Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT

Searching for your next car in India can be quite a journey, right? You are not just looking for a set of wheels; you are looking for a reliable partner that fits your budget, keeps your family safe, offers manageable monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and is backed by solid company service. It is a big decision, and you want to get it right. Well, what if we told you there is a premium compact SUV that ticks almost all these boxes with confidence and style? Today, we are diving deep into the new Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT – a car that is making waves in the Indian automotive scene for all the right reasons. Let us find out if this could be your ideal ride.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT is its impressive 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This peppy motor is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of power and efficiency for city commutes and highway cruising. Here are the key details:

• Engine Type: 1.0L 3-cylinder TSI Turbo Petrol
• Maximum Power: 115 PS (at 5000-5500 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 178 Nm (at 1750-4500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Torque Converter
• Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 17.5-19.2 kmpl (ARAI certified, varies with driving conditions)
• Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

This engine is known for its refinement and enthusiastic performance, making driving the Kushaq a joy.

Design Overview

Skoda cars always have a distinct appeal, and the Kushaq is no exception. It sports a design that is both rugged and elegant.

• Exterior Design:
  • The signature Skoda grille takes centre stage, flanked by sharp, split LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, giving it a commanding presence.
  • Muscular lines and prominent wheel arches enhance its SUV stance.
  • Stylish 17-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails add to its premium look.
  • The rear features C-shaped LED tail lamps and a prominent SKODA lettering, ensuring it looks sophisticated from every angle.
• Interior Design:
  • Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-appointed cabin with a dual-tone theme (depending on the variant).
  • The dashboard layout is clean and driver-focused, with high-quality materials that feel durable.
  • Comfortable seats offer good support, perfect for long drives.
  • Thoughtful storage spaces and a practical design ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for all occupants.

Key Features

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT comes loaded with features designed to enhance your driving experience and convenience:

• Infotainment System: 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof, adding an airy feel to the cabin.
• Seating Comfort: Ventilated front seats, a boon for Indian summers.
• Charging: Wireless phone charging pad.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for optimal cabin temperature.
• Steering: Multi-function steering wheel with mounted controls.
• Convenience: Cruise control, rear AC vents, cooled glovebox, adjustable rear headrests.
• Safety Tech: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

What is the Ground Clearance of Skoda Kushaq?

The Skoda Kushaq offers a generous 188 mm of ground clearance, which is ideal for tackling Indian road conditions with ease, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces.

What is the Boot Space of Skoda Kushaq?

The boot space of the Skoda Kushaq is a practical 385 litres, which is ample for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs.

What are the Dimensions of Skoda Kushaq?

The Skoda Kushaq boasts balanced dimensions, contributing to its road presence and agile handling:

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.0L Signature AT, it is good to know that the Skoda Kushaq is available with two powerful engine options:

• 1.0L TSI Petrol: This is the 115 PS, 178 Nm engine available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
• 1.5L TSI Petrol: For those seeking more power, there is a 1.5-litre TSI engine producing 150 PS and 250 Nm. This engine comes with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (Dual-Clutch Automatic) transmission.

Safety Features

Skoda has always prioritised safety, and the Kushaq is a shining example. The 1.0L Signature AT is packed with essential safety features:

• Up to 6 airbags (dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags).
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – standard across all variants.
• Traction Control System (TCS).
• Hill Hold Control (HHC).
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
• ISOFIX child seat anchors.
• Multi-collision brake.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a huge consideration for Indian buyers, and the Skoda Kushaq excels here. It has achieved top ratings from leading safety assessment bodies:

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

This 5-star rating for both adult and child occupants underscores Skoda's commitment to passenger safety.

Rivals of Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT

The compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT competes with strong contenders such as:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages

• Punchy and Refined Engine: The 1.0L TSI engine with the 6-speed AT offers excellent drivability, being peppy in the city and capable on highways.
• Top-Tier Safety: A full 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP rating gives immense peace of mind.
• Solid Build Quality: Skoda cars are known for their robust build, and the Kushaq feels substantial and well put together.
• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Good legroom and headroom for all passengers, making it suitable for families.
• Ride and Handling: A well-tuned suspension provides a comfortable ride quality while maintaining engaging handling characteristics.
• Premium Feel: The overall fit and finish, along with the feature list, gives it a premium edge in its segment.

Disadvantages

• Some Interior Plastics: While largely good, some hard plastics in the lower dashboard areas might feel a bit ordinary compared to rivals.
• Feature List Compared to Some Rivals: Lacks features like a panoramic sunroof or a 360-degree camera, which some competitors offer in similar price brackets.
• Perception of After-Sales Service Network: While Skoda has been aggressively expanding and improving its service network, some buyers might still have reservations compared to market leaders.
• Fuel Economy with Aggressive Driving: While generally good, the turbocharged engine can be a bit thirsty if driven very aggressively.

Conclusion

The Skoda Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT stands out as a strong contender in the bustling compact SUV segment in India. It successfully blends Skoda's core strengths – robust build quality, powerful yet efficient engines, and segment-leading safety – with modern features and a stylish design. If you are a prospective car buyer prioritising safety, a fun-to-drive automatic experience, good ground clearance, and a premium European feel, the Kushaq 1.0L Signature AT should definitely be on your shortlist. While it might miss out on a few gadgetry points compared to some rivals, its fundamental strengths offer a compelling package. We highly recommend taking it for a detailed test drive to truly experience what this Skoda SUV has to offer. It might just be the perfect fit for your garage.