Skoda Kushaq: In a market saturated with compact SUVs, standing out requires something special. The Škoda Kushaq, whose name derives from Sanskrit for ’emperor’ or ‘king,’ aims to rule India’s competitive SUV segment through a blend of European engineering, thoughtful design, and localized development.

Launched as part of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s ambitious India 2.0 project, the Kushaq represents more than just another SUV—it embodies the Czech automaker’s renewed commitment to understanding and serving the unique demands of Indian customers.

Skoda Kushaq: Origins: Born from the India 2.0 Strategy

The story of the Kushaq begins with a fundamental shift in Škoda’s approach to the Indian market. After years of modest success with European-developed products, the Volkswagen Group tasked Škoda with leading a comprehensive India 2.0 strategy aimed at creating products specifically for Indian roads and preferences, rather than simply adapting existing global models.

This approach led to the development of the India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform, a modified version of the Group’s modular architecture optimized for Indian conditions.

The platform development wasn’t merely a technical exercise; it involved extensive market research to understand Indian driving patterns, road conditions, maintenance practices, and cost expectations.

The Kushaq thus became the first fruit of this strategy—a vehicle conceptualized with Indian customers in mind from the earliest design sketches, rather than an afterthought adaptation. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the vehicle, from its ground clearance to its infotainment system.

Design Language: European Flair with Indian Sensibilities

Park a Kushaq among its competitors, and its European design heritage becomes immediately apparent. The traditional Škoda butterfly grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by crystalline LED headlights that create a distinctive signature. Sharp character lines flow along the sides, leading to a rear that combines elegance with a hint of ruggedness.

The proportions strike a careful balance—at 4,225mm in length, the Kushaq is compact enough for congested urban environments yet substantial enough to command presence on highways.

The 2,651mm wheelbase, remarkably long for its overall length, translates to generous interior space, addressing a key Indian market requirement.

Design details reveal thoughtful adaptation to Indian conditions. The 188mm ground clearance navigates rough roads with confidence, while the raised bonnet line and commanding seating position deliver the SUV experience that Indian customers increasingly favor.

Roof rails and protective plastic cladding around wheel arches reinforce its SUV credentials without resorting to exaggerated styling elements.

Color options including Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red allow for personalization, with the distinctive Honey Orange particularly highlighting the vehicle’s character lines under Indian sunlight.

Cabin Experience: Substance Over Flash

Step inside the Kushaq, and the difference in philosophy from many of its competitors becomes evident. Where some rivals emphasize flashy digital screens and piano black surfaces, the Kushaq’s cabin focuses on material quality, ergonomics, and thoughtful design.

The layered dashboard with its distinctive character line, tactile switchgear, and European-style restraint creates an environment that feels built to last rather than merely impress at the showroom.

The two-spoke steering wheel, a recent Škoda design signature, feels substantial in hand. Ventilated front seats—a necessity in India’s climate—come upholstered in materials that balance durability with comfort.

The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, though not the largest in the segment, offers crisp graphics and intuitive operation, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.

Particularly noteworthy are the ‘Simply Clever’ features that Škoda has adapted for Indian usage patterns. The smartphone pockets on the front seatbacks include USB-C charging ports, acknowledging the importance of connectivity for rear passengers.

The front center armrest includes dedicated smartphone storage, while ticket holders in the A-pillars serve a practical purpose in a country where physical toll receipts remain common.

Rear seat comfort receives special attention, with 2,651mm wheelbase creating knee room that rivals vehicles from segments above.

The rear seats offer a well-judged backrest angle and adequate under-thigh support, addressing a common complaint in many compact SUVs. The 385-liter boot, though not class-leading on paper, features a practical square shape that maximizes usable space, complemented by 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Engineering Approach: European Dynamics, Indian Resilience

Under the hood, the Kushaq offers two petrol engine options, both members of the Volkswagen Group’s TSI turbocharged family. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI produces 115PS and 178Nm of torque, while the 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI generates 150PS and 250Nm.

Both engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with the 1.0 TSI offering an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic and the 1.5 TSI available with a sophisticated 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The decision to offer only petrol powertrains reflected Škoda’s assessment of the Indian market’s shifting preferences, with diesel demand declining following the implementation of BS6 emission standards.

This focused approach allowed engineers to optimize the engines specifically for Indian fuel quality and usage patterns.

The 1.0 TSI, which powers the majority of Kushaq variants, deserves special mention. Despite its modest displacement, this engine delivers spirited performance, with peak torque available from just 1,750rpm providing excellent drivability in urban conditions.

The cylinder deactivation technology in the 1.5 TSI, which can shut down two cylinders during light load conditions, demonstrates Škoda’s commitment to efficiency without compromising performance.

