Skoda expands its Indian presence with the Kushaq
Skoda is the tip of the spear as the Volkswagen group looks to make inroads into the Indian car market
Czech-brand Skoda has unveiled a new midsize SUV for the Indian market. Well, we say unveiled, but in reality the stubby design is currently obscured by dazzle-ship style camouflage ahead of the full reveal, which will take place in India in March 2021.
Smaller than the Kodiaq and Karoq, the two Skoda models currently on sale in India, the Kushaq is aimed at city dwellers wrestling with smog and gridlock in India’s booming metropolises.
The Kushaq is based on a variation of the MQB-A0-IN platform, the structure adapted by Skoda Auto to support different VW Group models across the India market. Design-wise, the Kushaq presents a compact, rugged form that feels on brand for the Czech company – you can make out the familiar Skoda grille beneath the orange and black camo while a pair of slim LED headlights confirm the welcome demise of the split headlight design that appeared briefly on the Octavia.
The Kushaq is propped up on large wheels – a sleight of hand that makes the car look larger than it actually is. Other than that, the Kushaq’s exterior is very, well, Skoda right down to the brand’s continuing fascination with nameplates that begin with the letter ‘k’. In this case, Kushaq translates as ’language of the gods.’ That is probably overselling the conservative design language, but on the interior, drivers will benefit from a digital touchscreen, air-con as standard and multiple airbags.
The Kushaq heralds the beginning of what the VW Group calls its India 2.0 project – a E1bn project to expand the presence and vehicle range across the Indian subcontinent. A hefty chunk, E275m, is being poured into research and development for SUVs and hatchbacks.
The MQB-A0-IN platform, which was developed in conjunction with a 250-strong team of engineers at the Pune technology centre, will form the basis of these forthcoming models.
Managing Director of Škoda Auto in India Gurpratap Boparai said: “The introduction of the all-new ŠKODA KUSHAQ is the first of several launches as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. Developed in India with the sophisticated, demanding consumer requirements in mind, the forthcoming launches of models based on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform is something we’re very proud of. The Kushaq has been built using extensive on-ground intelligence and has been localised to offer tremendous value without any compromise in our legendary quality.”