Skoda Kusha: The winding roads leading to Lonavala witnessed unusual traffic last weekend as automotive journalists gathered for the Kushaq driving experience. Skoda’s compact SUV, built specifically for India, promised to blend European driving dynamics with features Indian buyers demand. After two days of intensive testing, the verdict became clear – this isn’t just another me-too SUV.

Automotive journalist Meera Nair, pulling into the resort after tackling ghats and highways, summed up the experience perfectly. “I’ve driven every compact SUV launched here. The Kushaq feels different the moment you turn the steering wheel. There’s a solidness, a connectedness that’s typically missing in this segment. It drives like cars costing much more.”

Design Language Stands Apart

The Kushaq avoids the overstyled approach plaguing many compact SUVs. Instead, Skoda’s crystalline design philosophy creates clean lines and purposeful surfaces. The butterfly grille immediately identifies it as a Skoda, while sharp LED headlamps with crystalline elements add modern sophistication without trying too hard.

The side profile reveals thoughtful proportioning. At 4,225mm length and 1,760mm width, it maximizes interior space while remaining city-friendly. The 188mm ground clearance handles Indian roads confidently without creating an ungainly tall stance. Character lines flow naturally from front to rear, creating visual movement without unnecessary creases.

Color choices reflect mature thinking. Brilliant Silver and Candy White satisfy conservative buyers, while Tornado Red and Honey Orange add personality. The Carbon Steel grey particularly impresses, shifting appearance dramatically under different lighting. Each paint finish includes Skoda’s anti-chip coating, maintaining appearance through monsoon debris and highway stones.

Interior Surprises With Space

Opening the doors reveals Skoda’s packaging excellence. Despite compact external dimensions, interior space rivals larger SUVs. Rear passengers enjoy generous knee room and comfortable seat angles. The flat floor means middle passengers don’t suffer, unusual in this segment.

Material quality exceeds price expectations. The dashboard uses layered textures intelligently – soft-touch plastics where hands naturally rest, durable hard plastics in low-contact areas. The two-spoke steering wheel might look unusual initially but provides excellent grip and clear instrument visibility. Chrome accents appear judiciously, adding premium feel without overdoing bling.

The 10-inch touchscreen dominates the center console, running Skoda’s latest interface smoothly. Physical controls for climate remain, thankfully. The touch-sensitive panel below works reliably, though some prefer traditional buttons. Ambient lighting in higher variants adds atmosphere during night drives. Even small details like damped glovebox opening show attention to quality.

Powertrain Options Deliver Character

Two TSI turbo-petrol engines offer distinct personalities. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder produces 115 PS and 178 Nm torque, providing peppy performance for most needs. Despite cylinder count, refinement impresses with minimal vibration. The engine pulls strongly from 2,000 rpm, making city driving effortless.

The 1.5-liter four-cylinder elevates performance significantly. With 150 PS and 250 Nm torque, overtaking becomes effortless. Active Cylinder Technology deactivates two cylinders during cruising, improving efficiency. This engine suits enthusiast drivers who appreciate the responsive throttle and linear power delivery.

Transmission choices include six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and seven-speed DSG depending on engine. The manual offers precise shifts with well-defined gates. The automatic suits relaxed driving perfectly. But the DSG transforms the 1.5 TSI into something special – rapid shifts and immediate response make spirited driving genuinely enjoyable.

Driving Dynamics Set Benchmarks

The Kushaq’s European DNA shines through in driving dynamics. The suspension setup masterfully balances comfort with control. Bad roads get absorbed competently while body roll stays minimal through corners. It’s the rare compact SUV that encourages taking the longer, twistier route home.

Steering feel surpasses segment standards completely. There’s actual feedback about road surface and tire grip. Weight builds progressively with speed, inspiring highway confidence. The electronic power steering doesn’t filter out everything, maintaining driver connection. Enthusiasts particularly appreciate this characteristic.

Braking performance inspires confidence. The pedal feel remains consistent whether cold or after repeated hard stops. ABS calibration suits Indian conditions, allowing threshold braking without premature intervention. The electronic stability control can be partially disabled for experienced drivers, though most won’t need this freedom.

Safety and Features Justify Premium

Skoda didn’t compromise safety for pricing. Six airbags come standard across variants – unusual for entry-level trims. Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Control, and Multi-Collision Braking provide comprehensive active safety. The build quality contributes too, with extensive use of high-strength steel.

Feature distribution shows thoughtful planning. Even base variants get essentials like touchscreen infotainment and automatic climate control. Mid variants add most desired features like wireless charging and connected car tech. Top variants include ventilated seats, electric driver seat adjustment, and panoramic sunroof. The Monte Carlo edition adds sporty touches without excessive price premium.

The MySkoda Connect app enables remote operations like pre-cooling and vehicle tracking. Over-the-air updates keep infotainment current. These connected features work reliably, unlike some competitors’ half-baked implementations. Skoda clearly invested in making technology genuinely useful.

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Skoda Kushaq Market Strategy Shows Confidence

Priced between ₹11.89-20.49 lakhs, the Kushaq positions itself as a premium offering. It costs more than Korean competitors but less than its German cousin, the Volkswagen Taigun. The pricing reflects confidence in product superiority rather than market share chasing.

Sales numbers validate this approach. Despite premium pricing, Kushaq consistently sells 2,500-3,000 units monthly. Buyers appreciate the driving experience and build quality over feature-per-rupee calculations. The demographic includes driving enthusiasts, European car loyalists stepping down, and families prioritizing safety.

Service network expansion continues addressing previous Skoda weakness. Digital service initiatives reduce ownership hassles. Maintenance packages make running costs predictable. The four-year/100,000km warranty provides confidence, while roadside assistance covers the entire duration.

The Skoda Kushaq proves segment leaders aren’t always volume champions. By prioritizing driving dynamics, build quality, and safety over feature lists, Skoda created something distinct. For buyers who enjoy driving rather than merely commuting, the Kushaq offers compelling reasons to pay premium. Sometimes excellence costs extra, and that’s perfectly acceptable.