Occupants
of the Kushaq are protected by up to six airbags – for the driver and front
passenger, optional front side airbags and curtain airbags – while ESC as a
standard for all trims, ensures increased driving safety. Hill-Hold Control,
rain and light sensors and a cruise control system improve both safety and
comfort. Depending on the trim level, the car will come with tyre pressure
monitor to keep an eye on the air pressure.
The
word ‘Kushaq’, it may be recalled has its origin in Sanksrit, an ancient
language of the Indian subcontinent. The word Kushaq denotes 'King' or
'Emperor'.
Thomas
Schäfer, CEO, Skoda Auto said, “With our new Skoda Kushaq begins a new era for Skoda
Auto on the Indian subcontinent. It’s the region where we oversee all
Volkswagen Group activities within the scope of the India 2.0 project. The Kushaq
marks the start of a model offensive consisting of four new Skoda and
Volkswagen mid-size models. All of these vehicles will be based on the
MQB-A0-IN version of the Modular Transverse Matrix, which Skoda Auto has specifically
adapted to meet the needs of the Indian market. I’m very confident that this
model will convince our Indian customers.”
Gurpratap
Boparai, Managing Director of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited,
added, “The introduction of the all-new Skoda Kushaq marks the first of several
launches as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. Developed in India with the
sophisticated, demanding consumer requirements in mind, the forthcoming
launches on the India-specific MQB A0-IN platform is a matter of pride for us. Skoda
Kushaq has been built using extensive on-ground intelligence and has been
localised to offer tremendous value without any compromise in our legendary
quality.”
The
Skoda Kushaq features LED headlights and daytime running lights. The tail and brake
lights are also fitted with efficient and instantaneously responsive LEDs.
Since
June 2018, Skoda Auto has been overseeing all Volkswagen Group activities in
the Indian subcontinent as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. The aim is to
implement a sustainable model campaign for Skoda Auto and Volkswagen in the
volume segments on the Indian market. Volkswagen Group is investing a total of
one billion euros in the project, including 275 million euros in research and
development of SUVs and cars. The Czech brand is also orchestrating the
activities of Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini in India. Almost, 30 models in
total meet the requirements of various market segments and budgets.
For
the first time, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited is developing a vehicle
based on the MQB platform. The MQB-A0-IN – developed locally – provides the
technical basis for the all-new Skoda Kushaq as well as for other volume models
still to come. The versatility of the platform meets the new, stricter safety
and emission requirements for India and can be adapted for future regulations.
The cars planned as a part of the INDIA 2.0 project aims for a high
localisation level of up to 95 per cent, with technical development taking
place at the state-of-the-art Technology Centre at Pune, opened in January
2019.
A
team of 250 local engineers have played a major role in the development of the
MQB-A0-IN and contributed to the development of the platform. Their wealth of
technological expertise and detailed knowledge of the local market allow for a
more targeted, flexible and much faster response to changing customer needs. By
2025, Skoda Auto and Volkswagen aim to achieve a combined market share of five
per cent in India, depending on market and segment development.