The Skoda Kushaq has carved a niche for itself in the ever-competitive compact SUV segment. Balancing European design with practicality and performance, the Kushaq caters to a wide range of buyers. Recently, Skoda revamped the Kushaq’s variant structure, offering a more streamlined approach for potential customers. This comprehensive guide delves into each variant of the 2024 Kushaq, highlighting its unique features and specifications to empower you to make an informed decision on your next SUV purchase.
A Streamlined Approach: New Variant Nomenclature
Gone are the days of deciphering between Active, Ambition, and Style. Skoda has simplified the Kushaq’s variant names for 2024. The Kushaq now comes in three core trims: Classic, Signature, and Prestige. Additionally, there are two special editions – Onyx and Monte Carlo – catering to those seeking a touch of individuality.
Decoding the Classic Variant: Value for Everyday Journeys (Starting at ₹ 10.89 Lakh)
The base-spec Classic variant is designed for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and practical SUV for daily commutes. While it prioritizes essential features, it doesn’t compromise on safety or comfort. Here’s a breakdown of what the Classic variant offers:
- Exterior: Functional and stylish with 16-inch steel wheels with covers, body-colored door handles and ORVMs, halogen headlights with LED DRLs, and LED tail lights. Functional roof rails add to the practicality of the Kushaq.
- Interior: A comfortable cabin featuring fabric upholstery, adjustable headrests for all passengers, and a 12V power socket in the front for charging devices on the go.
- Infotainment: Equipped with a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen system with wired Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto connectivity, keeping you entertained during your drives.
- Comfort & Convenience: Provides essential features like all four power windows, a height-adjustable driver’s seat for optimal comfort, and manual air conditioning to maintain a pleasant cabin temperature.
- Safety: Prioritizes passenger safety with six airbags, rear defogger for enhanced visibility in foggy conditions, ABS with EBD for improved braking performance, electronic stability control (ESC) to maintain control during maneuvers, traction control (TC) to prevent wheelspin, rear parking sensors to assist with parking in tight spaces, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to alert you of any tire pressure fluctuations, ISOFIX child seat mounts for secure installation of child seats, and 3-point seatbelts for all occupants.
The Classic variant is a well-rounded option for those seeking a reliable and safe SUV for daily commutes. It offers excellent value for the price, making it an attractive choice for first-time car buyers or those on a budget. Important Note: The Classic variant is only available with the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Stepping Up the Game: The Signature Variant (Starting at ₹ 14.19 Lakh)
The mid-spec Signature variant elevates the Kushaq experience with a blend of comfort, technology, and style. Let’s explore the additional features it offers compared to the Classic variant:
- Exterior: Enhances the visual appeal with stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps with chrome garnish for better visibility in low-light conditions, and split-LED tail lights for a more modern look.
- Interior: Introduces an armrest with a storage compartment between the front seats for added comfort, ambient lighting to create a personalized cabin ambiance, and two Type-C USB chargers at the front and rear for convenient device charging.
- Infotainment: Receives a significant upgrade to a larger 10-inch touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, offering a seamless smartphone integration experience.
- Comfort & Convenience: Provides additional features like a semi-digital driver’s display for easy access to crucial information, 60:40 split-folding rear seats for increased cargo flexibility, electrically-foldable ORVMs for added convenience, one-touch auto up/down driver’s window for effortless operation, automatic climate control with rear vents to ensure consistent cabin temperature throughout, and a cooled glove box to keep beverages chilled during hot days. The Signature variant also introduces a sunglass holder, a thoughtful detail for those who frequently wear sunglasses while driving.
- Safety: Retains the safety features of the Classic variant and adds a rearview camera for enhanced parking assistance and hill hold assist to prevent the car from rolling back on inclines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What are the engine options available for the 2024 Skoda Kushaq?
A: The Kushaq comes with two engine options:
- 1.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine: This engine is offered in all variants except the top-spec Prestige (automatic). It produces 110 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.5-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine: This more powerful engine is available in the Signature (automatic and manual), Prestige (manual and automatic), and Monte Carlo (manual and automatic) variants. It produces 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG).
Q: Does the Kushaq offer any sunroof options?
A: Yes, a panoramic sunroof is exclusive to the top-spec Prestige variant.
Q: What are the safety features offered on the Kushaq?
A: All variants of the Kushaq come equipped with a comprehensive safety suite, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and 3-point seatbelts for all occupants. Higher variants add features like a rearview camera, hill hold control, and rain-sensing wipers.
Q: How does the Kushaq compare to its competitors?
A: The Kushaq competes with several established players in the compact SUV segment, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and Citroen C3 Aircross. The Kushaq offers a compelling blend of European design, practicality, performance, a feature-rich interior, and a choice of two engines with different power outputs.
Q: What is the warranty offered on the Kushaq?
A: Skoda offers a standard warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) on the Kushaq.
