Skoda previews Kushaq design sketches ahead of March 18 launch 

Skoda has released two design sketches that offer a preview of the soon-to-be-launched Kushaq. From the looks of it, the Kushaq’s styling design sticks true to the Skoda Vision IN Concept,  which was first revealed at the Auto Expo 2020..

Skoda has adapted the MQB-A0-IN version of the Volkswagen Group's Modular Transverse Toolkit specifically for India. The SUV is the Czech carmaker’s first model under the ‘India 2.0’ revival strategy and christened Skoda Kushaq on January 7, was revealed in  camouflaged form last month. 

The Kushaq, which is built on Skoda’s MQB-A0-IN platform, aims to cater to the India-specific requirements of design, quality, roominess, equipment, dynamics, efficiency, safety and comfort. The SUV will be made in India at Skoda’s plant in Aurangabad, Maharashtra and also be exported to strategic right-hand-drive markets around the world.

As part of the INDIA 2.0 product campaign, it is the first of four models from the Skoda and Volkswagen brands to be manufactured locally in India. The world premiere of the Skoda Kushaq will take place on March 18, 2021.

The first design sketch shows the front of the Kushaq, whose name is derived from Sanskrit. The word ‘Kushak’ means king or emperor. The sharply cut, two-part front headlights, which extend to the wide Skoda grille, create a prominent appearance. The impressive front bumper with under-ride protection is meant to emphasise the athletic look of the SUV.

The second sketch details the rear, which has a clear structure and is framed by an elongated roof spoiler and a rugged rear diffuser in the bumper. The taillights of the midsize SUV feature the brand’s trademark crystalline structures, and the Skoda badging appears in block capitals on the tailgate.

High on localisation
The cars planned as a part of the India 2.0 project aim for a high localisation level of up to 95 percent, with technical development taking place at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s state-of-the-art Technology Centre at Pune, opened in January 2019.

A team of 250 local engineers have played a major role in the development of the MQB-A0-IN and contributed to the development of the platform. Their wealth of technological expertise and detailed knowledge of the local market allow for a more targeted, flexible and much faster response to changing customer needs. By 2025, Skoda Auto and Volkswagen aim to achieve a combined market share of five percent in India, depending on market and segment development.

Volkswagen Group is investing a total of one billion euros in the project, including 275 million euros in research and development of SUVs and cars. The Czech brand is also orchestrating the activities of Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini in India. Almost, 30 models in total meet the requirements of various market segments and budgets.