Skoda India has a pretty busy 2021 with all the launches and the upcoming ones. With the new Octavia, Kushaq, Kodiaq and upcoming Slavia sedan, Skoda India aims to increase its market share. Zac Hollis, director of Skoda states that they aim to sell 30,000 units in the year 2021 and then double the figures to 60,000 in the year 2022.
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With a heavy focus on TSI turbo petrol engines and product localization, Skoda aims to set it apart from the competition. The recently launched Kushaq has launched at ₹10.50 lakhs for the entry-level Active 1.0 TSI manual to all way up to ₹17.6 lakhs for the top end 1.5 TSI style automatic.
We had recently reported that the deliveries for the 1.5 TSI will be delayed till the first week of August but now Zac Hollis announced that the 1.5 TSI dispatches will further be delayed till the last week of August. The exact reason for the delay hasn’t been stated yet but we suspect that the 1.5 TSI is yet to receive certification from ARAI as stated in the brochure.
Kushaq Monte Carlo Edition
Skoda will also introduce a Monte Carlo variant of the Kushaq further down the line. The Kushaq Monte Carlo will be similar to the Rapid Monte Carlo in terms of changes. It will feature blacked-out alloy wheels, Monte Carlo badging and blacked-out bits which would go rather well with the Tornado Red paint job.
The Kushaq Monte Carlo will also make up for the missing features compared to the competition. It could get a virtual cockpit display and the automatic variants could get 6 airbags and TPMS which they currently miss out on. Expect a significant premium for the Monte Carlo over the Style variant considering the feature gains.
Kushaq details
The Kushaq boasts of a whole host of safety features such as brake disc wiping, rollover mitigation, electronic differential lock, ESC, TCS, HHC and 3-point seat belts for all the passengers. The Kushaq goes up against the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta which currently rule the segment.
Zac Hollis has stated that the bookings for the Kushaq are in line with their expectations so it will be interesting to see how the Kushaq helps Skoda in bringing the required sales figures.