbocharged petrol engines, and both demonstrate the brand’s engineering prowess. The 1.0-liter TSI unit produces 115 horsepower, delivering surprisingly strong performance for its displacement. The turbocharger spools up smoothly, providing adequate torque from low RPMs that makes city driving effortless.
The 1.5-liter TSI represents the performance flagship, generating 150 horsepower that transforms the Kushaq into a genuinely quick SUV. This engine’s character perfectly matches the vehicle’s European roots – refined, smooth, and eager to rev. The cylinder deactivation technology helps maintain reasonable fuel efficiency during light-load conditions, while full power remains available when needed.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
The Kushaq’s European development shows most clearly in its driving dynamics. The suspension tuning strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling precision. Road irregularities are absorbed competently without compromising body control through corners. The steering provides good feedback and weighs up progressively, making the vehicle feel stable and predictable at all speeds.
Transmission choices include manual and automatic options across both engines. The six-speed manual gearbox operates with typical Skoda precision, offering short throws and positive engagement. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic deserves special praise for its quick shifts and intelligent programming that rarely leaves you hunting for the right gear.
Technology and Safety Focus
The infotainment system centers around a responsive touchscreen that integrates well with smartphone connectivity options. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work seamlessly, while the interface design remains intuitive even for less tech-savvy users. The digital instrument cluster provides clear information without unnecessary complexity.
Safety receives proper attention with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist coming standard. The build quality feels substantial throughout, with solid door closures and tight panel gaps that inspire confidence in crash protection and long-term durability.
Value and Ownership Experience
Skoda’s pricing strategy positions the Kushaq competitively against established rivals while offering superior build quality and driving refinement. The feature list reads impressively across variants, with even base models receiving equipment that many competitors reserve for top-spec versions.
Service network improvements and the extended warranty program address traditional concerns about Skoda ownership. Parts availability has improved significantly, while service costs remain reasonable for a European brand.
Skoda Kushaq Final Assessment
The Kushaq represents Skoda’s most serious attempt at cracking the Indian market in recent memory. It succeeds by offering genuine European engineering and build quality at accessible pricing. The driving experience feels more refined than most competitors, while the interior quality and attention to detail justify the premium positioning.
For buyers seeking something different from mainstream Japanese and Korean alternatives, the Kushaq presents a compelling proposition. It’s not perfect – rear seat space could be more generous, and some features feel expensive as options – but the overall package delivers on Skoda’s promise of simply clever engineering.