Škoda Auto has officially entered the Vietnamese market with the launch of its compact SUV — the Škoda Kushaq. Already a well-established model in countries like India, the Kushaq now sets foot in Southeast Asia as part of Škoda’s broader expansion strategy in emerging markets. The vehicle is locally assembled and sold, with Vietnam becoming a significant production and sales hub in Škoda’s global roadmap.
This strategic launch is not just about entering a new market — it signals Škoda’s long-term ambition to strengthen its footprint in ASEAN and other Asian countries by offering products tailored for local tastes while maintaining the brand’s European engineering standards.
🌍 Why Vietnam? Škoda’s ASEAN Strategy
Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in Southeast Asia. With rising incomes, urban expansion, and a growing middle class, there’s an increasing demand for compact SUVs that offer a mix of premium features, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
Škoda has recognized this trend and sees Vietnam as an ideal launchpad for its India-developed models, thanks to shared consumer preferences and road conditions. By starting local assembly and distribution of the Kushaq in Vietnam, Škoda is also signaling its readiness to expand in the ASEAN region more broadly.
🚗 Škoda Kushaq: Key Specs and Highlights
The Kushaq was originally developed under the India 2.0 project, based on the localized MQB-A0-IN platform—a more affordable and robust variant of the globally known MQB platform used by Volkswagen Group.
🔧 Powertrain Options (Vietnam Version Expected):
- 1.0L TSI Turbo Petrol
- Power: 115 hp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
- 1.5L TSI Turbo Petrol
- Power: 150 hp
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic
The two engine options allow the Kushaq to cater to both economy-minded buyers and those looking for a more spirited, performance-oriented experience.
🛠️ Platform & Engineering
- MQB-A0-IN platform: Built to endure challenging road conditions while maintaining strong crash safety and dynamic handling.
- Ground Clearance: 188 mm – Ideal for mixed terrains in Vietnam.
- Suspension: Tuned for comfort and ride quality over potholes and uneven roads.
Despite being developed in India, the Kushaq maintains European standards in terms of build quality, driving dynamics, and safety.
✨ Design & Dimensions
The Kushaq carries Škoda’s signature design language — a combination of sharp cuts, crystalline elements, and a commanding road presence.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,221 mm
- Width: 1,760 mm
- Height: 1,612 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,651 mm
Exterior Highlights:
- LED headlamps with DRLs
- Signature Škoda butterfly grille
- Bold character lines on the sides
- Alloy wheels (ranging from 16″ to 17″)
- Roof rails and faux skid plates for SUV appeal
🛋️ Interior & Features
The interior of the Kushaq strikes a balance between premium feel and practicality.
Cabin Features:
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- Ambient lighting
- Two-tone upholstery with premium fabric or leatherette options
- Rear AC vents
- Cooled glovebox
- Electric sunroof (in top variants)
The long wheelbase ensures excellent rear seat legroom, making it a great family car even in urban environments.
🛡️ Safety and Ratings
Safety is a cornerstone of Škoda’s design philosophy. The Kushaq has already received 5 stars in Global NCAP crash tests, making it one of the safest compact SUVs in its segment.
Standard Safety Features Include:
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- Hill-hold control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Rear parking sensors and camera
🏷️ Expected Pricing in Vietnam
While official pricing may vary by region and trim, the Škoda Kushaq is expected to start at around VND 620 million, which translates roughly to USD $25,000, for the base 1.0L TSI variant.
Top-end 1.5L TSI DSG trims may go up to VND 790 million (~USD $32,000), making it competitive with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Corolla Cross in the Vietnamese market.
📦 Variants Offered in Vietnam
Škoda is likely to offer three core variants in Vietnam, similar to its Indian model lineup:
- Active – Basic but well-equipped with safety and infotainment
- Ambition – Adds more comfort features and exterior styling elements
- Style – Top variant with all bells and whistles including sunroof, larger infotainment, and premium interiors
🔧 Localization & Production Strategy
Mitsubishi Vietnam has partnered with Škoda to handle assembly and distribution locally, cutting down import duties and allowing for more aggressive pricing.
Škoda’s strategy involves leveraging existing VW Group facilities and supply chains to keep production efficient and scalable, with potential export to neighboring countries.
🔮 Future Outlook: Vietnam as a Launchpad
The Kushaq is just the beginning. Škoda plans to launch additional models in Vietnam, including:
- Škoda Slavia – A premium compact sedan
- Škoda Enyaq – Their flagship electric SUV
- Kodiaq & Octavia – Higher-end models likely via CBU import initially
Vietnam could also serve as a right-hand drive export base in the future, making it a strategic assembly hub for Škoda in Asia.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Czech Precision Meets Southeast Asian Growth
With the Kushaq, Škoda has found a sweet spot between premium appeal and practical engineering. The launch in Vietnam signals a bold new chapter for the brand in Asia, where the demand for compact SUVs is exploding.
By localizing the Kushaq for Vietnamese customers—without compromising on features, safety, or quality—Škoda is laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the region.
Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or simply an SUV enthusiast, the 2025 Škoda Kushaq promises a well-rounded experience that’s ready for Vietnam’s roads—and beyond.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
