Skoda India has had their work cut lately due to the recent Octavia launch and the prep for the eagerly anticipated Kushaq. The Kushaq is going to be launched in the hotly contested mid-size SUV segment which is dominated by the Koreans. The launch of the Kushaq is long overdue after its unveil this year in March. What we do know however is the launch date which is on the 28th of June.
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Speaking of powertrains, the Kushaq will miss out on diesel engines and will come only with two petrol engines. The 1.0 TSI 3-cylinder turbo petrol will be offered as the entry-level engine which produces 110ps and 175 Nm of torque. This engine will come mated to a 6-speed manual or a speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The 1.0 TSI manual will be available in the Active, Ambition and Style trims while the automatic transmission will be available in the Ambition and Style trims.
The talking point however is the 1.5 TSI 4-cylinder turbo petrol unit which is a perfect match for the enthusiasts. It puts out 150ps and 250 Nm of torque which is more than the Korean rivals. It will come mated to a 6-speed manual and a 7 speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 1.5 TSI features an active cylinder technology where the engine switches to 2 cylinder mode while coasting to extract the maximum fuel economy out of the engine. The 1.5 TSI will be available only in the top-end variant which the Style which gets all the bells and whistles such as a sunroof, premium sound system, 9-inch touchscreen with wireless android auto and apple carplay, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror and cruise control to name a few.
Skoda India’s direct Zac Hollis recently confirmed that despite the 1.5 TSI being launched on the 28th of June, its test drives and deliveries will begin in August. The reason for the delay hasn’t been confirmed yet but it could be for Skoda to understand the demand for the 1.5 TSI or maybe to fine tune the engine. Whatever the reason might be, we will be reviewing the 1.5 TSI soon on the Kushaq so watch out for this space!