Are you eyeing to join the ever-growing family of compact SUV buyers? If yes, hold on for a little while longer. Why? A new contender is arriving soon. One that broke cover as the Skoda Vision IN at last year’s Auto Expo. If you haven’t been paying attention, that SUV has been christened as the Skoda Kushaq. What will become the first product launch for Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. (SAVWIPL) under the India 2.0 project, now has a debut date. Break out your calendars and circle out March 18, 2021.

For now, Skoda has released a couple of Kushaq’s sketches. While the finished product will look a tab bit different, there’s a lot that we can take away from these computer-generated drawings. The front is unmistakably Skoda – the imposing and protruding (somewhat) grille is flanked by split headlamp enclosures. The front bumper has large air intakes and boasts its own jewellery – a shiny skid plate. Even the bonnet has its own muscular design cues, and a particular eye-catcher is the Skoda lettering on the front fenders.

The silhouette is more SUV and less of a crossover, and that is a good thing. Buyers usually look for something more upright and stylish at the same time. There’s an unmissable shoulder line that runs all the way to the rear of the SUV, and complementing that are the well-defined wheel arches. As for the roof rails, they do add to the style quotient. The rear end of the Kushaq boasts those boomerang-style, 3D taillamps, a skid plate, Skoda letting at the centre of the boot lid and a sporty spoiler. All-in-all, the Kushaq has an intriguing mix of striking design elements.

Underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0-IN platform, the upcoming SUV will be available with two TSI engines – a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre. The former is the same that does duty in the Vento and the Polo but, in all probability, will offer more oomph in the Kushaq. On the other hand, the latter will have one extra cylinder – four – and might produce between 130hp and 150hp. There will be three transmission options – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) and a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch).

Features? There will be the expected bunch, including LED-powered headlamps, taillamps and DRLs, automatic climate control, tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags and auto headlamps and wipers. Other stuff on offer will be cruise control, Hill-Hold Control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Electronic Stability Control, wireless mobile charger and a respectable-sized infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For SAVWIPL, Kushaq is a significant product. It will define how India 2.0 project takes off and lay the groundwork for future, highly-localised models. One of them, the Volkswagen Taigun, isn’t too far away from making a debut. Both those SUVs will have to prove themselves against formidable rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Nissan Kicks and the Tata Harrier. 2021 will be an exciting year for the compact SUV space. Don’t you think?