Skoda’s Vision IN concept SUV named Kushaq

Skoda’s Vision IN concept has finally been given its actual name, for the production-spec model, called the Kushaq. The concept was first showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The Kushaq will be the brand’s first made-in-India product under the company’s India 2.0 plan.

Skoda states that its mid-size SUV’s name has been derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Kushaq’, which means ‘King’ in English. And it sounds rather fitting, since Skoda’s other SUVs names too, start with a ‘K and end with a ‘q’.

Looks like a Skoda?

The Kushaq SUV’s outline has been teased in an image from Skoda, but if you’ve seen the Vision IN Concept, you’re bound to get a better perspective of what it’s going to look like. That signature butterfly grille will remain, so will the split headlight design and the upright bonnet. Along the sides, the subtle lines will be the same, but expect the alloy wheels to be different. The Kushaq, from the rear, will remain the same, but those brushed aluminium accents are unlikely to make it to the production-spec model. And the sharp lines will give this little Skoda cars bold stance.

What about the platform?

The Skoda Kushaq is based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform and will be, dimensions-wise, very similar to its mid-size SUV rivals. But it is said to get a longer wheelbase, which should prove hugely beneficial when it comes to legroom for the rear occupants.

The technical bits

The Kushaq will come with two turbo petrol engine options: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol, producing 108bhp, which will come mated to either a torque-converter automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. It will also come with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that will make 147bhp and will come synced to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. Since the brand has decided to drop diesel engines going forward, the Kushaq will solely be sold with petrol motors.

The contenders

When launched in mid-2021, the Kushaq will take on the likes of the Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier and Volkswagen’s upcoming Taigun. Also, grab the latest info on the Kia Seltos, only at autoX.