Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige

Hey car buyers in India! Are you looking for a new car and feeling a bit overwhelmed? It's completely understandable. Choosing the right vehicle involves a lot of thinking: Is it within my budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance costs? Does it have all the latest features I need? And importantly, how good is the company's service network?

These are all crucial questions, especially when considering a compact SUV – a segment that's super popular right now. Today, we're putting one such exciting option under the microscope: the new Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige. Known for its strong build, European charm, and peppy performance, the Kushaq has carved a niche for itself. Let's dive deep into what makes the 1.0L Prestige variant a compelling choice for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige is powered by a lively 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This engine is a fantastic blend of performance and fuel efficiency, perfect for city drives and highway cruises alike.

• Engine Type: 1.0L TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) Petrol
• Power Output: 115 PS (Pferdestärke)
• Torque Output: 178 Nm (Newton-meters)
• Transmission Options: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)
• Fuel Efficiency: Expect around 18-19 kmpl (ARAI certified, real-world figures may vary)

Design Overview

The Kushaq truly stands out with its bold and distinctive design language, reflecting Skoda's signature European styling.

• Exterior Design: It boasts a muscular stance with sharp character lines, Skoda's signature grille, split LED headlamps with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and stylish alloy wheels. The SUV design cues like roof rails and chunky cladding give it a robust road presence.
• Interior Design: Step inside the Skoda Kushaq and you are greeted by a modern, well-laid-out cabin. The dual-tone dashboard, premium upholstery, and ergonomic controls make for a comfortable and pleasant experience. It feels spacious and airy, a hallmark of Skoda cars.

Key Features

The Prestige variant is packed with features to enhance your driving pleasure and convenience:

• Large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Electric sunroof (often called sun-roof)
• Ventilated front seats for added comfort in hot Indian weather
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Automatic climate control
• Rear view camera with parking sensors
• Cruise control
• Ambient lighting

What is the Ground Clearance of Skoda Kushaq?

The Skoda Kushaq offers a generous ground clearance of 188 mm, which is excellent for handling varied Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and unpaved roads, with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Skoda Kushaq?

With a boot space of 385 litres, the Kushaq provides ample room for your luggage, making it suitable for weekend getaways and family trips.

What are the Dimensions of Skoda Kushaq?

Here are the key dimensions of the Skoda Kushaq:

• Length: Approximately 4225 mm
• Width: Approximately 1760 mm
• Height: Approximately 1612 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.0L Prestige, it's good to know that the Skoda Kushaq also comes with a more powerful engine option:

• 1.0L TSI Petrol: 115 PS, 178 Nm (available with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic) - This is our focus model
• 1.5L TSI EVO Petrol: 150 PS, 250 Nm (available with 6-speed Manual or 7-speed DSG automatic) - For those seeking even more performance.

Safety Features

Skoda has always prioritised safety, and the Kushaq is no exception. The Prestige variant comes loaded with crucial safety equipment:

• Up to 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control) - A segment-leading feature
• Multi-Collision Brake
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Control
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear parking sensors and camera

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a huge confidence booster, and the Skoda Kushaq has proven its mettle in crash tests:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars

The Skoda Kushaq is one of the safest cars in its segment in India, achieving top scores in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP tests.

Rivals of Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive. Here are some key rivals of the Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Robust Build Quality: Feels solid and premium, a true European build.
• 5-Star Safety Rating: Top-notch safety for both adults and children from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.
• Fun to Drive: The 1.0L TSI engine is peppy, and the car's handling is confidence-inspiring.
• Feature-Rich: Loaded with desirable features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, and wireless connectivity.
• Spacious Cabin: Comfortable for four adults with good legroom.
• Generous Ground Clearance: Easily tackles challenging roads.

Cons

• Rear Seat Width: While spacious, seating three adults in the rear might be a bit snug on longer journeys.
• After-Sales Service Network: While improving, Skoda's service network isn't as widespread as some mass-market brands.
• Interior Plastics: Some may find certain hard plastic bits in the lower dashboard area a bit basic compared to the overall premium feel.
• Price Point: Can be on the higher side compared to some direct competitors, especially the top variants.

Conclusion

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige is undeniably a fantastic package for anyone looking for a premium, safe, and engaging compact SUV in India. It ticks most of the right boxes: a powerful yet efficient engine, a stylish design, a feature-loaded cabin, and most importantly, a 5-star safety rating that offers true peace of mind. While Skoda's service network perception is improving, and the price might be a tad higher, the overall ownership experience and driving pleasure make it a strong contender.

If you prioritise robust build quality, safety, a fun driving experience, and a car that stands out from the crowd, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige deserves a serious look. Take it for a test drive, experience its European flair, and you might just find your next perfect ride!