Skoda Kushaq - B-size CUV about to launch in Vietnam market

Within the framework of the Vietnam Motor Show (VMS) 2024, a representative of Skoda Vietnam said that the company is completing the final preparations to launch Kushaq in the early second quarter of 2025.

Kushaq is the first locally assembled Skoda model for commercial sale. Later, the B-segment sedan Slavia will also be distributed using the same assembly method.

Skoda Kushaq has dimensions of 4,221 x 1,760 x 1,612 mm in length x width x height, and a wheelbase of 2,651 mm. These parameters are similar to the Mitsubishi Xforce with dimensions of 4,390 x 1,810 x 1,660 mm, a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, or the Kia Seltos with dimensions of 4,365 x 1,800 x 1,645 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,610 mm.

Skoda's 5-seat CUV model is developed on the MQB A0 IN platform. This is also the MQB A0 platform of the Volkswagen Group (Skoda's parent company) but is a low-cost version for the Indian market.

Like its predecessors such as Kodiaq and Karoq, which are sold in Vietnam as imported models, the Skoda Kushaq has a masculine design. The car has two-tier headlights and a familiar hexagonal grille of the Czech brand.

The Kushaq has only been produced since 2021 and is currently only manufactured at the factory in India. It is currently unclear what specific equipment will be applied to the Skoda Kushaq in the Vietnamese market.

In India, the car has two wheel options: 16 inches and 17 inches. In the cockpit, depending on the version, Kushaq is equipped with a 7-inch or 9-inch entertainment screen.

The Czech car company offers two petrol engine options on the Skoda Kushaq, 1.0 and 1.5. A 6-speed manual or automatic transmission is available on the 1.0 engine with 113 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is available on the 1.5 version with 148 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.

Safety technologies on the Skoda Kushaq include cruise control, hill start assist, tire pressure sensors... In India, the car costs 14,260-23,540 USD.

Present on the market, Skoda Kushaq competes with rivals such as Mitsubishi Xforce, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Honda HR-V... After 9 months of 2024, Xforce is the leading model in the segment with sales of nearly 10,000 units. Following is Toyota Yaris Cross with nearly 6,900 units.