The New Skoda Kushaq: A Perfect Blend of European Engineering and Indian Soul

The New Skoda Kushaq: A Perfect Blend of European Engineering and Indian Soul

28 Jan 2026

The Indian automotive market is a battlefield where only the strongest, most thoughtful designs survive. In the heart of this competitive landscape stands a vehicle that has redefined what it means to be a mid-size SUV. At BikeCarHub, we are thrilled to bring you a comprehensive look at the New Skoda Kushaq. Whether you are a driving enthusiast or a family-oriented traveler, the Kushaq is crafted to be "Easy to Love."

With its roots firmly planted in the India 2.0 strategy, the Kushaq isn't just a car; it's a statement of Skoda's commitment to the Indian consumer. Priced competitively with a starting point of ₹10,66,000 for the Manual and ₹13,19,000 for the Automatic (Ex-showroom), it brings premium European performance within reach. Let’s dive deep into what makes this SUV a true "Emperor" of the roads.

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Majestic Design: The "Modern Solid" Philosophy

Skoda has always been synonymous with "Crystalline Design," and the new Kushaq takes this to the next level. The exterior is a harmonious blend of sharp lines and robust SUV proportions.

Illuminated Sophistication

The front fascia is dominated by the signature Skoda Grille, which now features an Illuminated Light Band. This isn't just a styling element; it creates a distinct light signature that makes the Kushaq instantly recognizable at night. Flanking the grille are the LED Headlights with L-shaped DRLs, providing a piercing gaze and exceptional visibility.

front

A Sporty Silhouette

Moving to the side, the Kushaq boasts a solid stance with clean cladding around the wheel arches. Depending on the persona you choose, you get stunning alloy wheels—ranging from the 16-inch Grus to the 17-inch Vega and Sagittarius designs. At BikeCarHub, we particularly love the Monte Carlo edition, which swaps chrome for gloss black and adds sporty red brake calipers for that extra aggressive edge.

tyre

The Rear Impression

The rear is equally impressive, featuring Connected LED Tail Lamps that bridge the width of the car. The illuminated "ŠKODA" lettering on the tailgate is a premium touch that adds a sense of luxury rarely seen in this segment. The addition of Sequential Turn Indicators further cements its high-tech appeal.

rear

Performance: Thrilling Power Under the Hood

The Skoda Kushaq offers two high-performance petrol engines that cater to different driving styles. Both engines are built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, ensuring high structural rigidity and localized maintenance costs.

1.0 TSI: The Peppy Urban Companion

The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder TSI engine is a marvel of downsizing. It produces 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque. While it sounds small on paper, the turbocharging ensures a punchy mid-range that is perfect for city overtakes.

engine
  • Transmission: Available with a 6-speed Manual or the All-New 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic, which offers smoother shifts and better low-end response compared to previous units.
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1.5 TSI: The Highway Specialist

For those who crave more, the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder TSI engine delivers a massive 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This engine features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which shuts down two cylinders during light cruising to save fuel—making it surprisingly efficient.

  • Transmission: Paired exclusively with the legendary 7-speed DSG (Dual Clutch) or a 6-speed Manual, providing a lightning-fast and engaging driving experience.

Interior: A Tech-Loaded Sanctuary

Inside the Kushaq, luxury meets functionality. The cabin is designed with the "Simple Clever" philosophy, ensuring every inch is utilized for the passenger's comfort.

The Digital Cockpit and Infotainment

The driver is greeted by a 10.25-inch Virtual Display (Digital Cockpit) that can be customized to show navigation, drive data, or vehicle alerts. Taking center stage on the dashboard is the 10-inch Infotainment System, which supports wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. The system also features a Google Automotive AI Agent for voice-activated commands.

display

Comfort Redefined

One of the most talked-about updates is the inclusion of Rear Seat Massagers, a first-in-segment feature that transforms long journeys into spa-like sessions. The front passengers aren't left behind either, with 6-way electronically adjustable ventilated seats. To keep the air fresh, the Climatronic A/C comes with an Aircare function to filter out pollutants.

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Safety: The 5-Star Benchmark

Safety is not an option with the Kushaq—it's a standard. The SUV has achieved a 5-Star Rating in Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP for both adult and child protection.

  • 6 Airbags as Standard: Regardless of the variant, your family is protected by a curtain of safety.
  • ESC Across All Variants: Electronic Stability Control helps maintain traction in tricky conditions.
  • Multi-Collision Brake: Prevents follow-on collisions by automatically braking the car after an initial impact.
  • Front & Rear Parking Sensors: Combined with a high-definition rear-view camera, parking in tight spots is effortless.

Specifications & Features Comparison Table

Feature 1.0 TSI Manual 1.0 TSI Automatic 1.5 TSI Automatic
Engine Type 3-Cylinder Turbo 3-Cylinder Turbo 4-Cylinder Turbo (ACT)
Max Power 115 PS 115 PS 150 PS
Max Torque 178 Nm 178 Nm 250 Nm
Transmission 6-Speed Manual 8-Speed Torque Conv. 7-Speed DSG
ARAI Mileage ~19.76 kmpl ~18.09 kmpl ~18.86 kmpl
Boot Space 385 Litres 385 Litres 385 Litres
Ground Clearance 188 mm 188 mm 188 mm
Sunroof Yes (Select Trims) Yes (Select Trims) Panoramic
sunroof

The Ownership Experience: Skoda Super Care

Owning a Kushaq at BikeCarHub's recommendation comes with peace of mind. Skoda offers the Super Care program, which includes:

  • 4 Years / 100,000 km Standard Warranty (extendable up to 6 years).
  • 4 Labour-Free Services within the first 2 years/30,000 km.
  • 4 Years of Roadside Assistance.
  • 3-Year Paint Warranty and 6-Year Corrosion Warranty.

Conclusion

The New Skoda Kushaq stands as a testament to what happens when European finesse meets Indian practicality. From its 5-star safety credentials to the sheer joy of its TSI engines, it offers a complete package for the discerning buyer. At BikeCarHub, we believe that whether you choose the versatile 1.0 TSI or the performance-oriented 1.5 TSI, you are investing in a vehicle that is truly "Easy to Love."

With prices starting at ₹10.66 Lakh, it challenges the status quo, offering premium features like rear seat massagers and the Iconic Glow grille that were previously reserved for luxury segments. If you’re looking for an SUV that doesn't compromise on soul, style, or safety, the Kushaq is your answer.

10 FAQs About the New Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq offers a generous ground clearance of 188 mm, which is ideal for navigating Indian speed breakers and rough terrain.

Not at all. Thanks to turbocharging, it provides 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque, making it very peppy for city driving and capable of maintaining highway speeds easily.

The 1.5 TSI features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which deactivates two cylinders during low-load conditions to improve fuel efficiency.

The New Skoda Kushaq comes with 6 airbags as standard across all variants, ensuring top-tier safety for everyone.

The standard boot space is 385 liters, which can be expanded to a massive 1405 liters by folding the rear seats.

Yes, higher variants of the Kushaq now feature a large panoramic sunroof that adds an airy feel to the cabin.

Yes! The new Kushaq features a segment-first massage function for the rear seats, which is perfect for relaxing on long drives.

The Kushaq is available in 8 colors, including new shades like Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red, along with favorites like Candy White and Carbon Steel.

The 1.0 TSI uses a new 8-speed Torque Converter for smoother city shifts, while the 1.5 TSI uses the high-performance 7-speed DSG for lightning-fast gear changes.

The Skoda Kushaq is one of the safest cars in India, with a 5-star rating for both Adult and Child occupant protection from GNCAP and BNCAP.

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 28th January 2026

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