Introduction: Why the Skoda Kushaq 2025 is a Game-Changer
For Indian car buyers seeking a compact SUV that combines premium European design, top-tier safety, and engaging performance, the crowded market of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara can make choosing tough. The Skoda Kushaq 2025, a European Compact SUV, stands out with its 5-star GNCAP rating, punchy TSI engines, and sophisticated styling. Launched in 2021, it sold 644 units in May 2025, despite a 17.75% sales dip, per CarDekho. With a facelift expected by late 2025, per AutoCar India, this Skoda Kushaq 2025 Review explores its features, performance, and real-world appeal to help you decide if it’s your ideal SUV. Let’s dive in
The Skoda Kushaq: A European Masterpiece
A Premium Compact SUV
Introduced in March 2021 under Skoda’s India 2.0 project, the Kushaq, built on the MQB A0 IN platform, sold 18,914 units in its debut year, per DriveSpark. Sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Taigun, it earned a 5-star GNCAP rating, per Global NCAP. The 2025 facelift aims to refresh its appeal with updated design and tech, per MotorOctane.
Why It’s a European Compact SUV
The Kushaq’s sleek design, robust build, and dynamic TSI engines make it a European Compact SUV. Its 95% localisation ensures affordability, while its European roots deliver refinement, per CarWale.
What’s New in the Skoda Kushaq 2025
The 2025 facelift, per AutoCar India and Smartprix, introduces:
- Exterior Design: Slimmer grille, LED Matrix headlamps, connected LED taillights, 17-inch blacked-out alloys.
- Interior Upgrades: 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, dual-tone cabin, and panoramic sunroof (Monte Carlo/Prestige).
- Technology: Level 2 ADAS (lane assist, adaptive cruise), Skoda Connect, 8-inch Virtual Cockpit, and wireless charging.
- Safety: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, multi-collision braking, 360-degree camera; 5-star GNCAP rating.
- Powertrains: 1.0L TSI (114 bhp, 178 Nm), 1.5L TSI (148 bhp, 250 Nm), hybrid (speculated, 20–22 kmpl), new 8-speed AT for 1.0L TSI.
- Variants: Classic, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo, Prestige, priced ₹10.99–19.01 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Color Options: Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue, Carbon Steel, Tornado Red, Candy White, Deep Black, per CarDekho.
These updates align it with rivals like the Creta, per V3Cars.
Key Features of the Skoda Kushaq 2025
Engine and Performance
The Kushaq offers spirited powertrains:
- 1.0L TSI Petrol: 114 bhp, 178 Nm, 6-speed manual/8-speed AT, 18–19.76 kmpl (ARAI), 13–15 kmpl (city), per CarWale.
- 1.5L TSI Petrol: 148 bhp, 250 Nm, 6-speed manual/7-speed DSG, 15–17 kmpl (real-world), per Times Bull.
- Hybrid (Speculated): 1.0L TSI + electric motor, 20–22 kmpl, per Carlelo.
- Performance: 0–100 kmph in ~8.8 seconds (1.5L TSI), ideal for highways, per Evo India.
- Cylinder Deactivation: 1.5L TSI shuts two cylinders for efficiency, yielding ~10 kmpl in traffic, per AutoCar India.
The 1.5L TSI’s punch and DSG gearbox make it a European Compact SUV, though 1.0L TSI has mild low-RPM lag, per MyCarHelpline.
Design and Build
The Kushaq balances style and utility:
- Exterior: Butterfly grille, LED DRLs, 205/55 R17 tyres (Monte Carlo), compact 4225mm length.
- Interior: 5-seater cabin, 385L boot, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting.
- Dimensions: 4225mm length, 1760mm width, 1612mm height, 2651mm wheelbase, 188mm ground clearance (155mm laden), per V3Cars.
Its MQB A0 IN platform ensures rigidity, but the 155mm laden ground clearance scrapes speed breakers, per Team-BHP.
Technology and Connectivity
The Kushaq’s tech is premium:
- Infotainment: 10-inch touchscreen with Skoda Connect, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 6-speaker audio.
- Features: 8-inch Virtual Cockpit, ventilated seats, cruise control, and panoramic sunroof.
- Connectivity: Skoda Connect with geofencing, remote start, and OTA updates, per Smartprix.
The touchscreen is user-friendly, but touch-based climate controls are tricky while driving, per CarDekho.
Safety and Handling
Safety and dynamics are class-leading:
- Safety Features: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold, TPMS, multi-collision braking, Level 2 ADAS.
- GNCAP Rating: 5-star for adult/child protection, per Global NCAP.
- Handling: Precise steering, balanced suspension, and grippy tyres for cornering, per Evo India.
- Ride Quality: Firm suspension absorbs bumps, but low-speed NVH and stiff ride are noticeable, per TheCarCult.
Its agile chassis makes it a European Compact SUV, though headlamp brightness needs improvement, per Team-BHP.
