Skoda, the Czech automaker and part of the Volkswagen Group, has been selling cars in India for two decades. The brand is known for producing top-quality vehicles with European DNA at its core, and the phenomenal success rate bears this testimony.
Skoda sells cars in multiple categories, and SUV is one such segment in which it has been scoring quite well in recent years. The carmaker offers Skoda Kodiaq and Skoda Kushaq in the SUV segment.
Where Skoda Kodiaq targets premium SUV buyers with additional seating capacity, the Kushaq, on the other hand, has been crafted for the mid-segment, where there is plenty of competition from different car brands.
Both car comes with robust built quality, premium design and top-notch safety. To make an informed decision before buying Skoda SUV cars, get to know each detail in the following paragraphs.
If you are searching for Skoda SUV cars with excellent styling, dynamically built quality, loads of comfort features and top-class performance, here are your options.
Being the top-of-the-line model from the brand, the Kodiaq is a premium SUV that packs style, a powerful engine, modern-day features, ample space and functionality.
The SUV has been crafted for true-blue SUV enthusiasts and is the first such car that goes against the popular Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.
The Skoda Kodiaq comes in the price range of Rs. 37.99 - 41.39 Lakh, ex-showroom. The car is available in three variants Style, Sportline, and Laurin & Klement and can seat seven passengers comfortably.
The SUV gets a 2.0L TSI turbocharged petrol engine that makes 190PS and 320Nm torque, linked to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The car also has an AWD mechanism, meaning it can be driven on the most challenging roads. So, whether you are inclined towards frequent trips to the countryside, urban driving or want to explore the off-roads, the Kodiaq gives you all.
In terms of performance, the turbocharged petrol powertrain adds refinement with its silence while the power delivery is linear and even. The DSG automatically synchronizes well to offer swift cross-over. The facility of paddle shifters further adds to the engagement of the driver.
Being an SUV, you can't expect much in the fuel-economy department as the Kodiaq offer a decent 12.78kmpl, adequate for an SUV of this stature.
And when it comes to styling, the SUV sticks to the old-school design with a straight signature butterfly grille, sculpted bonnet, LED headlamps and daytime running lights. Apart from the muscular front profile, the 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels nicely gel in the flared wheel arches. The rear looks equally sharp with sporty boomerang-styled LED taillamps, chrome outlining and revised reflectors.
The Skoda has perfected Kodiaq to offer the best in the comfort and luxury department. From piano black finishing to stone beige upholstery and perforated leather, the interiors are highlighted by high-quality materials.
Skoda Kodiaq, a 7-seater vehicle, offers a comfortable experience with a three-row layout and the front row getting ventilated seats. The front seats are also 12-way powered with memory functionality.
Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd rows have ample space for adults and an adequate area for holding smartphones and bottles. The boot space in the car is 270L; however, it can be further expandable to 2005L by folding the rear seats.
The Kodiaq is nothing short of a luxury suite in the comfort zone. The SUV has been bestowed with features like 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with the support of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit.
Further, the car gets aspects like wireless charging, three-zone climate control, glovebox cooling, a 12-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat and a panoramic sunroof.
Skoda cars are known for their phenomenal safety, and Kodiaq ranks among the top. The car gets a 5-star rating and a safety net provided by nine airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control system and motor slip regulation.
Moreover, a complete safety cover gets roll-over protection, electric parking brake, brake disc wiping, multi-collision braking, hill hold control, TPMS and a 360-degree camera with Park Assist.
Skoda Kushaq, the mid-size SUV, is the sole contender from the brand in one of the hottest segments in the automotive scene.
The carmaker has put its might into developing this vehicle as it has to withstand some of the stalwarts in this category of cars in the form of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara and Kia Seltos.
The Kushaq price starts at Rs. 11.59 Lakh, while the top-end model can be availed at Rs. 19.69 Lakh, ex-showroom. It has been crafted on the esteemed MQB-A0 platform, which underpins several other VW vehicles worldwide.
