The monsoon clouds gathered ominously above as I navigated the Skoda Kushaq through Mumbai’s notorious potholes. Six months into ownership, this compact SUV had already transformed my relationship with the city’s broken infrastructure. Where my previous hatchback would force cautious crawling, the Kushaq glided with Germanic confidence—a fitting testament to the Czech brand’s engineering philosophy that has found surprising resonance in the Indian market.
The Kushaq represents Skoda’s most significant gambit in India—the centerpiece of their ambitious “India 2.0” project that sought to establish the brand as more than just a niche European player. Launched initially in 2021, the 2025 iteration has evolved through thoughtful refinements rather than revolutionary redesigns, a strategy that mirrors Skoda’s broader approach to product development.
Design: Understated European Elegance
In the sea of aggressively styled compact SUVs fighting for attention in India’s crowded market, the Kushaq’s design philosophy feels refreshingly mature. The sharp, clean lines and precise proportions speak to its European design sensibilities, eschewing unnecessary visual drama for a more timeless aesthetic.
“Indian customers are increasingly appreciating subtlety in design,” explains Pratap Singh, Senior Design Consultant at AutoTrend India. “The initial infatuation with overly aggressive styling is evolving toward more sophisticated tastes, which works in favor of European brands like Skoda.”
The front fascia is dominated by Skoda’s characteristic butterfly grille, flanked by crystalline LED headlamps that create a distinctive light signature at night. The bonnet features sharp creases that lead the eye toward the windscreen, creating visual tension that enlivens what could otherwise be a bland surface.
In profile, the Kushaq avoids the exaggerated proportions common in the segment. Standing 1,612mm tall with a width of 1,760mm and length of 4,225mm, the Kushaq strikes a balanced silhouette. The 2,651mm wheelbase—generous for its overall length—contributes to both interior space and visual stability. The 17-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec Prestige variant I’ve been testing fill the arches appropriately without appearing cartoonishly large.
The rear design continues the restrained theme with crystalline-effect LED taillights connected by a chrome strip. The Kushaq nameplate is prominently displayed across the tailgate, following the recent trend of spelling out model names rather than relying solely on badges.
For 2025, Skoda has expanded the color palette, though in characteristically European fashion, the options remain relatively conservative. My test vehicle’s Tornado Red provides welcome visual pop against more subdued alternatives like Carbon Steel and Candy White. The new-for-2025 Deep Black, available exclusively on the Monte Carlo edition, offers a particularly sophisticated appearance when paired with the variant’s distinctive red accents.
Interior: Quality Over Quantity
Step inside the Kushaq, and the European design philosophy continues unabated. Where competitors often prioritize flashy screens and gadgetry, Skoda has focused on tactile quality and ergonomic excellence.
The dashboard layout follows a driver-centric arrangement with the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system slightly angled toward the driver. Physical buttons and dials for climate controls—increasingly rare in modern vehicles—provide refreshingly intuitive operation without diving into touch menus. The two-spoke steering wheel (three-spoke in Monte Carlo trim) feels substantial in hand, while the digital instrument cluster presents information clearly without overwhelming the driver.
Material quality impresses throughout, with soft-touch surfaces at key touchpoints and sturdy plastics elsewhere. The leatherette upholstery in higher trims strikes a good balance between comfort and durability, important in India’s climate. Small details reveal Skoda’s thoughtfulness—like the umbrella storage in the door (a feature once exclusive to luxury cars) and the phone pocket on the front seatbacks for rear passengers.
“Skoda has always prioritized what I call ‘functional luxury’,” notes automotive interior designer Meena Sharma. “It’s not about overwhelming you with screens or ambient lighting in 64 colors, but rather about getting the fundamentals right—seating comfort, visibility, storage solutions that actually work in daily life.”
The 2025 updates bring subtle but meaningful improvements to the cabin. The ventilated front seats, previously available only on the top Prestige trim, now feature in the mid-spec Signature variant as well. The sunroof—practically mandatory in the Indian market despite limited utility in our climate—has similarly trickled down to more accessible variants.
Space utilization impresses, particularly considering the Kushaq’s compact exterior dimensions. The front seats offer excellent support for longer journeys, while rear legroom accommodates six-footers comfortably thanks to the extended wheelbase. Headroom remains adequate despite the sloping roofline, though the middle rear seat passenger must contend with a transmission tunnel intrusion.
Cargo capacity stands at 385 liters—sufficient for weekend luggage but falling short of some competitors. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand versatility when needed, though the absence of a fully flat load floor limits practicality somewhat.
