On the afternoon of 28/6, Skoda Vietnam launched the 2025 Kushaq, the first model manufactured and assembled at the Thanh Cong Viet Hung automobile factory in Quang Ninh. The vehicle is available in two versions, Ambition and Style, priced at 599 million VND and 649 million VND, respectively. Both versions will be available in four colors: red, white, gray, and navy blue.
The Kushaq's price positions it in the mid-range of its segment, competing directly with another model distributed by Thanh Cong, the Hyundai Creta (priced between 599 and 715 million VND).
Customers purchasing the vehicle in July and August will receive discounted prices of 589 and 639 million VND, respectively, along with a complimentary first maintenance service at 7,500 km.
The Kushaq's arrival adds to the dynamism of the B-segment crossover market, a crowded field with nearly 20 contenders. Some consistently top-selling models include the Mitsubishi Xforce, Toyota Yaris Cross, Kia Seltos, and Honda HR-V, along with recent Chinese entrants like the Haval Jolion and Geely Coolray. Compared to European competitors in the same segment like the Volkswagen T-Cross (1.099-1.299 billion VND) and Peugeot 2008 (829-899 million VND), the Kushaq offers the most competitive price. The T-Cross is currently unavailable in Vietnam.
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The simple design, following the Simply Clear philosophy, bears the hallmarks of the Czech brand. Photo: Hyundai
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A black grille with vertical slats, slightly curved in the center. LED projector headlights, separated from the halogen fog lights.
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The Kushaq measures 4,225 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1,612 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,651 mm and a ground clearance of 188 mm.
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C-shaped LED taillights with halogen turn signal bulbs.
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The vehicle features 17-inch alloy wheels, MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension.
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The Kushaq is powered by a 1-liter turbocharged engine producing 115 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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An 8-inch multi-information digital display behind the steering wheel.
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Wireless charging, ambient interior lighting, and a Skoda sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer.
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Automatic air conditioning with Air Care smart air filter and rear air vents.
The Kushaq's interior features a simple yet practical design. It has a two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated hands-free controls. The top-of-the-line version is fully equipped with features such as 6-way power-adjustable seats, an 8-inch multi-information digital display, a sunroof, wireless charging, ambient interior lighting, and a Skoda sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer.
Both versions come with other amenities including paddle shifters, automatic air conditioning with Air Care smart air filter, rear air vents, two front and rear USB Type-C ports, a 10-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a cooled glove compartment.
While adjustments have been made to suit Vietnamese traffic conditions, one aspect not yet "Vietnamized" is the hood release lever, still located on the passenger side, and the hood prop rod is placed on the right instead of the customary left.
In terms of safety, in addition to basic features, the Kushaq offers hill start assist, electronic stability control, traction control, roll-over mitigation, cornering brake control, electronic differential lock, cruise control, front emergency brake assist, blind spot monitoring with a 70 m range, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera, and an active brake drying system. The Kushaq does not yet offer ADAS features like its competitors.
The Kushaq is powered by a 1-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 115 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Compared to its Japanese rivals that utilize naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, the Kushaq's smaller engine offers greater power output.
In the near future, Skoda will launch the B-segment Slavia sedan, also assembled in Quang Ninh. The Kushaq and Slavia will be strategic models, expected to achieve significant sales targets in Vietnam, alongside four imported premium models.
According to Dam Dinh Thong, General Director of Skoda Vietnam, the Thanh Cong Viet Hung factory is designed with a capacity of 120,000 vehicles per year, adhering to Volkswagen standards. This promises a sufficient supply of affordable aftermarket parts and the ability to meet the demands of Vietnamese customers.
Minh Quan
