It was in March this year when Skoda unveiled the production-ready Kushaq. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse as India went under lockdown. That was because of the COVID-19 second wave. However, businesses are now getting back into the groove, and Skoda is very much a part of that bandwagon. The company has announced that the production of its all-new compact SUV, the Kushaq, has commenced. The first unit rolled off the manufacturing line at Skoda Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.’s (SAVWIPL) plant in Chakan, a town near Pune, Maharashtra.

Although we don’t have a confirmed launch date just yet, Skoda says it would start deliveries of the Kushaq in July 2021. As for the bookings, they haven’t opened officially. There’s no other way of putting it – the Kushaq is a critical product for Skoda. It would become the first model under India 2.0 project, with the MQB-A0-IN platform making a debut.

We do know a fair bit about the Kushaq. Besides boasting a wheelbase of 2,651mm, which is amongst the best in the segment, it has a 188mm ground clearance. The SUV stretches over 4.2 metres in length and 1.6 metres in height. As far as the width is concerned, that reads 1.76 metres on the scale. As standard, it will have 16-inch wheels, while variants higher up will have 17-inch dual-tone alloys. With all seats erect, the boot can gulp 385 litres of stuff. Fold the rear seats, and the luggage capacity increases to 1,405 litres.

Like all other models from SAVWIPL, the Kushaq will be a petrol-only offering. Skoda has lined up two engines and three transmission options. Entry-level variants will have a 1.0-litre TSI engine with 113bhp/175Nm, while those costing more will house a 1.5-litre TSI motor with 148bhp/250Nm. Both powerplants will come coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. However, a 6-speed torque converter (will smaller engine) and a 7-speed DSG (with larger mill) will also be on offer.

The Skoda Kushaq will have stuff like a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an electric sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker sound system in the list of features. That will also include USB Type-C ports, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming IRVM, wireless mobile charger, hill start assist, six airbags and support for myŠKODA Connect & ŠKODA Play Apps.

Once launched, the Skoda Kushaq will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks and the MG Hector. Soon afterwards, Kushaq’s step-sibling – the Volkswagen Taigun – will join the party.