Skoda Kushaq Automatic Gets Cheaper, Price Now Lower by Rs 2.35 Lakh
Skoda Kushaq Onyx AT Variant Launched At Rs. 13.49 lakh
Skoda Auto India just introduced an automatic variant of the Kushaq Onyx in the market. The Onyx version was originally introduced in the first quarter of 2023 and was available with a manual gearbox only. The newly introduced Onyx automatic is priced at Rs 13.49 lakh, ex-showroom. The Kushaq is Skoda’s mid-size SUV, which competes with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and many more SUVs in the segment. Skoda is calling the Onyx AT the most affordable AT in its segment.
Speaking about the product, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said,
The Onyx variant is placed between the current Active and Ambition variants. The Onyx variant of the Skoda Kushaq gets Onyx badging on the B-pillars, scuff plates, and floor mats. The SUV also gets 16-inch steel rims with wheel covers, Skoda Crystalline LED headlamps with DRLs, and fog lamps with a static cornering function.
The SUV also features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 6-speaker sound system, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, fabric seat covers, and more. As this is the automatic variant, the Onyx version also gets Hill Hold Control and Paddle Shifters. Additionally, Skoda is offering safety features like ABS, ESC, EBD, TCS, and 6 airbags.
The Skoda Kushaq was the first product to be launched by Skoda under their new India 2.0 strategy. The SUV uses the MQB A0 IN platform, which has been created specifically for cars suited for Indian conditions. It was designed with a focus on high localization and low cost of ownership.
The Skoda Kushaq Onyx is available only with the 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This engine generates 115 PS of peak and 178 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The SUV is also available with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which comes with a 6-speed manual and DSG transmission.
The Skoda Kushaq was also the first product from the Czech manufacturer to have scored 5-star ratings at the Global NCAP crash test. The SUV scored 29.64 points out of 34 for adult occupant safety and 42 out of a possible 49 points for child safety. The Kushaq was the first made-in-India car to score a full five stars for both adult and child protection.
Who should buy the Kushaq Onyx AT?
If you’re someone looking for a solidly built, safe SUV but are on a budget that puts the 1.5 TSI DCT model out of reach, the Kushaq Onyx AT is a great bet. It’s got a great, rev-happy turbo petrol engine mated to a fantastic 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox that’s very smooth and responsive. The engine’s at home both on city streets and highway drives.
This engine-gearbox combination is considered more reliable than the bigger engine with the twin clutch automatic, and is more fuel efficient as well. The Kushaq is a solidly built SUV that comes with 6 airbags and a 5 star Global NCAP safety rating. It handles very well, and is very comfortable for four adults. It can be a squeeze for the fifth adult, especially on longer journeys.
Upcoming Skoda SUV
Skoda also revealed their plans to launch a sub-4 meter SUV in the market. Just like the Kushaq, the name of the upcoming SUV will start with K and end with the letter Q. The manufacturer has currently shortlisted some names, and they might officially unveil the name of the SUV closer to the launch. The SUV is based on the same platform as the Kushaq and many other models from the group. Test mules of the upcoming SUV have been spotted testing several times on the road in India.