German car giant Volkswagen entered India two decades ago with the Czech car brand Skoda. The Volkswagen brand followed a few years later. But, the going has been tough amid stiff competition from the likes of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.
A few years ago Volkswagen announced the India 2.0 project, comprising a completely new platform (MQB-AO-IN) that would underpin new products from Volkswagen and Skoda.
On Thursday, Skoda unveiled the Kushaq sports utility vehicle. It's making its global debut here in India and while it is a Made for India product, it could look at exporting it to other markets over time.
The Kushaq is the first production car as a part of the India 2.0 project and will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos; both the Korean SUVs are in strong demand in the country.
Under the lead responsibility of Skoda Auto, Volkswagen is investing one billion euros to strengthen the two brands in India. Including the Kushaq, four new products are planned to be launched under the two brands.
The Kushaq itself will go on sale in July this year and marks Skoda's entry into the rapidly growing mid-size SUV segment in the country. In tune with the growing appetite of Indians for SUVs, this is the third SUV that Skoda has launched here. Kodiaq and Karoq are the other two SUVs Skoda had launched earlier.
Skoda is also bolstering its network and aims to have 200 touch points by 2025 from 100 now in the country.
"We aim to sell 100,000 Skoda cars here by 2025. Kushaq is the new beginning of our relationship with India," said Zac Hollis, brand director Skoda Auto India.
The Kushaq SUV is 4,225 mm long and its wheelbase of 2,651 mm is among the longest in the segment. It will come in three trim levels, the entry-level Active, followed by the Ambition and the top of the line Style variant.
The features include an infotainment display measuring up to 10 inches, a multi-function steering wheel and multiple storage spaces. The range-topping trim will get features like ventilated leather front seats, keyless entry, electric sliding glass roof among other things.
Safety features include electronic stability control as standard, optional hill-hold control, up to six airbags and ISOfix points for child seats.
The Kushaq is only being offered as a petrol SUV, and will be available with two engine options with the 1.0 or 1.5-litre TSI. The engines will be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre TSI will also be available with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
