For Volkswagen and Skoda, the MQB A0 IN platform has turned the tides to their favour in Indian market. A total of two sedans and two compact SUVs have spawned based on this platform. Skoda Slavia and Kushaq, Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun. Kushaq is the highest seller and to push sales envelope further, Skoda has introduced Onyx Edition. Images are credited to World Of Automobiles.
This is not a top-spec variant, unlike Monte Carlo Edition which gets all the bells and whistles. In fact, Skoda Kushaq Onyx Edition is slotted in between base Active and Ambition Classic trim levels. Kushaq ONYX Edition Prices start from Rs 12.4 lakh, ex-sh. Let’s take a look at everything new.
There’s not a lot of changes with Skoda Kushaq Onyx Edition. Reportedly, there is a new faux diffuser element and a chrome surround for its grille, but these elements were offered as standard fitment across the range anyway. On the outside, we now have an Onyx badging on B-pillars in bold font, and differently styled covers for a set of 16” steel wheels.
What isn’t standard with other variants, is bold graphics spread across its doors. Onyx Edition has polygon-like elements all along this graphic which might seem adventurous, coupled with its roof rails. That said, this is not likely to be everyone’s cup of tea. With Anniversary Edition, Skoda had only offered subtle graphics near its C-Pillars.
On the inside, there don’t seem to be any changes at all. Skoda has retained black fabric upholstery, silver dashboard elements with knurled patterns, and a 2-spoke steering wheel among other design elements. Skoda could have carried over some of those polygonal elements into the interior, especially on its dashboard, but that isn’t the case.
As far as features are concerned, Skoda Kushaq Onyx Edition gets LED projector headlights, fog lights, roof rails, wheel covers, rear washer wiper, rear defogger, remote locking, an 8” touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering mounted controls, automatic climate control system, rear AC vents and more.
When compared to base Active variant, it gets automatic climate control and when compared to Active Peace Edition, it gets an infotainment system too. Where powertrains are concerned, Skoda Kushaq Onyx Edition is likely to get a sole 1.0L 3-cylinder TSI engine making 115 bhp of power and 175 Nm of torque. A 6-speed AT is not likely to be part of this package.
The compact SUV space recently witnessed Kia Seltos being crossed in sales by Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for the first time. Facelifted models of both Creta and Seltos are underway, which will bolster their position in this segment better. With around 1.8K to 2K units sold every month, Kushaq often falls behind Toyota Hyryder.
With more variants tailor-made for specific audiences, Skoda and Volkswagen can gain significant volume in this space. Making their case stronger (literally) is the fact that they’re the only ones in this segment to offer a 5-star crash rating in updated GNCAP testing protocols.
This post was last modified on March 27, 2023 2:52 pm