From Eastern Europe, Skoda Goes Further East: Kushaq SUV Targets Indian Market

This prolific phenomenon triggered, briefly speaking, the doubling of vehicle series included in their portfolios. For every casual street model, at least an SUV-like thing came around using the same technical platform. The Skoda Kushaq is just another eloquent example in this respect.

Yet, because the Skoda SUVs list for Europe is already full, they decided to use the MQB-A0 technical platform of the VW Group for a new budget-oriented small SUV calibrated to hit the Indian market successfully. Nevertheless, the Škoda identity brand will be clearly visible in its design.

The name of the new Skoda SUV is derived from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. The word "Kushak" means king or emperor – a decently sized one, however, not a hulk (the length is just under 4 meters/157.5 inches).

This is the first of four models from the Skoda and Volkswagen brands to be manufactured locally in India as part of the INDIA 2.0 product campaign. With a planned 95% localization level for the new vehicles, the technical development of the new products is being carried out at Skoda Auto's Technology Centre in Pune. The world premiere of the Skoda Kushaq will take place on March 18, 2021.

As the first design sketch shows, the sharply cut, two-part front headlights, which extend to the wide Skoda grille, create a proeminent appearance. With a somewhat massive expression, the front bumper emphasizes the trustable look of the SUV.

The second sketch shows the new SUV's rear end, which has a distinct layout, being framed by an elongated roof spoiler and a rugged rear diffuser in the bumper. The taillights feature the brand's trademark crystalline structures, and the Škoda lettering appears in block capitals on the tailgate.