To say that the Kushaq is a makeor-break model for Skoda wouldn’t be out of the ballpark. The SUV’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kushak’ which means ‘emperor’. The name underlines the focus on the Indian market; this is, after all, Skoda’s first made-inIndia and made-for-India model. With the Kushaq, the Czech brand is entering the lucrative and hotlycontested mid-size SUV segment for the first time, which means Skoda is gunning for the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
What’s nice about the Kushaq’s design is that it retains about 80 per cent of the good-looking Vision IN concept SUV displayed at Auto Expo 2020. A big, bold Skoda family grille is flanked by smart LED lights in a dual-headlamp setup. The faux intakes on either side of the front bumper look less than nice in person, though they do add to the physique of the nose.
The front and rear overhangs are rather short; compared to its rivals, the Kushaq has the shortest overall length at 4225 mm. The wheels have been pushed to the furthest edges and this accentuates the long 2651-mm-long wheelbase, which is incidentally longer than its rivals. The 155-mm (laden) ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels, beefy wheel arches and contours along the doors provide the proper SUV stance that Indian buyers will like.
The C-shaped wraparound LED tail-lights are attractive and a chrome strip below the number plate adds to the feeling of width. A silver bash plate on the rear bumper adds to the muscular design. Skoda has ensured the Kushaq will find its share of fans, as there are no over-the-top elements that could polarise opinion.
This story is from the July 2021 edition of Motoring World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2021 edition of Motoring World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
INTO THE SHADOWS
Truthfully speaking, there is no such thing as too much carbon fibre, is there?
STEP-UP GAME
With a name that commands love and loyalty over generations, an update was inevitable
BOTH BARRELS
The new Shotgun 650 goes up against its own stable-mates. Does it deliver?
POTENTIAL PREDATOR
A much-anticipated racing bloodline, but does it deliver?
AFFORDABLE SILENCE
Could these two be your choice to enter the electric world? We find out.
FRENCH RECONNECTION?
Late to the party, Citroén C3 Aircross gets an AT!
TIME AFTER TIME
Old shapes and generous amounts of chrome never did go out of fashion, right? That's why we're all for Jawa's second comeback, this time with what's called the 350.
STEPPING IT UP
Unveiling the dynamic and feature-rich Kia Sonet we check out this refreshed compact SUV
TOP TIER
We check out the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, a robust SUV catering to those seeking the epitome of spacious, high-end luxury SUV
CENTENNIAL SPRINT
Škoda Auto India's thrilling race to 100k