Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG

Hey car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you in the market for a new SUV? We know how tough it can be to pick the perfect set of wheels in India. There are so many things to consider: your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, all the latest features, and of course, how reliable the company service is. It is a big decision, and you want to get it right.

Well, if you are looking for a stylish, powerful, and incredibly safe mid-size SUV, then you have probably heard of or considered the Skoda Kushaq. Today, we are diving deep into one of its most exciting variants: the Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG. This version promises an extra dash of sportiness and performance. Let us find out if it is the right SUV for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L TSI EVO with Active Cylinder Technology ACT
• Cubic Capacity: 1498 cc
• Max Power: 150 PS at 5000-6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 250 Nm at 1600-3500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG Dual-Clutch Automatic
• This engine is known for its punchy performance and refined driving experience. The ACT helps save fuel by shutting down two cylinders when not needed, making the Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG surprisingly efficient for its power.

Design Overview

The Skoda Kushaq Sportline stands out with its dynamic looks.

• Exterior: The Sportline variant adds a dark, aggressive touch. You get blacked-out elements like the grille, alloy wheels, ORVMs outside rear view mirrors, and roof rails. There is also specific Sportline badging, sleek LED headlamps with crystalline elements, and a confident stance that truly turns heads. It looks sporty and premium on Indian roads.
• Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by an all-black cabin theme, which enhances the sporty feel. Red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever adds a subtle but impactful contrast. The seats are well-bolstered, offering good comfort and support. The overall cabin design is clean, ergonomic, and built with good quality materials, giving you that solid European feel.

Key Features

The Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG comes packed with features to make your drives enjoyable and convenient:

• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Skoda Play Apps with connected car features MySkoda Connect
• Electric sunroof
• Ventilated front seats for comfort in Indian summers
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Automatic climate control
• 360-degree camera for easy parking and maneuvering
• Type-C charging ports for modern devices
• Rear AC vents
• Ambient lighting
• Digital instrument cluster

What is the Ground Clearance of Skoda Kushaq?

• The Skoda Kushaq offers a healthy 188 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling uneven Indian roads and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Skoda Kushaq?

• You get a practical 385 litres of boot space in the Skoda Kushaq. This is ample for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs.

What are the Dimensions of Skoda Kushaq?

• Length: 4225 mm
• Width: 1760 mm
• Height: 1612 mm
• Wheelbase: 2651 mm
• These dimensions make the Kushaq a compact yet spacious mid-size SUV, perfect for city driving and highway cruising.

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.5L Sportline DSG, it is good to know the Skoda Kushaq also offers another engine option:

• 1.0L TSI: This 999 cc, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It is a fantastic option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and urban driving.
• 1.5L TSI EVO: The star of our show, this 1498 cc, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivers 150 PS and 250 Nm. It is available with a 6-speed manual or the refined 7-speed DSG automatic, offering a more exhilarating driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is a huge priority for Skoda, and the Kushaq demonstrates this with a comprehensive list of safety features:

• Up to 6 airbags driver, passenger, front side, curtain
• 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 camera with sensors
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Multi-collision brake
• Rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps

NCAP Rating Table

The Skoda Kushaq has set a benchmark for safety in India.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5-star	5-star
Bharat NCAP	5-star	5-star

The Skoda Kushaq was one of the first cars to receive a 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, showing its strong build and commitment to safety.

Rivals of Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG

The Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG competes in a very crowded segment. Its main rivals include:

• Hyundai Creta 1.5L Turbo DCT
• Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo DCT
• Volkswagen Taigun 1.5L GT DSG its cousin
• MG Astor 1.3L Turbo AT
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid variants also compete for attention

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Advantages of Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG

• Thrilling Performance: The 1.5L TSI engine with the 7-speed DSG gearbox offers an engaging and spirited driving experience, making highway overtakes a breeze.
• Top-Notch Safety: A 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP rating means you can drive with ultimate peace of mind.
• Solid Build Quality: European engineering shines through with a robust and reassuring build, giving a premium feel.
• Sporty Design: The Sportline additions make the Kushaq look even more attractive and distinctive.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: With ventilated seats, a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging, it offers a great blend of comfort and tech.
• Good Ground Clearance: 188 mm ensures it handles diverse Indian road conditions confidently.

Disadvantages of Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG

• Interior Plastics: While overall quality is good, some hard plastics in the lower dashboard and door areas feel a bit ordinary compared to rivals at this price point.
• Skoda Service Network Perception: While improving rapidly, Skoda's service network and cost of parts are still a concern for some buyers, though Skoda is actively working to address this.
• Fuel Efficiency in City Traffic: The 1.5L DSG can be thirsty in bumper-to-bumper city traffic if the ACT cannot kick in often.
• No ADAS Features: Unlike some newer rivals, the Kushaq currently misses out on Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist.
• Rear Seat Space: Adequate for four adults, but a bit snug for three in the back on longer journeys compared to some roomier competitors.
• Higher Price Point: The 1.5L Sportline DSG is priced at the premium end of the segment, which might stretch some budgets.

Conclusion

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG is a compelling package for anyone looking for a stylish, safe, and fun-to-drive mid-size SUV in India. It scores big on performance, boasts an enviable 5-star safety rating, and comes loaded with desirable features. While it might have a few minor drawbacks like the perception of service costs or the lack of ADAS, its strengths in engine refinement, build quality, and driving dynamics are truly impressive.

If you are someone who prioritizes an engaging driving experience, a rock-solid build, and uncompromising safety for your family, and you do not mind paying a slight premium for that European feel, then the Skoda Kushaq 1.5L Sportline DSG should definitely be high on your test drive list. It is a car that makes every journey a little more special. Go ahead, experience the thrill for yourself and make an informed decision!