In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, the Skoda Kushaq has emerged as a formidable contender in the compact SUV segment. As we delve into the 2025 model year, let’s explore how this Czech marvel continues to push boundaries and redefine expectations in one of the most competitive vehicle categories.
Design: A Bold Statement on Wheels
The 2025 Skoda Kushaq retains its distinctive design language, which seamlessly blends European sophistication with robust SUV aesthetics. The front fascia is dominated by Skoda’s signature butterfly grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. The sculpted bonnet and pronounced wheel arches lend the Kushaq a muscular stance, while the crisp character lines running along the sides add a touch of dynamism.
Dimensionally, the Kushaq stands at 4225mm in length, 1760mm in width, and 1612mm in height. The 2651mm wheelbase ensures ample interior space, a crucial factor for Indian buyers. With a ground clearance of 188mm, the Kushaq is well-equipped to tackle varied road conditions with ease.
The 2025 model year brings subtle refinements to the exterior, including new alloy wheel designs (16-inch for lower trims and 17-inch for higher variants) and an expanded color palette that includes the eye-catching Monte Carlo Red.
Powertrains: Performance Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2025 Kushaq continues to offer a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines:
- 1.0L TSI:
- Displacement: 999cc
- Power: 115PS @ 5500rpm
- Torque: 178Nm @ 1750-4500rpm
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
- 1.5L TSI:
- Displacement: 1498cc
- Power: 150PS @ 6000rpm
- Torque: 250Nm @ 1600-3500rpm
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic)
Both engines offer a compelling blend of performance and efficiency. The 1.0L TSI, despite its modest displacement, provides peppy performance ideal for urban driving. The 1.5L TSI, with its higher output, caters to enthusiasts seeking more spirited driving dynamics.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong suit for the Kushaq. The 1.0L manual variant boasts a claimed efficiency of 19.76 kmpl, while the 1.5L DSG variant offers 18.86 kmpl. These figures position the Kushaq as one of the more fuel-efficient offerings in its segment.
Interior: Premium Comfort and Technology
Step inside the 2025 Kushaq, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes premium quality and thoughtful design. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, centered around a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity.
The 2025 model year brings several enhancements to the interior:
- An 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering customizable displays and improved visibility
- Ventilated front seats, a boon in India’s hot climate
- A wireless phone charger, catering to the increasingly cord-free lifestyle
- An air purifier, addressing growing concerns about air quality
Practicality remains a strong suit for the Kushaq. The 385-liter boot capacity is generous for the segment, and the 60:40 split-folding rear seats offer flexibility for carrying larger items. The cabin is replete with storage spaces, including a cooled glovebox, further enhancing its everyday usability.
Safety: Prioritizing Protection
Skoda has always placed a strong emphasis on safety, and the 2025 Kushaq is no exception. The model comes standard with six airbags across all variants, a move that sets it apart in a segment where many competitors offer fewer airbags in base trims.
Other notable safety features include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Multi-collision braking
- Hill-hold control
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Rear parking sensors with camera
The Kushaq’s robust build quality, coupled with these advanced safety features, has earned it a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests, further cementing its reputation as one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Driving Dynamics: Balancing Comfort and Sportiness
The Kushaq’s MQB-A0-IN platform, a localized version of Volkswagen Group’s modular architecture, provides a solid foundation for impressive driving dynamics. The suspension setup, featuring McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, is well-tuned for Indian road conditions.
In urban environments, the Kushaq feels nimble and easy to maneuver, thanks to its light steering and good visibility. On highways, the car exhibits excellent stability, inspiring confidence at high speeds. The ride quality strikes a fine balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing road imperfections well while maintaining composure through corners.
The 1.5L TSI variant, with its more powerful engine and sophisticated 7-speed DSG, offers particularly engaging performance. The paddle shifters allow for more involved driving when desired, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The 2025 Skoda Kushaq is available in multiple variants, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences:
- Classic: The entry-level trim, starting at ₹10.89 lakh
- Onyx: Mid-range variant with additional features
- Signature: Well-equipped variant with a balance of features and value
- Sportline: Sporty variant with unique styling elements
- Monte Carlo: Top-end variant with all bells and whistles
- Prestige: The range-topping variant, priced at ₹18.79 lakh for the 1.5L TSI version
This pricing strategy positions the Kushaq competitively against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Technology and Connectivity: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The 2025 Kushaq comes equipped with Skoda’s latest infotainment system, which includes:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with high-resolution display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Connected car features through the MySkoda app
- Voice commands for various functions
- Over-the-air updates for maps and system software
The inclusion of a wireless phone charger and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin ensures that devices stay powered on long journeys.
Ownership Experience: Peace of Mind Guaranteed
Skoda has made significant strides in improving its after-sales service in recent years, and the Kushaq benefits from these efforts. The vehicle comes with a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, which can be extended up to 6 years/150,000 km for additional peace of mind.
The company’s ‘Peace of Mind’ package includes:
- 4-year/100,000 km warranty
- 4-year roadside assistance
- 3 years of free scheduled services
These offerings, combined with Skoda’s improving service network, aim to address concerns about long-term ownership costs and reliability that have historically been pain points for the brand in India.
Market Position and Competition
The Skoda Kushaq operates in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, going up against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. It also faces internal competition from its cousin, the Volkswagen Taigun.
What sets the Kushaq apart is its combination of European build quality, strong safety credentials, and engaging driving dynamics. While it may not offer the longest feature list in the segment, it appeals to buyers who prioritize driving pleasure and build quality over outright feature count.
Conclusion: A Compelling Package
The 2025 Skoda Kushaq builds upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessors, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, safety, and technology. Its robust build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and improved after-sales support make it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
While it faces stiff competition, the Kushaq’s unique positioning as a driver-focused, European-engineered SUV gives it a distinct identity in a crowded market. For those seeking a compact SUV that offers more than just commuter comfort, the Skoda Kushaq presents itself as a refined, well-engineered option that’s hard to overlook.
As Skoda continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, the Kushaq stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering products tailored to local needs without compromising on global standards of quality and engineering. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking for driving pleasure or a family seeking a safe, comfortable SUV, the 2025 Skoda Kushaq deserves a spot on your consideration list.