Skoda Kushaq sells over 25,000 units in first year

Image credits: Santosh Dandge

The Skoda Kushaq launched on June 28, 2021 has completed a year of retail sales in the Indian market. Importantly, the SUV has made a mark in the hotly contested SUV segment with sales of over 25,000 units.

The Kushaq, which rolled out with a high 95 percent localisation level, marked the entry of the Skoda brand into India’s fast-growing midsize SUV market.

Developed exclusively for India, it is the Czech carmaker’s first production model based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, an MQB variant adapted by Skoda for India and to be used on other Volkswagen Group models in India.

The first product from Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project, the petrol-only Kushaq was priced between Rs 10.49 lakh at launch for the base 1.0 TSI Active variant and Rs 17.59 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-spec 1.5 TSI AT Style variant. Key highlights are its striking design, plenty of comfort, high level of safety and top-notch infotainment systems.

At launch, Zac Hollis, Brand Director – Skoda Auto India, had said: “The launch of the Kushaq is a watershed moment for Skoda Auto India as we enter one of the most exciting segments in this dynamic automotive market. The Kushaq is made keeping in mind what really matters to our customers and is localised and tailored to suit the Indian market. With a world-class SUV that is ready for India, we are looking at taking the Skoda brand to new and emerging markets across the country.”

A year on, that promise of a brand-new model seems to have been fulfilled. The Kushaq has taken on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector and the Tata Harrier and also its sister SUV, the Volkswagen Taigun.

Importantly, the Kushaq has given Skoda a new charge in the market. In June 2021, Skoda had a minuscule 0.37 percent share of the PV market. This June, the carmaker’s passenger market share stands expanded to 2 percent helped by the February launch of the Slavia sedan.

What has helped Skoda make inroads into the market is also its aggressive sales network expansion plan which has seen it expand its retail footprint to Tier 2 and 3 cities. At present, Skoda has close to 200 sales touchpoints across India.

Customer-centric initiatives like a 4-year/100,000km warranty (extendable up to 6 years/150,000km), two years’ parts warranty, two years battery warranty, three years paint warranty, six years corrosion warranty and extended roadside assistance programs up to nine years. 

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