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Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Automatic: A thoughtful evolution

Jaipur is a city of contrasts. Smooth arterial roads open into fast-moving stretches on the outskirts, only to funnel back into dense, chaotic inner streets where patience is as important as precision. It is in this constantly shifting environment that the updated Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic begins to make real sense. What Skoda has done here is not a headline-grabbing overhaul -- it is something far more intelligent. They have taken a fundamentally strong product and quietly addressed the areas that mattered, the kind that reveal themselves only when you live with a car. Visually, the Kushaq does not stray far from its original identity. That clean, European restraint remains intact, but there is a newfound sharpness to the detailing. The front end looks a touch wider and more resolved, with subtle tweaks that give it better road presence without tipping into excess. The changes at the rear are equally measured, lending the car a more contemporary feel without altering its core character. What also stands out now is how Skoda has democratised some of the visual appeal -- alloy wheels are now standard across the range, with different designs depending on the trim. It is a small detail on paper, but in the metal, it ensures that even the lower variants do not feel visually compromised. The new 8-speed automatic transmission enhances everyday drivability with seamless, refined gear shifts | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Step inside, and the Kushaq continues to play to its strengths. The cabin has always been one of its more convincing aspects, and that remains true. The layout is intuitive, the driving position spot on, and visibility is excellent all around. What has changed is the sense of finish. There is a subtle lift in material quality and consistency, the kind that you notice more over time than in a quick glance. The feature list has grown as well, but it is the nature of these additions that stands out. They feel considered rather than excessive. Take, for instance, the addition of rear-seat massage functionality -- a feature that, on the face of it, might seem indulgent in this segment, but in practice, adds a layer of comfort that frequent passengers will genuinely appreciate. It is this kind of thinking that defines the Kushaq's update, not gimmicks, but features that enhance the ownership experience in tangible ways. Safety, too, remains a cornerstone of the package. The Kushaq carries a 5-star rating from Global NCAP, and that underlying sense of structural integrity is something you feel from behind the wheel. There is a reassuring solidity to the way the car is put together, a robustness that inspires confidence whether you are navigating tight city streets or cruising at highway speeds. In a market where safety is increasingly becoming a deciding factor, this is not just a statistic -- it is a meaningful advantage. Subtle exterior updates ensure the Kushaq looks contemporary without straying from its original identity | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Of course, the real transformation lies beneath the surface. The 1.0-litre TSI engine continues unchanged in terms of output -- 115 horsepower and 178Nm of torque -- but its character feels more polished than ever. This has always been an engine that punches above its weight, and that has not changed. It remains eager, responsive, and surprisingly versatile. In city conditions, it feels light on its feet, quick to react, and never overwhelmed. There is a smoothness to the way it builds speed, a linearity that makes it easy to modulate in stop-start traffic. What elevates the experience significantly is the introduction of the new 8-speed torque converter automatic. This is not just an incremental upgrade; it fundamentally alters the way the Kushaq drives. The first thing you notice is the smoothness. Gear shifts are so seamless that they almost fade into the background, allowing the drive to feel more fluid and less mechanical. In heavy traffic, this translates to reduced fatigue, as the car glides forward with minimal effort. Spend more time with it, and you begin to appreciate the calibration. The gearbox seems to anticipate your inputs with surprising accuracy, holding gears when needed and shifting up early when you are driving gently. The broader spread of ratios ensures that the engine is always operating within its optimal range, whether you are inching through congestion or accelerating onto an open road. It is a level of sophistication that you don't always expect in this segment. Inside, the cabin combines intuitive ergonomics with improved material quality and thoughtful feature additions | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement And then there is the added layer of engagement. The inclusion of paddle shifters is not merely a nod to sportiness -- they actually enhance the driving experience. Pull a paddle, and the response is immediate enough to make you feel connected to the car, allowing you to extract a bit more character from the engine when the road opens up. It is a reminder that while the Kushaq is primarily an urban SUV, it has not forgotten how to be enjoyable. Out on the highways beyond Jaipur, the benefits of the new transmission become even more apparent. The engine settles into a relaxed rhythm, cruising at lower revs thanks to the additional gears. This not only improves refinement but also lends the car a more effortless feel over long distances. Overtakes are handled cleanly, with the gearbox responding promptly to throttle inputs, delivering just the right amount of urgency without feeling strained. Equally noteworthy is the improvement in ride quality. The earlier Kushaq had a tendency to feel a touch firm at lower speeds, particularly over uneven surfaces. That edge has now been softened. The updated suspension setup absorbs bumps with greater composure, resulting in a ride that feels more settled in everyday conditions. There is less of the sharpness that once defined its low-speed behaviour, replaced by a more rounded, more forgiving character. Importantly, this has not come at the cost of stability. At higher speeds, the Kushaq retains its planted, confidence-inspiring demeanour, continuing to feel secure and predictable. The Skoda Kushaq retains its clean European design, now with sharper detailing and stronger road presence | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Through corners, it remains honest and composed. The steering is light enough for urban use but builds weight progressively as speeds increase, offering a reassuring sense of control. It is not a car that chases outright sportiness, but it does not shy away from involvement either. Instead, it strikes a balance that feels natural, one that aligns with its role as an everyday companion. While the 1.5 TSI variant continues to cater to those seeking more outright performance, the updated 1.0 TSI automatic now emerges as the more rounded choice. It delivers enough performance to keep things interesting, paired with a level of smoothness and ease of use that makes it better suited to the realities of daily driving. It no longer feels like the compromise option -- it feels like the considered one. What ultimately defines the updated Kushaq is the thought behind it. This is a product that feels carefully put together, one where each change serves a purpose. From the smoother transmission to the improved ride, from the added comfort features to the standardisation of alloy wheels, it all adds up to an SUV that feels more complete than before. And then there is the pricing. Skoda has positioned the Kushaq with a level of intent that makes it hard to ignore. It feels exceptionally well judged, especially when you consider the breadth of improvements and the overall package on offer. In a segment where value is often defined by feature count alone, the Kushaq makes a compelling case for looking beyond the spec sheet. In the end, the updated Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic does not try to overwhelm. It does not rely on gimmicks or exaggerated claims. Instead, it focuses on getting the fundamentals right and then refining them. The result is an SUV that feels cohesive, capable, and genuinely satisfying to drive. In a crowded market, that clarity of purpose is what sets it apart. Price: INR 10.69 - 18.99 lakh (depending on the variant) Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes

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