We provide you with reasons to go ahead and buy the Skoda Kushaq and some to consider looking elsewhere
There are many reasons one would have to buy the Skoda Kushaq which was launched on Monday. It looks good, has a good amount of equipment and comes with multiple engine and gearbox options.
But, there are reasons why one would want to put this car in their compact SUV shortlist, rather than go right ahead and purchase it. As ever, we begin with the good stuff.
4 Reasons To Buy
Design – It is a rather good-looking car with just the right amount of creases, which makes it pleasing to the eye. The design should help the car age well, which in the current trend of whacky styling, is a good thing. But, Skoda could have avoided the fake air intakes on the front bumper.
Feature Loaded Cabin – Like the exterior, the cabin styling is elegant and contemporary. Of course, being a modern car, even the base variant comes with features such as 7-inch touchscreen, 6-speakers, 2-spoke steering wheel with height and length adjustment, height-adjustable headrests for all seats and armrest on the centre console and all doors, while more and more features will be offered in the mid and top-spec variants.
Punchy Petrol Engine – The car we tested was equipped with the 1.5-litre TSI petrol motor (150 PS and 250 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Since the torque is available from 1600 RPM, the car pulls strongly and as an added bonus, the motor likes to be revved. What’s more, even in this BS6 era, this is one engine on a commuter car that sounds nice too. Although we have tested the 1.0-litre TSI mill already, how it performs in Kushaq is to be seen, so we’ll reserve judgement on that.
Ride & Handling – Skoda has done well to provide the Kushaq a good balance between ride and handling. The car is comfortable and stable at high speeds and the steering, though light at city speeds, has good heft to it as the speedo climbs.
4 Reasons Not To Buy
No Diesel Engine – We’ve said it already and we will say it again – Skoda needs to offer a strong diesel engine in its cars. This segment still attracts a lot of buyers who want to own a diesel engine-powered vehicle and Skoda will likely feel the pinch for sticking to its ‘no diesel’ motto.
Cabin Width – The Kushaq is 1760 mm wide, but, 3 adults will not be happy in the back seat. So, it is better to reserve the space for children or slim adults. However, the bench seat in itself is very supportive and there is enough headroom and knee room for rear seat occupants.
1.5 TSI Offered Only On Top Trim – Skoda should have provided the bigger engine option in the mid-spec variant, at least with a manual gearbox. Also, cars equipped with the 7-speed DSG do not come with curtain and front-side airbags and TPMS. These are reserved for the 1.5-litre TSI manual version only. Strange, I know!
Price – This point could work against every single positive Skoda Kushaq reasons to buy point. The base 1.0-litre TSI model begins at Rs. 10.50 lakhs, while one has to shell out Rs. 16.20 lakhs to get their hands on the 1.5-litre TSI variant and the corresponding automatic variants cost even more. Also, Skoda still needs to work on its aftersales service in India.
