Skoda Kushaq To Be Unveiled On 18 March 2021

Although Skoda has not yet revealed the design of the upcoming SUV, from what we have seen in the spy shots, it will look mostly similar to the Skoda Vision IN concept. We can safely assume that it will get Skoda’s signature butterfly grille with chrome surround, flanked by two-part LED headlamps. The front bumper will be chunky with a large central air dam. On the side, it will look clean with a sharp shoulder line running across the length. It is expected to get 17-inch alloys. At the rear, the Kushaq will get L-shaped tail lamps flanking the SKODA lettering on the tailgate, similar to what we have seen on the concept and other modern Skoda cars.

In terms of dimensions, the Kushaq will have a wheelbase of  2651mm, which is not only longer than its rivals -- Creta and Seltos (2610mm) -- but is also bigger than its elder sibling -- Karoq (2638mm). Skoda is yet to reveal the length and width of the SUV, but expect it to be around 4.2m long and 1.6m wide. 

On the inside, the Kushaq’s cabin is expected to look similar to other modern Skoda cars. In terms of features, Kushaq will get up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill launch assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, auto AC, rain-sensing wipers, auto LED headlamps, cruise control and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the hood, the Kushaq will be offered with two engine options to choose from: a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine making 110PS and 175Nm and a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol generating 150PS and 250Nm. Both the engines will be offered with a 6-speed MT as standard with an option of a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic with the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engines, respectively.

Skoda is expected to launch the Kushaq by mid-2021. Prices are expected to range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh. It will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. Price-wise, it will also compete with some variants of the MG Hector and the Tata Harrier.