The suspension setup reveals careful calibration for Indian roads. The front McPherson struts and rear torsion beam arrangement strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling stability.

The ride quality over broken surfaces remains composed at low speeds and improves further as velocity increases, absorbing expansion joints and potholes with European sophistication rather than the overly soft setup some competitors adopt.

Steering feel, a traditional Škoda strength, offers precision rarely found in this segment. The electric power assistance provides adequate weight without feeling artificially heavy, encouraging confidence during highway cruising while remaining light enough for parking maneuvers.

Braking performance receives similar attention, with all four wheels equipped with disc brakes on higher variants—a rarity in this segment that contributes to consistent stopping power even after repeated hard applications in the challenging conditions Indian roads can present.

Safety Credentials: Raising Segment Standards

Perhaps the most significant statement Škoda makes with the Kushaq comes in its approach to safety. In a segment where some competitors still offer structural integrity and safety features as optional extras or only on top variants, the Kushaq establishes a new benchmark with its standardized safety approach.

The underlying MQB-A0-IN platform incorporates high-strength steel in critical areas, creating a rigid safety cage.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) comes standard across all variants—a first for this segment in India—along with six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all positions, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Active safety systems include Multi-Collision Braking, which automatically applies the brakes after an initial collision to prevent secondary impacts, and Hill-Hold Control that prevents rollback on inclines.

The Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) improves traction during cornering, particularly valuable on India’s often uneven road surfaces.

These features reflect Škoda’s refusal to compromise on safety fundamentals regardless of market pressures, while simultaneously acknowledging Indian realities with features like the tire pressure monitoring system, which assists owners in maintaining optimal inflation on roads where service stations may have unreliable equipment.

Ownership Experience: Addressing Historical Concerns

Škoda’s historical challenge in India hasn’t been product quality but ownership costs and service experience. The India 2.0 strategy directly addresses these concerns through several initiatives built around the Kushaq.

The localization level exceeds 90 percent, significantly reducing spare part costs and improving availability. Service intervals extend to 15,000km or one year, reducing maintenance frequency compared to competitors typically requiring service every 10,000km.

The peace of mind package includes six years of roadside assistance and a standard four-year/100,000km warranty, demonstrating confidence in the product’s durability.

The digital service experience through the MyŠkoda app enables maintenance scheduling, history tracking, and cost estimates, bringing transparency to an aspect of ownership that previously caused anxiety among Indian customers.

Perhaps most importantly, Škoda has expanded its service network significantly, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, addressing the accessibility concerns that previously limited the brand’s appeal outside major metropolitan areas.

Market Position: Finding Its Place

Positioned in the hotly contested compact SUV segment, the Kushaq faces formidable competition from established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Rather than attempting to undercut these rivals on price, Škoda positions the Kushaq as a premium alternative emphasizing European engineering, driving dynamics, and safety credentials.

This positioning reflects a realistic assessment of Škoda’s brand perception in India, where it enjoys respect for technical sophistication but doesn’t command the mainstream recognition of some competitors.

By focusing on customers who value driving experience and build quality over feature lists or last-rupee pricing, the Kushaq carves a distinct niche.

Initial market response suggests this strategy resonates with a significant customer segment. The Kushaq consistently achieves monthly sales between 2,000-2,500 units—respectable figures for a premium-positioned product in this segment.

Particularly noteworthy is the high take-rate for top variants, indicating that customers entering Škoda showrooms prioritize the full expression of the brand’s values rather than seeking entry-level offerings.

Skoda Kushaq: A New Chapter for Škoda in India

The Kushaq represents more than just another entrant in India’s crowded SUV marketplace; it symbolizes a fundamental rethinking of how European manufacturers can succeed in one of the world’s most demanding automotive markets.

By combining Czech engineering traditions with deep localization and customer understanding, Škoda has created a product that stands apart without feeling alien to Indian preferences.

The Kushaq’s greatest achievement may be its balance—between dynamics and comfort, between premium positioning and value, between European heritage and Indian adaptation.

This balance creates a distinctive ownership proposition for customers seeking something beyond the mainstream options without venturing into luxury territory.

For Škoda, the Kushaq opens a new chapter in its Indian journey. After years of respected but niche presence, the company now demonstrates genuine commitment to becoming a volume player while maintaining its core values.

The true measure of its success will come not just in sales figures but in establishing Škoda as a brand that understands what Indian customers truly value—not just what they’re willing to compromise on.

As the Indian automotive market continues its evolution toward greater sophistication and specialization, the Kushaq positions Škoda to grow alongside customers seeking European engineering sensibilities adapted thoughtfully for Indian conditions.

In that sense, the Sanskrit-derived name feels particularly appropriate—not for dominance of the market, but for mastery of the challenging balance its position requires.