Pros and Cons of the Skoda Kushaq 2025
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top European Compact SUV with 5-star safety | Smaller 385L boot compared to rivals |
| Punchy 1.5L TSI (148 bhp) and DSG gearbox | Low laden ground clearance (155mm) |
| Competitive pricing (₹10.99–19.01 lakh) | Touch-based climate controls less practical |
| Advanced tech (10-inch touchscreen, ADAS) | Low-speed NVH and stiff suspension |
| Premium build and European styling | Limited service network in rural areas |
| Hybrid option (speculated) for efficiency | 1.0L TSI has mild low-RPM lag |
Real-World Performance: A Driver’s Perspective
We spoke to Neha, a 36-year-old marketing manager from Pune, who owns a 2023 Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI. “The Skoda Kushaq is a European Compact SUV,” she says. “The 1.5L TSI and DSG are thrilling on highways, giving 16 kmpl. The cabin feels premium, but the boot is small for family trips, and suspension noise is annoying.” Her 700 km Pune-Mahabaleshwar trip was a breeze, with excellent handling, per AutoCar India. She’s excited about the 2025 facelift’s ADAS and connected taillights, per @MotorOctane on X.
Comparison with Competitors
Here’s how the Kushaq compares:
| Feature | Skoda Kushaq | Hyundai Creta | Volkswagen Taigun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹10.99–19.01 Lakh | ₹11.11–20.30 Lakh | ₹11.80–19.83 Lakh |
| Engines | 1.0L/1.5L TSI, Hybrid | Petrol, Diesel, Turbo | 1.0L/1.5L TSI, Hybrid |
| Power/Torque | 114–148 bhp/178–250 Nm | 113–158 bhp/144–253 Nm | 113–148 bhp/178–250 Nm |
| Boot Space | 385L | 433L | 385L |
| Safety | 5-star GNCAP, ADAS | 6 airbags, ADAS | 5-star GNCAP, ADAS |
| Key Features | Skoda Connect, sunroof | Wireless charging, ADAS | Sync 4, sunroof |
The Kushaq’s European Compact SUV appeal lies in its safety and driving dynamics, though the Creta offers a larger boot and diesel options, per CarWale.
Why Choose the Skoda Kushaq 2025?
Unmatched Safety
Its 5-star GNCAP rating and Level 2 ADAS ensure peace of mind, per Global NCAP.
Dynamic Performance
The 1.5L TSI and DSG deliver a fun-to-drive experience, making it a European Compact SUV, per Evo India.
Premium Build
The MQB A0 IN platform and 95% localisation offer durability and value, per Smartprix.
Brand Trust and Expertise
Skoda’s European engineering and offers like ₹1.5 lakh discounts (July 2025) add value, per CarDekho. Learn more on our About Us page at cartales.in. Have questions? Visit our Contact Us page.
Skoda Kushaq 2025: Who Is It For?
The Kushaq is ideal for:
- Young Professionals: Sleek design and tech for city commutes.
- Families: Safe and practical for road trips.
- Enthusiasts: TSI engines and sharp handling for fun drives.
If you value safety, performance, and European flair, the Kushaq delivers.
External Resources for More Insights
Explore these trusted sources:
- Skoda India Website for updates.
- CarWale for pricing and reviews.
- CarDekho for specs and variants.
- AutoCar India for facelift details.
FAQs About the Skoda Kushaq 2025
What is the price of the Skoda Kushaq 2025?
The Skoda Kushaq 2025 ranges from ₹10.99–19.01 lakh (ex-showroom), with on-road prices from ₹12.86 lakh, per CarDekho.
What is the mileage of the Skoda Kushaq 2025?
This European Compact SUV offers 18–19.76 kmpl (1.0L TSI), 15–17 kmpl (1.5L TSI), and 20–22 kmpl (hybrid), per CarWale.
What safety features does the Skoda Kushaq 2025 have?
It includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, ADAS, and a 360-degree camera, with a 5-star GNCAP rating, per Skoda India.
How does the Skoda Kushaq compare to the Hyundai Creta?
The Kushaq excels in safety and handling, while the Creta offers a larger boot and diesel options, per CarWale.
Is the Skoda Kushaq 2025 suitable for city driving?
Yes, its compact size, light steering, and tech make it a European Compact SUV for urban roads, per Team-BHP.
What are the color options for the Skoda Kushaq 2025?
Available in Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue, Carbon Steel, Tornado Red, Candy White, and Deep Black, per CarDekho.
Conclusion: Is the Skoda Kushaq 2025 Worth It?
The Skoda Kushaq 2025, a European Compact SUV, blends 5-star safety, dynamic TSI engines, and premium European styling. Priced at ₹10.99–19.01 lakh, it offers advanced tech like ADAS and Skoda Connect, though boot space and ground clearance could improve. Ideal for families and enthusiasts, it competes with the Creta and Taigun. With Skoda’s reliable engineering and attractive offers, it’s a top pick for 2025.
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