Skoda Kushaq Gains A New Variant

Skoda’s bestseller in India, the Kushaq, has just received a new variant. Called Onyx, it is slotted between the base Active and Ambition Classic derivatives. And there’s just one engine-transmission combination available with the newcomer, meaning there’s just one price tag for you to know. At INR 12.39 lakh, the Kushaq Onyx costs INR 80,000 more than the Active variant and INR 60,000 less than the Amition Classic derivative.

So, what does the Onyx derivative offer over the entry-level version? On the outside, the new trim level ropes in LED headlights with DRLs, rear wiper with defogger, front foglamps with static cornering functionality, new wheel covers, Onyx badging on the B-pillar and Onyx-exclusive body decals. Indoors, the SUV gains automatic climate control with Skoda’s Air Care feature, Onyx-branded scuff plates, new perforated leatherette seat covers with fabric inserts, and Onyx-branded mats and memory foam cushions.

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Like the Onyx version tries to justify the premium over the Active trim, the Ambition Classic derivative does the same. It offers more for your money, such as 16-inch alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet, the Skoda Kushaq Onyx has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. The powerplant offers 115hp and 178Nm of peak torque. For this powertrain, Skoda claims a maximum mileage of 19.2kmpl, which is 2kmpl better than what the same engine can deliver with the 6-speed torque converter unit. Expect Skoda to introduce that gearbox option for the Onyx trim later.

The Kushaq has been nothing short of a game-changer for Skoda in India. So much so that in 2022, India became the Czech brand’s third-largest car market globally. And that’s despite stiff competition from potent products like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and its step-sibling – the Volkswagen Taigun. If you had to purchase one of them, which would it be?