Kushaq SUV (Social Media)
Auto News: The winds of change are blowing in India’s automobile market, and this time, Europe’s renowned carmaker Skoda has indicated that it may soon launch its first CNG-powered car in India. With the rising costs of petrol and diesel and an increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, companies are swiftly shifting towards alternative fuel options. In this wave, Skoda is preparing to introduce a CNG-powered vehicle for Indian customers, and the journey might begin with the Kushaq SUV. This move could mark a new beginning for Skoda in the Indian market.
According to media reports, Skoda India is planning to add a CNG variant to its popular compact SUV, the Kushaq. Skoda India’s Brand Director, Ashish Gupta, recently stated in an interview that the company is seriously evaluating the CNG option. He mentioned that CNG has become a highly relevant and practical solution, especially for consumers looking for better mileage and lower operational costs.
However, he also acknowledged that the company is currently assessing the compatibility between CNG and turbocharged petrol engines. This evaluation will determine whether equipping a vehicle like the Kushaq with a CNG option is both practical and safe.
So far, most CNG-compatible vehicles in the Indian market come with naturally aspirated engines. However, the Skoda Kushaq features a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers 115 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. Combining a turbo engine with CNG is technically more complex, which is why Skoda is taking extra precautions to make this combination functional and reliable.
The current Kushaq model is available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. If a CNG variant is introduced, it will be interesting to see whether Skoda retains both gearbox options or chooses to offer only the manual transmission, which tends to be more common in the CNG segment due to cost and efficiency considerations.
The demand for CNG vehicles in India has surged significantly over the past few years. Especially in metros and urban areas, where CNG infrastructure is rapidly expanding, consumers are increasingly opting for CNG over traditional fuels. If Skoda launches a CNG variant of the Kushaq, it could boost its sales and provide strong competition to established players like Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors in the growing CNG segment.
Although Skoda has not officially announced the launch date for the CNG version, industry experts believe the company could introduce the car by the first quarter of 2025. If the launch proves successful, Skoda may consider extending the CNG option to other models like the Slavia or Octavia, thereby expanding its presence in the eco-friendly vehicle segment.
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