Skoda launches new Kushaq sportline trim at Rs 14.70 lakh

Skoda has launched a new Sportline trim of the Kushaq, which brings a blacked-out treatment to the midsize SUV. Priced between Rs 14.70 lakh and Rs 17.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Kushaq Sportline gets cosmetic exterior and interior updates and is offered with both the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engine options. The new Sportline trim sits above the mid-spec Signature trim and costs Rs 51,000 more than the latter. 

Here's a detailed look at prices of the Kushaq Sportline:

Blacked-out cosmetic packages are quite popular in the midsize SUV segment, and the Kushaq is the latest to join that bandwagon. We have already seen some of these blacked-out trims on the Kushaq Monte Carlo variant, but some are exclusive to the new Sportline trim.

So, things like the blacked-out grille surround, front and rear scuff plates, ORVMs, blacked-out roof and roof rails, and the black window line and tailgate garnishes are similar to those on the Kushaq Monte Carlo. Unique to the Sportline are an additional black door garnish, new 17-inch black alloy wheels, and a ‘Sportline’ badge on the front fender.

On the inside, the Kushaq Sportline gets a dual-tone black and biege colour scheme, new fabric upholstery with dual stripes and new aluminium pedals. In terms of equipment, it gets full-LED headlamps, auto wipers, a 10-inch touchscreen, single-pane sunroof and six airbags. However, it misses out on some niceties such as the full-digital driver's display and ventilated front seats available on the top-spec Signature trim.  

Under the hood, the Kushaq Sportline gets both the 115hp, 178Nm, 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine and the 150hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. A 6-speed manual gearbox is only available with the former, but both engines get an automatic gearbox option. The 1.0-litre TSI engine uses a 6-speed torque converter and the 1.5-litre TSI uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Interestingly, Skoda has discontinued the 1.5-litre petrol-MT powertrain from the Kushaq altogether that was previously offered on the Signature, Prestige and Monte Carlo trims. Prices for the Monte Carlo variants now range between Rs 15.90 lakh and Rs 18.60 lakh, ex-showroom.