Skoda has long been a trusted name in the premium car segment, offering European engineering with stylish design and robust performance. In India, the brand has focused heavily on delivering vehicles that match the unique expectations of Indian consumers. The Skoda Kylag—popularly known as the Skoda Kushaq—represents a major step in this direction. Launched as part of Skoda’s India 2.0 strategy, the Kushaq blends European sophistication with Indian practicality, and its latest version continues to evolve with added features, better performance, and a sharper design.
Bold and Striking Design
The Skoda Kushaq is a compact SUV that stands out with its bold design and commanding road presence. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, specifically designed for India, it balances urban aesthetics with rugged SUV character. The front features a wide butterfly grille, chrome accents, and striking LED headlights with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The muscular bonnet, sculpted lines, and elevated stance all contribute to a robust SUV look.
At the rear, the sharp LED tail lamps and Skoda branding across the tailgate lend a premium European touch. The SUV rides on 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on the variant), and the high ground clearance ensures it’s ready for all types of Indian roads—from city potholes to rough rural tracks.
Spacious and Tech-Rich Interiors
Step inside the Kushaq, and you’re welcomed by a cabin that combines luxury and modernity. The dashboard layout is clean, featuring a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Skoda’s MySkoda Connect app. A digital instrument cluster (in higher variants), wireless charging, and ventilated front seats add to the overall comfort and convenience.
Skoda has placed a strong emphasis on space. The cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are particularly well-cushioned, and with features like rear AC vents, adjustable headrests, and charging ports, passenger comfort is clearly a priority.
Performance That Excites
The Skoda Kushaq offers two powerful petrol engine options: a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged unit. The 1.0-litre engine produces around 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre engine delivers a more spirited 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Both engines are refined and responsive, offering a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic (for the 1.0 TSI), and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox (for the 1.5 TSI). The driving experience is smooth and controlled, with excellent handling and minimal body roll, making it one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs in its segment.
Advanced Safety Features
Skoda places a high emphasis on safety, and the Kushaq reflects that philosophy. The SUV is equipped with up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), multi-collision braking, hill-hold control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The solid build quality, which Skoda is known for, gives drivers and passengers added peace of mind.
The Kushaq has also received strong safety ratings in crash tests, reinforcing its reputation as a secure family SUV. Features like ISOFIX child seat mounts and rear parking sensors with a camera ensure it meets the needs of modern families.
Variants and Pricing
The Kushaq is available in multiple trims: Active, Ambition, and Style, with optional Monte Carlo and Matte editions for those seeking sportier looks. Skoda has kept pricing competitive to appeal to a broad range of buyers, especially those looking for a premium experience in the under-₹20 lakh SUV segment.
The Kushaq offers excellent value for money, combining European build quality with localized manufacturing that keeps costs in check. It’s ideal for buyers who want more than just an SUV—they want a refined, long-lasting, and stylish companion.
Final Verdict
The Skoda Kushaq (also referred to as Skoda Kylag in some references) is a modern compact SUV built for the Indian lifestyle. With a stylish design, spacious and well-equipped interiors, powerful turbo-petrol engines, and excellent safety credentials, it ticks all the right boxes for urban families and solo drivers alike. If you’re looking for a European-style SUV with Indian sensibilities, the Kushaq is one of the best choices in its segment today.
