Czech-citement

The new Kushaq has the Creta and the Seltos squarely in its sights. Here’s what we think after spending a day with Škoda’s latest

- Anosh Khumbatta

The Kushaq is ŠKoda’s first made-for-India product and a clear indication of the Volkswagen Group’s interest in the mid-sized SUV segment currently being dominated by the Koreans. Our first glimpse of it was at last year’s auto expo where it was unveiled as the Vision in concept, and then our editor got to drive a camouflaged pre-production prototype a few months ago. Now, with its official launch imminent, we finally get our hands on a production-ready unit to bring you this review.

The first thing you see is the familiar grille with its chrome surround and topped off with the Škoda logo. the grille is flanked on either side by a pair of slim Led headlamps, with the fog-lamps directly below, rather than all the way down on the bumper. the muscular design and stance are unmistakably European, dominated by straight, horizontal lines that give the Kushaq an elegant air; something that I personally prefer to today’s overtly curvy and bulbous designs.

The uncluttered rear is adorned with a horizontal chrome strip and the large ‘ŠKoda’ lettering that we have become accustomed to seeing on all the brand’s newer models while, lower down, the underside of the bumper is finished with a faux skid-plate for a rugged look. Stylish 17-inch alloys fill up the wheel arches nicely, while roof-rails top off the SUV image.

In terms of size, the Kushaq’s 4,225-millimetre length means that it’s marginally shorter than the Creta and the Seltos but, at 2,651 mm, it sports the longest wheelbase of the three. this bodes well for our market where we don’t really need cars that are overly large on our congested streets but still desire generous interior space.