Skoda launches Kushaq 1.5 automatic compact SUV with 6 airbags

Skoda has launched a new variant of the Kushaq. It is based on the top-spec Style variant but now gets 6 airbags. It is offered with both, the 1.0-litre engine and 1.5-litre petrol engines. The Style 1.0 AT with 6 airbags is priced at Rs. 16.99 lakhs ex-showroom whereas the Style 1.5 AT is priced at Rs. 17.99 lakhs ex-showroom. That is an increase of Rs. 40,000 over the regular Style variants.

When Kushaq was launched the top-end Style variant missed out on 6 airbags if you opted for the automatic transmission. People provided feedback to Skoda and the manufacturer listened. They announced that they will be launching the Kushaq with 6 airbags soon. The launch of the new variant was postponed but now it is finally here. We assume that Skoda has also added a tyre pressure monitoring system as it was also missing earlier.

Skoda now offers Kushaq in four variants. There is Active, Ambition, Style and Style with 6 airbags. Unlike other manufacturers, Skoda is not offering any naked variant of the Kushaq. So, even the base Active variant comes with a good equipment list. However, because of this, the starting price of Kushaq might seem a bit high.

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Kushaq starts at Rs. 10.49 lakhs ex-showroom and goes up to Rs. 17.99 lakhs ex-showroom. It competes against the Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Renault Duster and Nissan Kicks.

As mentioned above, Kushaq is offered with two petrol engine options. There is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI. The 1.o TSI produces 115 PS of max power and 178 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This is the same engine that we have seen on the Volkswagen Polo GT, Skoda Rapid and Volkswagen Vento. However, the engine has been retuned to produce more power and torque.

Then there is the 1.5 TSI that produces 150 PS of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Enthusiasts, who like to drive the car themselves, will prefer this engine because of its power delivery. Also, this engine comes with Active Cylinder Technology. So, it can shut down two of its cylinders in certain circumstances, this helps in saving fuel.

The engine, gearbox and platform are shared with the Volkswagen Taigun. Kushaq is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. Due to this, the Kushaq has a wheelbase of 2,651 mm which is one of the longest in the segment.

Upcoming sedan

Skoda is now working on a new sedan named Slavia. It will also share the same engine, gearbox and platform with the Kushaq. However, Skoda will be offering 6 airbags with the Slavia from the launch itself. Also, it is expected to get slightly more equipment than the Kushaq. For instance, it will come with a digital instrument cluster which the Kushaq misses out on. Slavia will be unveiled later this year and its launch will happen in February or March next year.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq SUV”s official launch & price announcement timeline revealed officially