Škoda Kushaq
Subcompact crossover SUV
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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'.[2]
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Vietnam: Quảng Ninh (Thanh Cong Group)[1]
| Škoda Kushaq | |
|---|---|
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Škoda Auto |
| Production | 2021–present |
| Assembly | India: Chakan (Škoda VW India) Vietnam: Quảng Ninh (Thanh Cong Group)[1] |
| Designer | Dalibor Pantůček |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact SUV (B-segment) |
| Body style | 5-door crossover SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN |
| Related | Volkswagen Taigun Volkswagen T-Cross Škoda Kamiq |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic(Facelift) 7-speed DSG |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm (104.4 in) |
| Length | 4,221 mm (166.2 in) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) |
| Height | 1,612 mm (63.5 in) |
Overview
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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".[3][4] The car is built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 IN platform dedicated for Indian market and closely related with the Volkswagen Taigun.[5] It is manufactured at Škoda's manufacturing plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, India.[3]
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).[6][7] 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.[8] Both the engines are produced at Škoda's Chakan plant.[3] The Kushaq contains 95% local parts.[9]
In May 2022, Škoda released the Monte Carlo edition for the Kushaq.[10]
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.[11]
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.[11]
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.[11]
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.[12]
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.[13]
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.[14]
Powertrain
| Petrol engines | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Displacement | Valvetrain
configuration |
Valves | Power | Torque | Transmission | Top Speed | Acceleration
0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
| 1.0 TSI | 999 cc I3 | inline-3 DOHC | 12 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic | 189 km/h
(117 mph) |
9.7 s |
| 1.5 TSI | 1,498 cc I4 | inline-4 DOHC | 16 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 7-speed DSG | 204 km/h
(127 mph) |
7.9 s |
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.[15] And later in September 2024, all variants got 6 airbags as standard.
| Test | Score | Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 29.64/34.00 |  |
| Child occupant protection | 42.00/49.00 | |
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.[17]
