Škoda’s much-awaited Kushaq has been unveiled and MAW Enterprises, the official distributor for Škoda vehicles in Nepal, has announced the MQB-AO-IN Platform-based model’s price and variants for the Nepali market.
Škoda Kushaq overview

Platform
Škoda Kushaq is the first SUV to use the Czech carmaker’s MQB-AO-IN Platform–built using the VW Group’s 1 billion Euro investment in Project India 2.0. The SUV thus plays a significant role in changing the company’s brand identity and position in the market. Project India 2.0 is focused on the growing SUV market in India, and Škoda is expanding the capacity of its manufacturing plant, from which it is mass producing the SUV. The MQB-AO-IN platform– specially made for the Indian market–helps cut down costs while also increasing flexibility during the vehicle development phase. Additionally, the platform allows the company to better meet emission and fuel consumption norms, and produce better safety, comfort, and infotainment systems. Because the SUV is heavily localised (95% of the parts are locally sourced in India), Kushaq has been aggressively priced.
The SUV will be available in three trim levels (Ambition, Active, and Style) and five colour options (Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red).

Powertrain
The powertrain of the Kushaq will be available in two different options: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine (for the base trim) that produces 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine that generates 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Design
A few of the design elements include split LED headlamps with DRLs, LED blinkers, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a butterfly front grille, a roof-mounted spoiler, an electric sunroof, and bold ‘SKODA’ lettering on the tailgate. Dimensions-wise the SUV measure 4,221mm in length, 1,760mm in width, and 1,612mm in height. The wheelbase of the SUV is 2,651mm. The 385 litres of boot space can be further extended by folding the second row of seats.

Features
The SUV will also come equipped with several advanced comfort and convenience features, along with modern-day connectivity features. The interior of the Škoda Kushaq is spacious and features a floating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (along with Skoda Connect in-car tech), a large TFT instrument cluster, a centre armrest, rearview mirrors, keyless entry, auto-dimming IRVMs, electrically foldable & adjustable ORVMs, ventilated front seats, a steering wheel with mounted controls, automatic climate control, multiple airbags, etc. Additionally, the infotainment system also allows for live-streaming of music and audio podcasts via SIM-based internet access, along with in-car Wi-Fi.

Specifications
Engine: 1.0L TSI Petrol
Emission standards: BS6
Displacement: 999cc
Dimension: 4225 x 1760 x 1612 mm
Wheelbase: 2651 mm
Maximum power: 115 PS
Maximum torque: 178 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed MT / AT
Drive type: FWD
Top speed: 100 kmph
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Mileage: 17 kmpl
Front tyre: -205/60 R16 (Active and Ambition) -205/55 R17 (Style)
Front brake: Disc
Rear tyre
-205/60 R16 (Active and Ambition) -205/55 R17 (Style)
Rear brake: Drum
Tyres: Tubeless
Seats: 5
Storage capacity: 381 litres
Ground clearance: 188 mm
Weight: 1185-1235 kg
Colours: Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Honey Orange, and Tornado Red

Škoda Kushaq price in Nepal
The price of the Škoda Kushaq in Nepal starts from Rs 49,90,000 for the Active MT variant and goes all the way up to Rs 65,90,000 for the Style AT variant.

Škoda Kushaq Price in Nepal
Active MT: Rs 49,90,000
Ambition MT: Rs 53,90,000
Ambition AT: Rs 58,90,000
Style MT: Rs 60,90,000
Style AT: Rs 65,90,000

(Also published on the Hamrobazar Blog)