Two weeks ago, Skoda released a couple of design sketches for the Kushaq’s exterior. The computer-generated drawings revealed quite a bit about how the upcoming SUV will look like. Now, just two weeks before the debut date (March 18, 2021), Skoda has released two new official sketches. These are for the interior. Here’s the first one:

The dual-tone, black and orange theme looks funky. And so do the hexagonal AC vents at both ends of the dashboard. Riding at the centre is a freestanding infotainment system which, Skoda confirms, will stretch up to 10 inches diagonally. Accompanying that are rectangular AC vents which, like those on the hexagonal ones, feature chrome surrounds. The Kushaq also has some physical buttons placed right above the automatic climate control unit. For the driver, there’s a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and behind that, there could be a digital instrument cluster. Other features visible include an old-fashioned handbrake, a 12-volt accessory power outlet, power windows, electrically-operated ORVMs, and USB-C ports tucked within the cubby hold in front of the gear lever.

The second sketch reveals more cabin. That dual-tone theme carried over even to the rear doors, which is a classy touch. Between the front seats are AC vents for the rear passengers, and even the seats don a two-tone, black and grey outfit.

As revealed earlier, the Kushaq will be available with two TSI engines – a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre. The former also serves the Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Vento but could offer more oomph in the Kushaq. As for the latter, that should produce anything between 130hp and 150hp. Skoda will offer three transmission options – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) and a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic).

The Kushaq will become the first product under Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project. To keep the value proposition in balance, the automobile group has developed the MQB-A0-IN platform for the Kushaq and future Skoda and Volkswagen models. Also, the company has set its aim for 95 per cent localisation. That, too, will help in keeping the costs in check. Once launched, the Skoda Kushaq will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector and the Tata Harrier. Soon, Volkswagen will join the party with the Taigun.