The newly launched Skoda Kylaq has come under the spotlight due to its competitive pricing in the sub-compact SUV segment. Now, although this is a very good thing, it has created a small problem for Skoda’s very own mid-size SUV, the Kushaq. In order to push the sales of the elder sibling, the company is now planning to introduce new and more affordable variants of the Kushaq. More specifically, these variants will be powered by the powerful 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine making 150 bhp of power.
Skoda to launch affordable 1.5 Kushaq variants
Recently, while speaking to ACI, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda India, highlighted that 85 percent of the Kushaq sales are currently derived from the 1.0-litre variants. However, with the Kylaq now being offered in India with a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh, a lot of sales will be diverted.
So, in order to push the sales of the 1.5-litre variants of the Kushaq, the company is planning to introduce new and more affordable variants of this model. It has also been highlighted that the company aims to target performance-enthusiast buyers who want to own a 150 bhp SUV with a relatively affordable price tag.
Janeba stated, “There is something we can do with the feature set on the Kushaq and the warranty structure. We will create a different value proposition to keep cannibalisation as low as possible.”
Presently, there are no official details about these upcoming variants of the Kushaq 1.5 with a more affordable price tag. However, most likely, the company will reduce a few features in order to keep the price in check.
Apart from this, Skoda, next year, will also be launching the new facelifted version of the Kushaq in India. It will boast new front and rear styling along with a set of new alloy wheels. It will also get premium features such as a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, and ADAS Level 2.
Skoda Kushaq 1.0 with massive discounts
Last month, Skoda, in order to clear up the existing inventory of the Kushaq 1.0, introduced a massive discount of Rs 2 lakh. The company was offering this discount on the manual transmission variant of the Kushaq 1.0 TSI.
Due to the launch of the Kylaq with the same 1.0-litre TSI engine, which makes 115 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, the company has now discontinued the manual transmission variants of the Kushaq. From now on, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI will only be offered with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Which one should you buy – Kylaq or Kushaq?
With the two siblings priced so closely, many people are getting very confused as to which SUV they should buy from Skoda. On one hand, the Kylaq is the newer and more refreshing SUV; on the other hand, the Kushaq is bigger and bolder.
The answer to this question depends upon the needs of the buyer. If you are looking for a smaller vehicle that can offer you all the creature comforts on a budget, you will not be wrong in choosing the Kylaq. However, if your requirements are for a slightly bigger vehicle with more road presence, you should opt for the Kushaq.
Also, if you are looking for a vehicle that can provide exhilarating performance, then you’ll have to take a look at the Kushaq with the 1.5-litre TSI engine. This motor is capable of producing 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque.
