Skoda Vision IN mid-sized SUV christened Kushaq

The Kushaq will be positioned in the mid-size SUV space against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the likes. Expect the Kushaq to debut in March.  

As we inch closer to the launch of the production-spec Skoda Vision IN, the company has revealed that the mid-size SUV will be called Kushaq. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word kushak, which means ‘king’ or ‘emperor’.

Speaking about the car, Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda India, said, 'The new Skoda Kushaq will offer a compelling combination of the brand's timeless design ideals, unmatched performance, superior build quality, exemplary value proposition, and enhanced safety and security. It is deemed to be the best seller in its class, setting the benchmark for functionality, practicality, spaciousness, and convenience.'

The Kushaq will be based on Skoda-VW’s heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform and will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor, which will produce 148 horses and 250Nm. This engine will come paired with a 6-speed manual as well as a 7-speed DSG.

Skoda took the wraps off the Vision IN concept at the Auto Expo 2020 in February last year, and if that is anything to go by, expect the Kushaq to feature an uncluttered design with typical Skoda elements like the butterfly grille. It is expected to come fitted with LED headlamps and taillamps, diamond-cut alloy wheels, turn indicators on the ORVMs, roof rails, and more. Interior highlight features will include a touchscreen infotainment unit and a fully-digital driver display. It will be interesting to see how many ‘simply clever’ features Skoda offers on this mid-size SUV.

The Kushaq will compete against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, and others. Aside from this mid-size SUV, Skoda is also expected to bring in the all-new Octavia, Kodiaq petrol, and the new-gen Rapid this year.

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