Platform;
MQBA0IN is actually based on the success of the Skoda SCALA which was the 1st Skoda product to receive the MQBA0 platform which got modified to MQBA0IN platform to accommodate Indian models for the Skoda & VW Stable in the form of the India 2.0 Strategy. MQBA0IN being a Modular Transverse Matrix Platform not only frees up more space but also allows different engine, gearboxes, wheel bases and body styles to spawn more models for both VW & Skoda. This monocoque allows Kushaq to remain on a diet (Weight wise) at the same time retains the build (Exterior) quality.
Engine Performance;
First things First, i got to admit that this 3cyl 1L TSi (Belonging to the EA211 family of engines) is a great sounding engine, has a very Sporty Sound. But what about PERFORMANCE ? If i had to pick that what i like the most about this engine; is it the Bottom End or Mid Range or Top End ? I'd surely pick the Mid Range. The Turbo charger does a good job in keeping things VERY interesting between 2000 to 5500 rpm. This is where this small engine feels the MOST ALIVE. The next good thing is that the top end is not bad too, however the redline is not too high. The problem is at the Bottom end, where under 2000 rpm there is a sense of NOTHINGNESS. Its a combination of Turbo Lag as well as poor tuning. Skoda knows there is void in the bottom end so they tried to correct it by giving it a aggressive crawl which makes it difficult to control in small gaps, traffic crawling or parking situations but overall doesn't seem to address the Nothingness in that 1000 - 1850 rpm region. This is most prominent in the 1st gear, however it gets better and less noticeable in higher gears.
Gearbox;
This 1L Engine in its Automatic form is paired with the AQ250 Torque Converter gearbox. Overall i am glad i picked the torque converter option as this car wont see much of the highways and will be mostly used in the city for short runs. However be it in city or open roads the gearbox is quick enough for the power and suits the engine very well, leaving very few occasions / need to reach out for the paddle shifters. This Box doesn't get confused in selecting the gears and the gearing too (2nd gear onwards) is spot on to deliver the juice the engine has to offer.
Handling & Ride;
In the Ride & Handling Balance, the equilibrium is towards the Ride. As you'd be aware that i own a Kia Seltos 1.4 GTX+ as well & the suspension tune on that compared to this the Kia's suspension seems tuned more firmly towards extracting handling performance & the ride feels stiffer in the Kia. Where as in this Skoda its the other way round, the suspension does feels more tuned for the ride quality. In fact clearly the ride quality is better on my Skoda v/s my Kia even with the Skoda being under tyred.
The Steering in the Kushaq doesnt weigh up as much at high speeds as I'd want. Its important to note that the Skoda misses out on Driving modes which the Kia has & the steering of the Seltos in Sport Mode clearly inspires more confidence at higher speeds than the Skoda.
I am currently running Tyre Pressure @ 32 PSi (All 4).
Exteriors;
The Exterior Looks for me were a Strong Selling point for the Kushaq which also contributed to the Buy Decision. The Front is very aggressive IMO a combination of being Rugged & Athletic. Overall the dimensions are not too wide & sort of ideal to fit in the Urban Indian cities.
The Side Profile interests me the most as the overall design is very clean & sticking to the European roots of this brand, very pleasing. The Highlight for me at the side are definitely the striking 17" ATLAS Alloy wheels, this was the major reason I picked the Style variant over the base model which is surely more Value.
But speaking about the rims, the tyres as these are Good Years Assurance with a decently healthy 205 but not healthy enough as in this segment 215's or the 235mm wide are the norm so any guesses why Skoda picked 205 / 55 well because the Octavia uses the same size hence that solves a lot of inventory & they get better prices because of more volume buying, Smart thinking by Skoda, but as an enthusiast i would have preferred 215's atleast.
Another quick negative is the brakes at the rear, its an DRUM Setup, well the braking system is adequate particularly with this small 1L engine up front, but having no DISCS at the rear it is visually disturbing for any enthusiast.
Coming to the Rear, i love the fact that the tail lights are placed a bit high giving the Kushaq a very upright stance, i also love the SKODA lettering on the tail gate, i wasn't really a fan of this approach when i 1st saw it on the Superb facelift, but it really works here in a SUV bodystyle. The rear diffuser is again adding to the SUVness for the Kushaq & looks very robust. I miss seeing exhaust tailpipes but again its always better to have it concealed rather than some fake exhaust cutouts in the bumper.
Skoda Kushaq
Size Comparison for reference;
Interiors;
The dashboard design looks Solid. There is an interesting mix of materials used, there is Glossy Piano Black, there is a Matte Finished 3D Design Plastic there is Metal & there is also a dual tone treatment to distinguish the upper and the lower part of the dashboard. There are some really good bits about the interior which I love, for example the Steering which is an extremely well finished piece of art whereas on the flip side which I hate are these AC Controls. Rear Camera Quality is Average, also miss the Front Parking Sensors.
Some Great things about the front cabin & features are;
- Handbrake feels Solid.
- Paddle Shifters.
- Music System.
Some Unfortunate Misses;
- 360 Degree Camera Missing.
- Ambient Lighting Options.
- Electric Seats.
Rear Seats & Boot Space;
There is enough space for the passengers at the rear. Seat Comfort is good too, though they are a tad firm. However this added Rear Seat Space has compromised the Boot Space which is now similar in volume (385 L) to a segment below cars like the Sonet and not in line with its positioned competition i.e. the Seltos.