Skoda Kushaq Style Variant With 2 Airbags Discontinued: Other Variants Continue To Come With Dual Airbags

The latest revision to the safety system can be witnessed on all MY22 models of the Skoda Kushaq SUV. Moreover, this new update adds 4 more airbags and also adds Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to the top-end Style variant of Skoda Kusaq as it was previously not available.

However, this update is not only limited to the top-shelf 1.5-litre TSI AT variant, but this update is also available with 1.0-litre TSI AT variant as well.

This means the Style variant with the 1.0 TSI AT is priced at Rs 16.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and the 1.5 TSI AT is priced at Rs 18.19 lakh (ex-showroom, India), which an increase of Rs 40,000 compared to Style variant of the Skoda Kushaq with two airbags.

This update is not applicable to the manual variants of the Skoda Kushaq SUV as it had these safety features from the launch day itself.

Speaking about the Skoda Kushaq, it is a 5-seater SUV and the Czech brand's first model to be built under the 'India 2.0' strategy where Skoda aims to set up a profitable business in the country.

As a foundation to To set up a profitable business, Skoda Kushaq is built on the company's versatile MQB-A0 IN platform, which is derived from Volkswagen Group's proven MQB-A0 platform.

This will enable Skoda to reduce the manufacturing cost without affecting the quality by aggressively localising the production of the Skoda Kushaq SUV and the upcoming Skoda Slavia sedan.

For Skoda Kushaq SUV, Skoda Auto India has managed to achieve almost 93 per cent localisation, which enabled the Czech car manufacturer to price the Kusaq competitively in the segment.

Speaking of competition, the Skoda Kushaq competes in one of the most competitive automobile segments in the country, where it has to compete against the likes of established players such as Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, and a few more vehicles in this segment and price range.

Apart from that, Skoda Kusaq SUV comes with two engine options. The more frugal one is the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine, where this engine produces a respectable 115bhp and 178Nm of torque. This engine comes mated either to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The 1.5-litre TSI engine on the other hand is the potent one with 150bhp and 250Nm of torque. Like the 1.0-litre TSI variant, this engine also comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, however, the automatic transmission is a more advanced 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Features-wise, the Skoda Kushaq comes well-loaded with features such as a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, touch-sensitive air-con controls, cooled seats, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, LED headlamps, and a few more.

Safety-wise, the Skoda Kushaq comes with ABS, EBD, TCS, Electronic Stability Control, multi-collision braking system, hill start assist, hill hold control, TPMS, ISOFIX points, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, Electronic Differential Locking System, 6 airbags, and a few more.

At present, Skoda Kushaq prices start from Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the base 1.0-litre petrol variant with manual gearbox, whereas the top-end Style variant with a 1.5-litre TSI engine and automatic gearbox goes up to Rs 18.19 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

Thoughts About Skoda Kusaq AT Style Variant Update

While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is gearing up to make 6 airbags mandatory for cars, Skoda Auto India has already discontinued the two-airbag variant of the top-end trim of the Skoda Kushaq SUV.

This decision will help the Czech car manufacturer to ease into the proposed 6-airbag mandate that is likely to be introduced later this year.