Kushaq is the name of Skoda’s first compact SUV for India based on the Vision IN concept

As Skoda is closing in on launching its first car under the India 2.0 program, the brand has announced the official name of the vehicle. Skoda named the concept version of the mid-size SUV as the Skoda Vision IN. The production version of the mid-size SUV will be revealed in March 2021.

This is the first time that a Skoda vehicle will get an Indian name, which shows how important the Indian market is for the brand. As per the official announcement, the name Kushaq is derived from the Sanskrit language. Kushak means ‘King’ or ‘Emporer’. Skoda has derived the name to match the nomenclature of the other SUV names from their line-up in India. All the Skoda SUV names start with a “K” and end with a “Q”. For example, there is the Kodiaq, the Karoq, Kamiq and more.

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Mr Zac Hollis, Brand Director – ŠKODA AUTO India said,

“The new ŠKODA KUSHAQ will offer a compelling combination of the brand’s timeless design ideals, unmatched performance, superior build quality, exemplary value proposition, and enhanced safety and security. It is deemed to be the best seller in its class, setting the benchmark for functionality, practicality, spaciousness, and convenience.”

Skoda Kushaq

Skoda has also released a video that shows the naming of the Kushaq and people from different zones of India saying the name with different accents. The video says that it does not matter in what accent a person speaks the name but the meaning remains the same.

The Kushaq will be the first car to be made specifically for the Indian market from the brand. It also is the first car that will is based on the MQB A0 IN platform. There will be a slew of cars from the Volkswagen Group based on the very same platform in the future. It is a low-cost platform that is derived from the costly MQB platform that is available in the international markets. To keep the cost of the cars competitive and low, the group spawned the new platform for the Indian market.

 

The all-new Kushaq will go against the likes of Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Since it is made-for-India and made-in-India product, Skoda is likely to price it very competitive, unlike the other vehicles in its model line-up. The production version of the vehicle will be very similar to the concept version but there will be a few changes to make it cost-effective.

The naming nomenclature of the ŠKODA KUSHAQ derives its origin from Sanskrit, and the word ‘KUSHAK’ denotes KING or EMPEROR. In its stance and mannerism, the powerful new KUSHAQ personifies its moniker and at the same time reflects upon its 125 years of rich history and heritage. pic.twitter.com/CFYwDzsG3z

— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) January 7, 2021

The cabin of the all-new Kushaq is also expected to offer a modern feel and look. Skoda will offer features like a digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control system and more. Skoda will keep the localisation to 95% to ensure that the cost of the vehicle is very competitive.

Skoda will use only petrol engine options with the all-new Kushaq. The lower variants will get the 1.0-litre turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power of around 110 PS. Skoda will offer a manual and a torque converter automatic with this engine option. The more powerful variants will get the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that generates a maximum of around 150 PS. If so, the Kushaq will become the most powerful car in the segment.

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