Powertrains: German Engineering, Indian Sensibilities
The Kushaq’s powertrain lineup represents Skoda’s commitment to downsized turbocharged engines—a European approach that initially faced skepticism in an Indian market accustomed to naturally aspirated motors or diesel options.
Two petrol engines form the core offering: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI producing 115PS and 178Nm, and a more potent 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI generating 150PS and 250Nm. Notably absent is a diesel option, reflecting Skoda’s global pivot away from the fuel type despite its continued popularity in India.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual standard across both engines. The 1.0 TSI can be paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the 1.5 TSI receives the sophisticated 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. For 2025, Skoda has discontinued the manual option with the 1.5 TSI, leaving the DSG as the sole choice—a decision that has disappointed some driving enthusiasts but reflects limited uptake of the manual in this configuration.
My extended test with the 1.5 TSI DSG combination reveals a powertrain that feels distinctly European in character. Initial throttle response is measured rather than jumpy, building to a strong midrange surge as the turbocharger spools up. The DSG shifts with characteristic crispness, though occasional low-speed hesitation remains—a common trait in dual-clutch transmissions.
What distinguishes the 1.5 TSI is its cylinder deactivation technology, which shuts down two cylinders under light load conditions. The transition between two and four-cylinder operation occurs imperceptibly, with only a subtle dashboard indicator revealing the current state. During highway cruising at steady speeds, the system frequently operates in two-cylinder mode, contributing to impressive fuel efficiency for a powerful petrol engine.
Real-world efficiency has proven quite remarkable. Over six months of mixed driving, my 1.5 TSI has averaged 13.8 km/l—far from the optimistic ARAI claim of 17.88 km/l but respectable considering Mumbai’s traffic conditions and the engine’s performance potential. The smaller 1.0 TSI engine, which I’ve experienced in a friend’s vehicle, delivers similar efficiency in practice despite its lower official rating, suggesting that real-world conditions somewhat equalize the two options.
Dynamics: European Precision Meets Indian Pragmatism
European brands typically prioritize driving dynamics, and the Kushaq largely delivers on this front while making necessary concessions to Indian road conditions.
The chassis, based on the MQB-A0-IN platform (a specially adapted version of Volkswagen Group’s modular architecture), strikes an excellent balance between responsive handling and compliance over broken surfaces. Steering weight feels natural and progressive, offering more feedback than many electrically-assisted systems without becoming tiresome during low-speed maneuvers.
Body control impresses through corners, with moderate roll but excellent recovery and stability. The 205/55 R17 tires on my test vehicle provide adequate grip without creating excessive road noise—a considerate choice for Indian conditions. Braking performance from the front disc/rear drum setup proves reassuring, with progressive pedal feel allowing precise modulation.
Where Skoda has clearly adapted the European formula for India is in the suspension tuning. The Kushaq rides 188mm above the ground—substantially higher than European-market equivalents—providing crucial clearance over the speed breakers and potholes that define Indian urban infrastructure. The suspension damping has likewise been calibrated for our conditions, absorbing impacts that would unsettle more stiffly-sprung European setups.
“Getting the ride-handling balance right for India is extraordinarily difficult,” explains Avinash Kaushik, a suspension tuning specialist with experience at several European manufacturers. “You need enough compliance for comfort over terrible roads, enough ground clearance to avoid constant scraping, yet still maintain the handling precision that defines European brands. The Kushaq succeeds remarkably well in this balance.”
Highway stability proves excellent, with the Kushaq maintaining composure at speeds well beyond legal limits. Crosswind stability—often a weakness in taller vehicles—remains impressive, requiring minimal steering corrections even on blustery days.
Technology: Practical Over Flashy
The Kushaq’s technology suite reflects Skoda’s sensible approach, focusing on features that enhance daily usability rather than headline-grabbing gimmicks.
The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—a genuine convenience that eliminates cable clutter. The system responds promptly to inputs, though some functions require more steps than ideal. Voice recognition capabilities remain limited compared to more advanced systems, but the wireless smartphone integration largely compensates by allowing access to superior phone-based assistants.
For 2025, Skoda has refined the user interface with larger icons and improved menu structures, addressing complaints about the previous iteration’s occasionally convoluted operation. The six-speaker sound system delivers respectable audio quality, though audiophiles will note the absence of a premium branded option like some competitors offer.
The digital instrument cluster—standard on higher trims—provides clear information through various configurable layouts. Traditional analog dials in base variants actually offer superior readability in some lighting conditions, highlighting how newer isn’t always better.
Driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance on top variants—useful additions though less comprehensive than some competitors’ ADAS suites. More fundamental safety features like six airbags, electronic stability control, and multi-collision braking come standard across the range, contributing to the Kushaq’s impressive 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
Connected car technology, increasingly important in the Indian market, provides remote monitoring capabilities through the MyŠkoda app. Functions include vehicle location, driving statistics, and service scheduling, though remote engine start—popular in India’s climate—remains absent.
