The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition has been homologated, but the brand says it has no plans to launch it
When Skoda received the type approval certification for the Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI Ambition, naturally, the Czech brand was expected to introduce the variant in the market.
After all, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI only comes in the top-spec Style grade (priced between Rs. 16.20 lakhs and Rs. 17.60 lakhs, ex-showroom), while the 1.0-litre TSI is offered in all 3 variants the car comes in, the other 2 being Active (base), Ambition (mid).
If the 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor that puts out 150 PS and 250 torques is offered in the more affordable, mid-spec Ambition trim, it could boost the compact SUV’s sales, for it will be more accessible to a wide range of buyers.
However, Brand Director (India) of the Czech firm, Zac Hollis, has categorically stated that the company does not have any plans to launch the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition currently.
The type approval document of the Kushaq 1.5-litre Ambition mentions only about the automatic variant equipped with a 7-speed DSG. If at all the engine is extended to the middle variant, it does not make sense for Skoda to not offer it with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well.
The Ambition variant does come with plentiful features including LED headlamps, 16-inch alloys, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, keyless entry, rear-view camera, among others and a good number of safety tech as well.
If and when Skoda launches the Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition, it should price it about Rs. 1.50 lakhs cheaper than the Style variant. In addition, Skoda is also said to be looking at introducing the the Kushaq 1.0-litre TSI Active AT in the market.