Skoda Kushaq in the Indian SUV Market

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Jan 25
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Skoda Kushaq 2026: 5-Star Safety SUV with 6 Airbags, Strong TSI Engines and Smart Pricing in India

The Skoda Kushaq sits in the crowded sub-4 metre SUV space but plays with a different mindset. It focuses on safety, engine performance, and driving feel rather than gimmicks. With updated safety equipment, refined engines, and competitive pricing, the Kushaq targets buyers who want a solid petrol SUV that feels stable on highways and controlled in cities.

In India, demand is shifting toward safer cars with automatic options that do not punish fuel costs. Skoda positions the Kushaq exactly here. It offers a 5-star safety structure, strong turbo engines, and features usually seen in higher segments, while keeping the entry price close to ₹10.20 lakh.

Design and Road Presence

The Kushaq follows Skoda’s clean European design language.

Key exterior points:

Wide butterfly grille with chrome outline
Sharp LED headlamps and DRLs
Strong shoulder line and squared wheel arches
17-inch alloy wheels on higher trims
LED tail lamps with crystalline pattern

The design avoids excess curves. It looks balanced and confident rather than flashy. Ground clearance works well for broken city roads and village stretches. The compact length helps in tight parking spaces without making the car feel small inside.

Engine Options: Twin TSI Petrol Line-up

Skoda offers two turbo petrol engines. Both are BS6 Phase 2 compliant and do not need AdBlue.

1.0 TSI Petrol Engine

3-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 178 Nm
Gearbox options:
- 6-speed manual
- 8-speed torque converter automatic

This engine suits daily city driving. The torque converter automatic is a strong point. Shifts feel smooth, especially in traffic. Compared to AMT units in this segment, it feels calmer and more predictable.

Mileage (ARAI): around 18–19 kmpl
Real use: 13–15 kmpl in mixed driving

1.5 TSI Petrol Engine

4-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 150 hp
Torque: 250 Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG automatic only

This engine defines the Kushaq’s character. Acceleration is quick, and overtakes on highways need little planning.

Performance highlights:

0–100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds
Strong mid-range pull
Stable cruising at triple-digit speeds

The Active Cylinder Technology shuts down two cylinders during light throttle use, improving fuel use.

Mileage (ARAI): around 18 kmpl
Real use: 12–14 kmpl

All variants remain front-wheel drive, with good grip even on wet roads.

Driving Modes and Handling

Drive modes include:

Eco
Normal
Sport

Eco helps in traffic and long commutes. Sport sharpens throttle response and gearbox behaviour, especially on the 1.5 TSI.

The steering feels direct. Body roll is controlled. The suspension is slightly firm, which improves stability but can feel stiff on sharp bumps at low speed.

The 50-litre fuel tank allows long highway runs. On steady cruising, ranges close to 850–900 km are achievable.

Interior Quality and Cabin Comfort

Inside, the Kushaq focuses on build quality and comfort rather than flashy design.

Seating and Space

Quilted leatherette seats on higher trims
Front seats: ventilated and electrically adjustable
Rear seats: good legroom for two adults
Segment-first rear seat massage function

The driving position suits long trips. Seat cushioning supports the lower back well, which helps on extended highway drives.

Dashboard and Screens

10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
AR-based navigation support
12-speaker Canton sound system

Touch response is quick. Earlier software issues have been addressed with updates, though occasional lag may still appear.

Comfort Features

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear AC vents
Wireless phone charging
Cooled glovebox
Ambient lighting with 10 colour options
Electric tailgate
Sunroof
Head-up display
360-degree camera with zoom function

Boot space stands at 385 litres. Folding the rear seats expands it to 1405 litres, useful for travel or airport runs.

Safety: A Key Selling Point

Safety is where the Skoda Kushaq stands apart.

Standard Safety Features

6 airbags on all variants
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control
Multi-collision braking system
Tyre pressure monitoring system
ISOFIX child seat mounts

The body structure has scored a 5-star rating in Global NCAP tests, thanks to high-strength steel usage.

Advanced Safety (Higher Variants)

Level 2 ADAS functions:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane assist
- Blind spot monitoring
Hill hold assist
All-disc brakes on 1.5 TSI
Rain-sensing wipers
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Emergency SOS and e-call

ADAS features under ₹20 lakh remain rare in this segment, which gives the Kushaq an edge.

Variants and Pricing in India

Ex-Showroom Prices (Approx.)

Variant	Engine	Gearbox	Price (₹ lakh)
Classic	1.0 TSI	Manual	10.66
Signature	1.0 TSI	Manual / Automatic	12.50 – 14.20
Prestige	1.0 TSI	Automatic	15.50
Prestige	1.5 TSI	DSG	18.49

On-road prices vary by city. In cities like Mohali, the range sits around ₹12.5 to ₹22 lakh.

Skoda often offers festive benefits close to ₹1 lakh, plus finance schemes around 7 percent interest.

Ownership, Service and Warranty

Average service cost: about ₹0.45 per km
Warranty: 4 years or 1,00,000 km
Extended warranty available
Service network improving in Tier-2 cities

Fuel efficiency and service costs stay competitive against rivals like Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet, especially for highway users.

Resale value remains strong. After three years, many owners report retention close to 80 percent, helped by safety ratings and engine performance.

Real-World Owner Feedback

What owners like:

Smooth DSG gearbox in traffic
Strong highway stability
Comfortable seats for long drives
Confident braking and safety feel

Reported issues:

Firm suspension at low speeds
Occasional infotainment bugs
Rear seat best suited for two adults

Post-facelift updates have improved cabin noise insulation, making highway drives quieter than earlier models.

Competition Check

Against rivals:

The Kushaq suits buyers who value engine strength, highway safety, and solid build over soft suspension tuning.

Is the Skoda Kushaq Worth Buying in 2026?

The Skoda Kushaq makes sense if:

You drive long distances often
You want a petrol automatic with strong performance
Safety matters more than flashy design
You prefer stable handling over soft ride comfort

It may not suit buyers focused only on city comfort or rear seat space for three adults.

Final Take

The Skoda Kushaq proves that a compact SUV can still feel confident, safe, and engaging to drive. With 6 airbags as standard, a 5-star safety structure, proven TSI engines, and a well-sorted automatic gearbox, it offers strong value in the ₹10–18 lakh bracket.

For Indian buyers seeking a petrol SUV that stays composed on highways, handles daily traffic well, and keeps safety at the top of the list, the Kushaq remains a solid choice in 2026.