The Gearhead's Log: 8-Speeds, European Poise, and Missing Tech in the 2026 Kushaq
Month 1-2: The Honeymoon Period & Andhra's Highways
Taking delivery of the Kushaq 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo in Vishakhapatnam, the initial thrill was its unshakeable highway composure. The 1.5L TSI engine (150 PS/250 Nm) paired with the 7-speed DSG is a gem for our open roads. The promised sweet steering and planted feel are real; the car feels built like a rock on the NH16 to Vijayawada, devouring miles with a quiet, turbine-like smoothness that my previous turbo-petrol hatchback couldn't match. The 188mm ground clearance is a silent hero on Andhra's varied tarmac, from city speed breakers to occasional patchy stretches. However, the cabin, while updated, reveals its age. The hard plastics on the lower dashboard and door trims feel at odds with the new panoramic sunroof and slick 10.25-inch digital cockpit.
Month 3-4: The Family Test & The Transmission Upgrade
This is where the "family" in "performance family car" gets tested. The backseat comfort for family is a mixed bag. While legroom is generous and the new segment-first rear seat massage function is a delightful party trick for passengers, the seat is firmly contoured and best for two adults. The 491-litre boot swallows luggage for a weekend in Araku Valley with ease. The bigger news for daily use is the new 8-speed torque converter automatic on the 1.0 TSI (115 PS). In stop-start traffic in Vizag or Guntur, this gearbox is noticeably smoother off the line compared to the older unit, making the more affordable 1.0L variant a compelling, relaxed urban companion.
Month 5-6: The Performance Deep Dive & Ownership Realities
As a performance junkie, the 1.5 TSI remains my choice. The active cylinder technology works seamlessly, and the DSG's quick shifts are a joy on winding sections. Yet, in today's market, its thirst for premium petrol is a consideration. The new illuminated 'Skoda' lettering and connected LED taillights give it a monsoon-ready sophistication, looking stellar in the new Shimla Green after a wash. From a pure driving dynamics perspective, it's peerless in its segment for driver engagement. The ownership package with a 4-year warranty and roadside assistance adds peace of mind.
The January 2026 Verdict: A Driver's Car in a Tech-First World
Positioning the Kushaq in January 2026 is complex. It doubles down on core strengths—safety (standard 6 airbags, 5-star GNCAP), driving pleasure, and build quality—while adding meaningful luxury like the panoramic sunroof. However, for a tech-savvy Andhra buyer, the omissions are glaring. The lack of a 360-degree camera and, more critically, any Level 2 ADAS suite is a significant gap when rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer it. Furthermore, with the Maruti e-Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser EV launching soon, the Kushaq's petrol-only lineup may give pause to those considering future-proofing against evolving emission norms. It's not an all-rounder, but for the driver who values European chassis tuning and mechanical refinement over gadgetry, it remains a deeply satisfying, if niche, choice.
Final Verdict: A driver's delight that speaks the language of the open road fluently but stumbles in a conversation dominated by driver-assistance tech.
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Arvind Swamy 1 month ago
A driver's car in 2026 that lacks basic adaptive cruise control? That's not a philosophy; it's being left behind. You're paying over ₹20 lakh for a car that makes you do all the work on the highway while cheaper rivals offer helpful assistance. Calling tech gadgetry is just coping with missing features.
ajay thakur 1 month ago
You correctly prioritize the fundamentals. The MQB-A0-IN platform's rigidity, the multi-link rear suspension tuning, and the precise steering rack are engineering investments that a feature list cannot capture. The absence of ADAS is a deliberate choice to keep the driver engaged with a finely-tuned chassis—a philosophy that is increasingly rare and valuable.
Amit Saxena 1 month ago
As someone from Vijayawada, you nailed it. The 188mm clearance is essential not just for speed breakers, but for our rural road trips to Konaseema. The "turbine-like smoothness" on the highway is pure bliss. While others chase gadgets, the Kushaq gives you confidence. For a true road meeda raja (king of the road) feeling, there's no substitute.