TL; DR
- Skoda Auto India is considering its options to release its first electric vehicle in India. The report specifically mentions that the automaker is planning to launch the car with a “localised supplier base.”
- Several publications have covered the recent spy shots of the Skoda Kushaq, wherein the vehicle is entirely camouflaged.
- Although we can expect a facelift of the Kushaq in the coming days, the vehicle is expected to retain its powertrain options from the current model.
Following the successful launch of Kylaq, Skoda Auto India is gearing up for a significant transformation as a brand, with the launch of its electric vehicle. Currently, the automaker has four offerings up for sale in India, including the Kylaq, Slavia, Kushaq, and Kodiaq. While all of these vehicles are based on petrol, none of them are powered by an electric battery. But that could change in the next two to three years.
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Skoda’s First Electric Vehicle Could Be Sourced Locally
According to a report by Mint, Skoda Auto India is considering its options to release its first electric vehicle in India. The report specifically mentions that the automaker is planning to launch the car with a “localised supplier base.”
Globally, Skoda has a premium portfolio of electric vehicles, including models like the Enyaq iV, Enyaq Coupe iV, and the upcoming Elroq. In India, the company is planning to launch its first EV by 2027-28. Between now and then, the company plans to establish a local supplier base and charging infrastructure.
Additionally, the company plans to increase customer touchpoints by 350 in 2025. Currently, Skoda Auto India has a market share of 1.7%, with a significant portion attributed to the sub-4 meter SUV Kylaq.
Kushaq Facelift Could Arrive In The Near Future
Most recently, the Indian auto market has witnessed the launch of several new vehicles as well as facelifts. However, Skoda has remained silent since the launch of Kylaq, and that’s for a good reason. Nonetheless, the company is expected to update the compact SUV Kushaq soon.
Several publications have covered the recent spy shots of the Skoda Kushaq, wherein the vehicle is entirely camouflaged. Even so, some details are apparent, like the repositioning of the LED DRLs and the turn indicators on top of the headlights, redesigned fog lights, and perhaps a radar at the bottom of the front bumper (which could enable the ADAS-based features).
Another aspect is the alloy wheels on the vehicle, which look slightly different than those on the current Skoda Kushaq. To bring parity with competitors like the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, Skoda would also need to equip the car with features such as a panoramic sunroof, upmarket upholstery, an enhanced number of connected car features, and a refined infotainment interface.
Although we can expect a facelift of the Kushaq in the coming days, the vehicle is expected to retain its powertrain options from the current model. This includes a 1.0L three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (on the lower trims) and a 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (on the higher trims). The engines will be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
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