Skoda Kushaq, Slavia Become Safer in India, Now Offer 6 Airbags as Standard

Czech automaker Skoda has announced an update for the Kushaq SUV and the Slavia sedan. As a part of the update, the Kushaq and Slavia will now be equipped with six airbags as standard across all variants. This feature was previously available only with the higher variants, but now, buyers will stand to benefit from this update. Meanwhile, the base-spec variants earlier featured only frontal airbags. 

The move to enhance vehicular and passenger safety comes months after Skoda introduced ambient footwell illumination and powered driver and co-driver seats in the top-of-the-line variants of both models. Moreover, the mid-spec Ambition variants, which used to offer a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen, are now home to a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The display uses the latest software and UI (user interface). However, it misses out on a rotary dial that allows users to adjust the volume.

Also Read: Skoda Slavia Style Edition Launched in India at Rs 19.13 Lakh, Limited to 500 Units

Skoda Kushaq, Slavia: Variants, Price

Post this update, the prices of the Kushaq stand between Rs 11.99 lakh and Rs 19.79 lakh, whereas the Slava is priced from Rs 11.63 lakh to Rs 18.83 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. The entry-level variants of both models now reflect a price increase of Rs 10,000 to Rs 35,000. The Skoda Kushaq and the Slavia are two of the safest vehicles in the Indian market with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. The former comes in Active, Onyx, Ambition, and Style trims, whereas the latter is available in Active, Ambition, and Style versions. 

Apart from six airbags, both models offer multi collision braking system, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), brake assist, electronic stability control, and traction control. Moreover, an ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) suite with a 360-degree camera is likely to arrive on the facelifted Kushaq and Slavia. 

Skoda Kushaq, Slavia: Powertrain

Under the hood, the Kushaq and Slavia get two powertrain options – a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. The 1.0-litre petrol unit belts out 114bhp and 178Nm of torque, whereas the more powerful 1.5-litre engine makes 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed manual, an automatic torque converter, and a seven-speed DSG. 

Also Read: Skoda Kushaq, Slavia Facelifts to Get Level 2 ADAS in India; Check Details

Skoda's Comment

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, "Safety has always been intrinsic to the Skoda DNA. We were the first brand to score full 5 stars for adults and children under the Global NCAP tests. Our emphasis on safety embodies our Human Touch approach and underscores our focus on being a family brand. We always offered frontal airbags in our base variants and six in our higher variants, each as safe as the other. As part of our MY24 updates, we now offer six airbags across all variants of the Kushaq and Slavia. We are always listening to our customers and shall continue to provide relevant upgrades and significant product actions within our product portfolio and our variant line-up."