Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT

Hello fellow car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, a truly exciting journey. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and of course, the company service network. These are all valid and important points. Today, we are taking a close look at a car that aims to tick many of these boxes: the new Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT. Is this compact SUV the right fit for your garage? Let us dive deep and find out!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT comes with a lively and efficient engine that is perfect for city driving and highway cruises alike.

• Engine Type: 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol
• Maximum Power: 115 PS (at 5500 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 178 Nm (between 1750-4500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)

Design Overview

Skoda cars are known for their strong, elegant designs, and the Kushaq Onyx AT is no exception.

• Exterior Design: The Kushaq boasts Skodas signature crystalline design elements, giving it a premium and robust look. It features sleek LED headlamps, bold front grille, and strong character lines that flow along its side. The Onyx trim adds specific touches that make it stand out, giving it a contemporary road presence.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and you will find a practical and well-laid-out cabin. The interior design focuses on ergonomics and comfort. The dashboard is neat, and the materials feel durable, reflecting Skodas commitment to build quality. It is designed to be a comfortable space for both the driver and passengers.

Key Features

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT might be a value-oriented variant, but it still packs some essential features to enhance your driving experience.

• 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Skoda Play Apps
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents
• Paddle Shifters for manual control over the automatic transmission
• Steering mounted controls for audio and calls
• Cooled Glovebox
• Adjustable Headrests for front and rear passengers
• Rear wiper and defogger
• LED Headlamps and DRLs

What is the Ground Clearance of Skoda Kushaq?

The Skoda Kushaq offers a generous ground clearance, which is a big plus for Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 188 mm

What is the Boot Space of Skoda Kushaq?

For your luggage and shopping needs, the Kushaq provides ample boot space.

• Boot Space: 385 litres

What are the Dimensions of Skoda Kushaq?

Understanding the cars size helps you judge its road presence and maneuverability.

• Length: 4225 mm
• Width: 1760 mm

Height: 1612 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.0L Onyx AT, it is good to know the Kushaq offers two strong turbo-petrol engine options.

• 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol: Available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is the engine in our focus model.
• 1.5L TSI Turbo Petrol: A more powerful option, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) transmission.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Skoda, and the Kushaq comes with a strong suite of safety features even in its Onyx AT trim.

• Dual Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Hill Hold Control (with AT variant)

NCAP Rating Table

The Skoda Kushaq has proven its strong build quality in crash tests.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars

Rivals of Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT

The compact SUV segment is a crowded battleground in India. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT competes with some strong contenders:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Volkswagen Taigun (its sibling)
• MG Astor

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a balanced look at the Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT.

Advantages (Pros)

• Driving Dynamics: The 1.0L TSI engine combined with the automatic gearbox offers a zippy and enjoyable driving experience, especially with those paddle shifters. It feels solid and planted on the road.
• Build Quality & Safety: Skoda cars are known for their robust build, and the 5-star Global NCAP rating is a testament to its safety. This gives immense peace of mind.

Automatic Convenience: The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission is smooth and reliable, making city commutes much easier and more relaxed.Turbo Petrol Performance: The turbocharged engine offers excellent low-end torque, which means quick acceleration and easy overtakes.High Ground Clearance: At 188 mm, it easily tackles uneven roads and speed breakers without a worry.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Feature Set: While decent, the Onyx AT trim misses out on some premium features like a sunroof, wireless charging, or a 360-degree camera, which some rivals offer even in similar price points.

Interior Design (Subjective): Some might find the interior design a bit too straightforward or functional compared to the flashier cabins of some competitors.Rear Seat Space: While adequate for four adults, the rear seat can feel a bit snug for three large passengers on longer journeys.Skoda Service Network: While improving, Skodas service network might not be as widespread as some mass-market brands in all parts of India, which could be a concern for some buyers.

Conclusion

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Onyx AT emerges as a compelling option for buyers looking for a safe, well-built, and fun-to-drive compact SUV with the convenience of an automatic transmission. It might not be the most feature-loaded car in its segment at this specific trim level, but it makes up for it with its rock-solid engineering, peppy engine performance, and a strong emphasis on safety. If you prioritize driving pleasure, build quality, and safety over a long list of fancy gadgets, and are comfortable with its feature set, the Kushaq Onyx AT certainly deserves a test drive. It is a trustworthy companion for your Indian adventures. Happy car hunting!