The Skoda Kushaq has taken the Indian market by storm, offering a bold and premium take on the subcompact SUV segment. But is it all hype, or does it truly live up to its promises? Let’s delve into the details and help you decide if the Kushaq is your perfect driving companion.
Fuel Efficiency & Economy:
- Claimed: The Kushaq boasts impressive claimed fuel efficiency figures, ranging from 18.09kmpl to 19.76kmpl depending on the engine and transmission choice.
- Real-World: User reports suggest achieving 15-17kmpl in city driving and up to 18-20kmpl on highways, which aligns with expectations for this segment.
Safety First:
- Features: The Kushaq comes loaded with safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold control, traction control, and electronic stability control.
- Crash Tests: It received a commendable 4-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests, highlighting its structural integrity and occupant protection.
Price & Trims:
- Starting at ₹11.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kushaq offers a range of variants: Active, Ambition, Style, Monte Carlo, Matte Edition, Onyx, Onyx Plus, and the special Elegance edition.
- Prices climb up to ₹20.49 lakh, with each trim adding more features and creature comforts.
Space & Comfort:
- The Kushaq’s cabin feels spacious for its segment, offering ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers.
- Boot space sits at a decent 385 liters, expanding to 1435 liters with folded seats.
Tech & Infotainment:
- The Kushaq features a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- Higher trims get a digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the tech experience.
Performance & Handling:
- The two engine options (1.0L & 1.5L TSI) offer peppy performance, especially the 1.5L with its 148bhp and 250Nm torque.
- It handles well in city traffic and offers a comfortable highway ride. However, off-road capability is limited due to its FWD nature.
Reliability & Maintenance:
- Skoda’s service network is expanding in India, but long-term reliability data is still limited.
- Maintenance costs are expected to be on par with other premium car brands in the segment.
Warranty & Parts:
- Skoda offers a standard 3-year/unlimited km warranty, with extended warranty options available.
- Finding replacement parts shouldn’t be a major issue, especially in major cities.
Competition Check:
- The Kushaq faces stiff competition from the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Nexon, and Nissan Magnite.
- It stands out with its European build quality, spacious cabin, and premium features, but rivals offer various engine and transmission options and competitive pricing.
Acceleration & Top Speed:
- The 1.0L TSI boasts a 0-100kmph time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 170kmph.
- The 1.5L TSI is quicker, hitting 0-100kmph in 8.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 178kmph.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Peppy performance, especially with the 1.5L engine
- Premium build quality and European driving feel
- Loaded with features and technology
- Good safety ratings
Cons:
- Limited off-road capability (FWD only)
- After-sales service network still expanding
- Long-term reliability data limited
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
Conclusion:
The Skoda Kushaq offers a compelling package for those seeking a premium and feature-rich subcompact SUV. Its spacious cabin, peppy engines, and European driving dynamics make it a worthy contender. However, the limited off-road capability, higher price tag, and evolving service network might require some trade-offs. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize a comfortable, feature-packed, and stylish urban SUV, the Kushaq is definitely worth a closer look.