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Škoda · 2021–present

Škoda Kushaq

Škoda Kushaq
Photo: Gpkp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗

The Škoda Kushaq is a subcompact SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto in India since 2021. The vehicle is heavily based on the Volkswagen T-Cross and its derivative for the Indian market, the Volkswagen Taigun. The name 'Kushaq' was derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kushak', which means 'King' or 'Emperor'.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Škoda Kushaq data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Overview

The vehicle was previewed as the Vision IN Concept in February 2020. The production model debuted on 18 March 2021 as the first product from Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s "India 2.0 project". The car is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform dedicated for Indian market and closely related with the Volkswagen Taigun. It is manufactured at Škoda's manufacturing plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, India. The Kushaq in India is available with two petrol engine options, which are the entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI producing 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI with 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW). The 1.0-litre engine is available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox options, while the 1.5-litre TSI unit, is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic option and formerly, a 6-speed manual. The 6-speed manual transmission for the 1.5 TSI unit was discontinued in September 2024. Both the engines are produced at Škoda's Chakan plant. The Kushaq contains 95% local parts. In May 2022, Škoda released the Monte Carlo edition for the Kushaq.

Facelift (2026)

The Kushaq facelift was unveiled on 20 January 2026. It gets a completely revised exterior. It gets rear wiper and washer, 17-inch alloys, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system with integrated Google Gemini and OTA (over-the-air) updates, rear AC vents, rear charging ports, automatic climate control and a single-pane electric sunroof (higher variants get panoramic sunroof) as standard. The car now gets a red-coloured rear illuminated SKODA badging on the tailgate and segment-first features like rear massaging seats for enhanced passenger comfort. The car gets a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, 6-way electrically adjustable seats, wireless charging pad, cooled glovebox, push-start button, leatherette upholstery and ventilated front seats in terms of convenience features. In terms of engines, the same 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engine options are carried over while the car receives a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission for the 1.0 TSI unit, replacing the previous 6-speed option whereas the 6-speed manual transmission and the 7-speed DSG gearbox remain unchanged.

Other markets

=== Brunei === As the follow-up of the reintroduction of Škoda Auto brand in Brunei, Škoda Auto's distributor in Brunei, TCY Motors unveiled the Kushaq, offered in Ambition and Style variants powered with 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine mated with 6-speed automatic and other Škoda cars on 24 January 2024. Middle East. In 2023, Škoda started exports of the Kushaq for the Middle East markets of Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, under Volkswagen Group Middle East. Vietnam. The Kushaq was launched in Vietnam on 28 June 2025, with two variants: Ambition and Style, it is powered by the 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine.

Powertrain

== Safety == The Škoda Kushaq is equipped as standard with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, i-Size anchorages, ESC (electronic stability control), multi-collision brakes, a claimed high-strength steel structure, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and three-point seatbelts with adjustable head restraints for all passengers. The top-spec 'Style' trim level is additionally equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). At launch, side and curtain airbags and the tyre pressure monitor were not available on cars equipped with an automatic transmission, but this has since been corrected. And later in September 2024, all variants got 6 airbags as standard. In October 2022 the Kushaq was independently rated for safety by Global NCAP 2.0 (similar to Latin NCAP 2016) crash-testing a Volkswagen Taigun at Volkswagen's expense, and scored five stars for adult and child occupant protection, the first car to do so under the organisation's new assessment protocols. In the frontal offset test, protection of all body regions was good or acceptable, except for the driver's left tibia. In the side mobile barrier and pole tests, protection of the driver's chest was rated marginal, and protection of the driver's abdomen was rated acceptable in the side pole test. The Kushaq could pass minimum European regulatory requirements for electronic stability control and pedestrian protection.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name
Škoda Kushaq
Engine
Petrol:, 1.0 L TSI 115 I3, 1.5 L TSI 150 I4
Platform
Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN
Production
2021–present
Designer
Dalibor Pantůček
Assembly
India: Chakan (Škoda VW India), Vietnam: Quảng Ninh (Thanh Cong Group)
Height
1612 mm
Width
1760 mm
Length
4221 mm
Wheelbase
2651 mm
Related
Volkswagen Taigun, Volkswagen T-Cross, Škoda Kamiq
Body style
5-door crossover SUV
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Class
Subcompact SUV (B-segment)
Manufacturer
Škoda Auto
Transmission
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic(Facelift), 7-speed DSG

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Škoda Kushaq
DailyRevs · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗

Sources

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