Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige AT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Are you on the hunt for your next ride in India? We know how tough that decision can be. You are probably thinking about a few things right now: How much will it cost me each month? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance and company service? And of course, does it have all the latest features I want?

Well, you have come to the right place! Today, we are diving deep into a car that is making quite a buzz in the compact SUV segment: the new Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige AT. This variant promises a blend of style, safety, and smart features. Let us find out if it is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Kushaq 1.0L Prestige AT is a capable and efficient turbocharged petrol engine.

• Engine Type: 1.0L TSI Turbo-Petrol
• Cylinders: 3-cylinder
• Displacement: 999 cc
• Max Power: 115 PS (at 5000-5500 rpm)
• Max Torque: 178 Nm (at 1750-4500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT)
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

Exterior

The Skoda Kushaq boasts a robust and appealing design. It carries Skoda's signature crystalline design elements, giving it a premium and mature look. The sharp lines, prominent Skoda grille, and LED lighting (headlamps and DRLs) make it stand out. The alloy wheels and roof rails add to its SUV stance, making it look tough yet elegant for Indian roads.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-designed, spacious cabin. The dual-tone theme, quality materials, and logical layout give a premium feel. The dashboard is modern, user-friendly, and all controls are within easy reach. The seats are comfortable and supportive, perfect for both city commutes and long highway drives.

Key Features

The Prestige variant is packed with features to make your driving experience comfortable and connected.

• Infotainment Screen: 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MySkoda Connect (connected car features)
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof
• Camera: 360-degree camera
• Charging: Wireless charging pad
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
• Audio: Premium audio system
• Ventilated Seats: Front ventilated seats
• Other Features: Cruise control, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start/stop.

Ground Clearance

The Skoda Kushaq offers a good ground clearance, which is very helpful for tackling diverse Indian road conditions and speed breakers.

• Ground Clearance: 188 mm

Boot Space

If you love road trips or just need space for your shopping, the Kushaq's boot will not disappoint.

• Boot Space: 385 litres

Dimensions

Understanding a car's size helps you know how well it fits your parking space and your family.

• Length: 4225 mm
• Width: 1760 mm
• Height: 1612 mm (without roof rails), 1636 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2651 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.0L AT here, it is good to know the Kushaq also offers other choices.

• 1.0L TSI Petrol with 6-speed Manual
• 1.0L TSI Petrol with 6-speed Automatic (the one we are discussing)
• 1.5L TSI Petrol with 6-speed Manual
• 1.5L TSI Petrol with 7-speed DSG Automatic

Safety Features

Skoda cars are known for their strong build and safety. The Kushaq is no exception.

• Airbags: Up to 6 airbags (dual front, side, and curtain)
• Brakes: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC: Electronic Stability Control (standard across all variants)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Control
• Multi-Collision Brake
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is paramount, and the 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

Rivals of Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige AT

The compact SUV segment is very competitive in India. Here are some of its main competitors:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages (Pros)

• Top-notch Safety: A 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP rating gives immense peace of mind.
• Strong Build Quality: Skoda cars are known for being solidly built, and the Kushaq feels premium and robust.
• Punchy 1.0L TSI Engine: Despite being a 1.0L, the turbocharged engine offers excellent performance and is very refined, especially with the smooth AT gearbox.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering a good balance between comfort and handling.
• Feature-rich Cabin: Loaded with modern conveniences like a 10-inch touchscreen, sunroof, ventilated seats, and more.
• Spacious Interior: Good legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable family car.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Price Point: Can be slightly more expensive than some rivals, especially the top-end variants.
• Interior Plastics: While overall quality is good, some hard plastics in the lower dashboard area might feel less premium.
• Fuel Economy: While respectable, it might not be class-leading compared to some hybrid rivals, especially in heavy city traffic.
• After-sales Service Network: Though improving, Skoda's service network is still not as widespread as Maruti or Hyundai.

Conclusion

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Prestige AT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV space. It is a car that truly delivers on performance, safety, and features, making it a compelling package for Indian car buyers. If safety is your top priority and you appreciate European build quality, a refined automatic gearbox, and a feature-loaded cabin, the Kushaq Prestige AT should definitely be on your shortlist.

While it might ask for a slightly higher investment upfront and its service network is still growing, the driving experience, premium feel, and peace of mind from its safety ratings make it a worthwhile consideration. So, head to your nearest Skoda dealership, take it for a spin, and see if the Kushaq 1.0L Prestige AT clicks with you!