Skoda Kushaq facelift launched: Duster, Creta rival price, features

Skoda Auto India today launched the much-awaited Skoda Kushaq facelift SUV in the Indian market, priced at Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Pre-booking is already underway; Interested customers can book the SUV online or at their nearest dealership. Deliveries are expected to begin soon. Skoda is offering an extended warranty of up to six years, six years of corrosion warranty and three years of extended warranty for paint. This SUV continues to compete with the likes of the VW Taigun, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra and Maruti Suzuki Victoris. The new Kushaq is offered in five variants: Classic Plus, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo. Detailed version-wise prices are given below.

Mechanically, there are no changes; It continues to offer two engine options: a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol with 115 hp and 175 Nm of torque. The second engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel with 150 hp and 250 Nm. Gearbox options for the 1.5 include only a 7-speed DSG. The smaller 1.0-litre gets a new 8-speed torque converter auto with a 6-speed manual, replacing the 6-speed torque converter auto.The overall silhouette of the SUV remains the same; However, now the front and rear have been completely redesigned. At the front, it now gets a redesigned grille with chrome accents, slimmer headlamps and a new LED DRL signature that extends across the grille. The lower section gets a refreshed skid plate, while the bumper adopts a honeycomb-style design. Changes on the sides are subtle, limited to newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels and thick black wrap that enhances the road presence of the SUV. At the rear, it gets new connecting LED taillights and a redesigned tailgate with bright ‘SKODA’ lettering. Other highlights include shark fin antenna, silver skid plate, rear wiper with washer, roof rails, integrated spoiler and more.Moving inside, the overall layout is still the same with minor changes. It will continue to have capacitive climate control panel, two spoke steering wheel and control panel. In terms of features, it gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play/Android Auto, a 10.25-inch fully digital cluster, a six-speaker Skoda sound system with subwoofer and amplifier, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, AI Companion powered by Google, a segment-first Rear massager and more are available.Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, all-wheel disc brakes, rain sensing wipers, defogger, auto IRVM and also gets a five-star rating by GNCAP for both adult and child.