European automaker Škoda Auto has officially started local sales of the Kushaq SUV in Vietnam, marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy. This launch not only strengthens Škoda’s presence in Asia but also signals the brand’s serious commitment to the Southeast Asian automotive market.
The Kushaq, originally launched for the Indian market in 2021, has received widespread praise for its design, performance, and value. Now, with local assembly underway in Vietnam, the Czech carmaker aims to offer Vietnamese customers a European-quality compact SUV at a competitive price.
Let’s dive deep into what the Škoda Kushaq brings to the table in Vietnam and why this launch is so significant for the brand and the region.
🌏 Strategic Expansion into Southeast Asia
Škoda’s decision to enter the Vietnamese market with the Kushaq isn’t random—it’s part of a broader Asian strategy under the Volkswagen Group.
Vietnam is a fast-growing automotive market with a strong demand for affordable yet premium vehicles. With rising middle-class incomes and improved infrastructure, consumers are increasingly leaning toward compact SUVs that combine style, safety, and practicality.
The Kushaq is positioned to meet these expectations perfectly, offering:
- European engineering
- Strong road presence
- Modern technology
- Local assembly for affordability
Škoda has partnered with Thanh Cong Motor Vietnam (TCMV) for local production, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reduced import taxes.
🛠️ Locally Assembled, Globally Engineered
The Vietnamese-spec Kushaq is assembled locally at TCMV’s facility, but it retains all the core DNA of the original global model.
Platform:
- Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, specially adapted for Asian markets
- Provides a robust chassis, enhanced safety, and spacious interior layout
This platform allows Škoda to balance performance, ride comfort, and durability, making it ideal for Southeast Asia’s diverse driving conditions.
⚙️ Engine Options and Performance
In Vietnam, the Kushaq is offered with two petrol engine options, delivering a mix of efficiency and responsive performance.
Engine Variants:
- 1.0L TSI, 3-cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
- Power: 115 hp
- Torque: 178 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
- 1.5L TSI, 4-cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
- Power: 150 hp
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic)
Driving Experience:
- Quick throttle response
- Smooth gear shifts
- Well-tuned suspension for both city and highway drives
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and multi-collision braking standard in higher trims
The 1.5L turbo variant will likely appeal to buyers seeking spirited driving and long-distance comfort.
📐 Design: SUV with a Bold Road Presence
The Škoda Kushaq blends urban sophistication with rugged SUV styling, making it a head-turner on Vietnamese roads.
Exterior Highlights:
- Signature butterfly grille with chrome surround
- LED headlamps and DRLs
- Dual-tone alloy wheels (up to 17 inches)
- Roof rails and skid plates for added SUV appeal
- Eye-catching tail lamps and bold Škoda badging
With a ground clearance of 188mm and a well-proportioned stance, the Kushaq confidently navigates urban streets and rougher terrain alike.
🛋️ Interior: European Style, Asian Practicality
Step inside the Kushaq and you’re greeted with a clean, modern cabin that doesn’t compromise on comfort or functionality.
Interior Features:
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
- Virtual cockpit (digital instrument cluster)
- Wireless charging pad
- Automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Ventilated front seats
- Leatherette upholstery
- Ambient lighting in higher variants
With a wheelbase of 2651mm, the Kushaq offers best-in-class rear legroom, making it suitable for families and long commutes.
🧠 Safety and Technology
Škoda is positioning the Kushaq as a safe and feature-rich family SUV, a key selling point for Vietnamese buyers.
Key Safety Features:
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- Hill Hold Control
- Rear parking sensors and camera
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Additionally, the structure is rigid and crash-tested, following global safety standards to ensure peace of mind.
🎯 Target Customers in Vietnam
The Kushaq targets a wide range of Vietnamese customers, including:
- Urban professionals looking for a stylish, reliable SUV
- Young families needing space and safety
- Driving enthusiasts interested in the 1.5L turbo variant
- First-time SUV buyers wanting premium features at a mid-range price
Its European build quality, combined with local support and competitive pricing, makes the Kushaq an attractive alternative to Japanese and Korean rivals.
💰 Pricing and Trim Levels
Though official prices may vary slightly across dealerships, Škoda is aiming for aggressive pricing to attract value-conscious buyers in Vietnam.
Expected Starting Prices:
- Base variant (1.0L manual): Around VND 699 million
- Top-end 1.5L DSG variant: Up to VND 899 million
Available in three trims: Active, Ambition, and Style
Each trim comes with distinct feature bundles to suit different budget levels.
📈 What This Means for Škoda’s Global Vision
The Kushaq’s local sales in Vietnam mark Škoda’s official entry into Southeast Asia, a region with immense potential.
Strategic Benefits:
- Expands presence beyond India and Europe
- Positions Škoda as a global mass-market player
- Sets the stage for other models like the Slavia sedan and electric SUVs
Škoda has plans to expand into Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, with Vietnam serving as a gateway market.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Kushaq is Škoda’s Ticket to Southeast Asia
The launch of the Škoda Kushaq in Vietnam is more than just another vehicle rollout—it’s a strategic move to establish a lasting footprint in a growing region. With its stylish design, premium features, safety focus, and local assembly, the Kushaq is set to make a solid impression on Vietnamese buyers.
As Škoda continues its global expansion, the Kushaq will likely become the brand’s anchor product in Asia, leading the charge for a more diverse, accessible, and global lineup.