Ownership Experience: The European Brand Challenge
Perhaps the most significant evolution in the Kushaq’s narrative involves the ownership experience—historically a challenge for European brands in India.
Skoda has made substantial investments in expanding its service network, now covering over 125 cities with more than 240 customer touchpoints. This addresses the previous criticism of limited accessibility, particularly in smaller cities and towns.
Maintenance costs—another traditional European brand weakness in India—have been addressed through standardized service packages and longer-term warranties. The 2025 Kushaq comes with a standard 5-year/1,25,000km warranty, providing substantial peace of mind compared to the industry-standard 3-year coverage.
“We’ve completely reimagined the cost of ownership equation,” explains Vinod Mahadevan, an authorized Skoda dealer in Bangalore. “The 4-year service package costs approximately ₹32,000 for the 1.0 TSI and ₹38,000 for the 1.5 TSI—comparable to many mass-market brands once you factor in the longer coverage period.”
The notorious spare parts availability issues have likewise received attention, with Skoda establishing regional parts warehouses to reduce delivery times. The India 2.0 project’s emphasis on localization—with over 95% of components sourced domestically—has helped mitigate the import-related delays and costs that plagued earlier European models.
My personal ownership experience confirms these improvements. Two scheduled services have been completed without incident, with loaner vehicles provided both times. A minor electrical issue with the infotainment system was resolved under warranty with minimal hassle—a far cry from the horror stories that previously surrounded European brand ownership in India.
Pricing and Variants: Premium Positioning
The Kushaq’s pricing structure positions it as a premium offering in the compact SUV segment, starting at ₹10.99 lakh for the base Classic 1.0 TSI manual and extending to ₹19.01 lakh for the top-spec Prestige 1.5 TSI DSG (all prices ex-showroom).
The variant structure follows Skoda’s European nomenclature, progressing from Classic through Onyx, Signature, and Prestige trim levels. The Monte Carlo edition sits alongside rather than above this hierarchy, offering distinctive sporty styling elements at a price similar to the Signature variant.
For 2025, Skoda has rationalized the feature distribution across variants. The mid-spec Signature trim now includes previously top-end features like ventilated seats, a sunroof, and automatic headlamps, making it the new sweet spot in the lineup. The range-topping Prestige variant differentiates itself primarily through the enhanced safety features and premium interior materials.
The competitive landscape places the Kushaq against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara, along with newer entrants like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and its own cousin, the Volkswagen Taigun. Most recently, Skoda has introduced its own smaller SUV, the Kylaq, which shares showroom space with the Kushaq while targeting a more price-sensitive segment.
Within this crowded field, the Kushaq carves out its niche through European engineering credentials, driving dynamics, and safety reputation rather than competing on feature-per-rupee metrics. The strategy appears to be working; monthly sales consistently hover around 2,000 units—respectable for a premium-positioned product from a non-dominant brand.
Conclusion: The Successful Adaptation
After extensive time with the 2025 Kushaq, what impresses most is how successfully Skoda has adapted its European philosophy to Indian conditions without diluting its core identity. Where previous attempts by European brands often felt like reluctant compromises that satisfied neither European ideals nor Indian requirements, the Kushaq represents a more thoughtful integration.
It maintains distinctly European characteristics—clean design, quality materials, driving dynamics, turbocharged engines—while incorporating necessary adaptations like increased ground clearance, revised suspension tuning, and localized content. The ownership experience likewise blends European values with Indian market realities.
The Kushaq isn’t perfect. Some competitors offer more features at similar price points. The absence of a diesel option limits appeal to high-mileage users. Interior space, while well-utilized, can’t match larger rivals. And the brand still carries some historical baggage despite measurable improvements in the ownership experience.
Yet for the right buyer—one who values driving enjoyment, build quality, and safety over absolute feature counts or last-word spaciousness—the Kushaq presents a compelling alternative to mainstream offerings. It brings European engineering sensibilities to the Indian market not as an uncompromised import but as a thoughtfully adapted product that respects both its heritage and its target market.
In that sense, the Kushaq represents something more significant than just another compact SUV. It demonstrates that global brands can successfully localize without losing their essential character—creating products that feel authentic rather than compromised. For Skoda and the broader Volkswagen Group, this philosophy may finally unlock the vast potential of the Indian market that has proven elusive for so many years.
Rajiv Sharma is an automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the Indian car market. He currently owns a Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG, purchased personally six months ago, and has previously owned vehicles from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors.