Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI could get more affordable

When Skoda India launched the Kushaq a couple of months ago, the larger and more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine was made available only with the top-spec Style trim. Now, we are told that the 1.5-litre TSI engine could also be offered on the mid-spec Ambition trim, making the enthusiast’s choice more affordable by quite a margin.

• Kushaq available in Active, Ambition and Style trims
• 1.5-litre TSI engine currently only on top-spec Style
• 1.5L TSI could become more accessible with mid-spec Ambition

Skoda Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI to become more affordable?

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI, with both manual and DSG automatic gearboxes, is expected to be sold on mid-spec Ambition trim as well. There were also talks of an automatic variant of the Kushaq 1.0-litre TSI for the base Active trim.

Here, it’s important to note that Volkswagen is aiming to make the 1.5-litre TSI engine “a lot more accessible” with the upcoming Taigun SUV, which will launch on September 23, 2021. As such, VW is expected to offer this engine with a manual gearbox on the Taigun’s mid-spec trims and also price it pretty aggressively.

Given that the Taigun will be Kushaq’s arch-rival, Skoda certainly wouldn’t want to give that cost advantage to the former. Currently, the Kushaq’s 1.5-litre TSI variants are priced at Rs 16.20 lakh (manual) and Rs 17.60 lakh (DSG). Bringing it down to the Ambition trim could see the prices go down by nearly Rs 1.5 lakh.

The 1.5-litre TSI in question produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox. A major highlight of this engine is that it features active cylinder deactivation technology, which helps it achieve better fuel economy than even the smaller 1.0-litre TSI engine.

Skoda Kushaq 1.5 Ambition: what to expect?

The Ambition trim doesn’t skimp on features. While it misses out on some niceties such as ventilated seats, sunroof, auto headlamps and wipers, and larger wheels, the Ambition trim does cover all the basics quite well. It gets a 10.1-inch infotainment system with connected car tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, ambient lighting, 16-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlamps and more.

Safety features on the Ambition trim include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with camera, electronic stability control, and hill hold control (limited to AT).