The SUV is available in two turbocharged petrol powertrains. One is the 1.0L turbocharged unit that pumps out 115PS and 175Nm torque; the other is the 1.5L engine that generates 150PS and 250Nm torque. Transmission duties are handled by either 6-speed MT, 6-speed automatic or 7-speed DCT automatic, depending on your chosen variant.
Performance-wise, the engines, as expected, are one of the most potent in their class, with quick acceleration and splendid linear power delivery. The DSG gearbox comes in handy with its crisp upshifts, while the manual transmission is much sportier. The steering wheel offers immaculate feedback during city, highway and off-road driving.
The fuel economy of Skoda Kushaq is surprisingly good, with the manual one claiming to return 17.88kmpl and the automatic delivering 15.78kmpl. Real-world conditions and style of driving may put up a different figure.
The Kushaq is unmistakably a Skoda and a car to stare at for long. With the perfect blend of design and functionality, the SUV features an aggressive attitude with several cuts and creases. The front profile boasts identical LED projector headlamps and grille design as in other Skoda cars.
Turn around, and you will see that the large 17-inch alloy wheels with armoured cladding and protective sill cover dominate the side profile.
The SUV's character becomes further evident when we turn at the back. The Kushaq features unique wedged-styled taillights with a dynamic boot spoiler and chrome strip enhancing the looks. Lastly, the silver rear diffuser complements the overall styling.
The interiors of the Kushaq are pure European with an uncluttered and clean layout. You will be mesmerized to see the immaculate attention to detail and build quality as the car uses plenty of chrome and leather across the cabin.
The piano black dashboard integrates premium honey décor, incorporating the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, powered by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eye-catching 8.89-inch TFT instrument cluster gives you all the journey details in quality graphics.
Regarding features and comfort, the Kushaq offers plenty of money. The SUV has features like an electric sunroof, wireless charging, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing wiper, cruise control, a cooled glovebox and an ambient light package.
The seats are comfortable, with the driver's seat being height adjustable, while the car also offers 60:40 split functionality for the rear seats.
Kushaq is one of the most practical vehicles in its class. The car offers ample storage, including a front centre armrest with storage, rear armrest with cup holders, utility recess on the dashboard, back parcel shelf and storage spaces at the front and rear doors.
Safety is in the genes of Skoda, and the Kushaq lives up to the expectations. The car offers six airbags, traction control, ESC, hill hold control, multi-collision braking, roll-over protection, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic differential lock, and a rearview camera that works as a parking assistant.
Today's SUVs need a modern-day solution for parking, and this is where Park+ comes into the picture. The mobile app lets you reserve your desired parking space nearby your location.
Besides, the platform offers various other parking-related services such as event parking, airport parking and corporate parking, saving you precious time manually doing this task.
The Park+ app also comes loaded with other benefits like doorstep car washing, fuel delivery, FASTag, etc. All these services are just a touch away. Download the app and make Park+ your partner for all car maintenance chores.
The most expensive from the brand is the Skoda Kodiaq SUV ranging between Rs. 11.59 and Rs. 19.69 Lakh, ex-showroom.
The Skoda Kushaq is 4225 mm lengthy, 1760 mm wide and 1612 mm tall. The ground clearance and wheelbase of the SUV are rated at 188mm and 2651mm, respectively.
Depending on your chosen variant, the Skoda Kushaq is available in two tyre sizes, 205/60 R16 and 205/55 R17.
The Skoda Kodiaq is currently available in six graceful body paints. These include Magic Black Metallic, Steel Grey Metallic, Moon White Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Lava Blue Metallic and Race Blue Metallic.
The 1.0L turbocharged engine of Skoda Kushaq returns around 16kmpl for the manual and 15kmpl for the automatic. The overall average will depend on the driving style and condition.
Skoda Kushaq rivals SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Volkswagen, Toyota Hyryder and Volkswagen Taigun in its class.
The boot space capacity of Skoda Kodiaq is 270 litres and can be expandable up to massive 2005 litres when the last two rows are folded down.
The Skoda Kushaq is currently available in three trims; Active, Ambition and Style.
Skoda Kushaq offers wireless connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its Ambition and Style variants.
Skoda India offers four years or 100,000km of warranty on all its vehicles.