Skoda Kushaq facelift India launch on January 20: What to expect from Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra rival?

Skoda recently teased the Kushaq facelift on its social media handles. (Image - Skoda India/Instagram)

• Skoda Kushaq facelift to launch in India on January 20.
• Facelift may add panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.
• Prices expected to rise; current discounts up to Rs 3 lakh on existing stock.

Did our AI summary help?

Skoda Auto India is set to launch the Kushaq facelift in India on January 20. The updated mid-size SUV will compete in a crowded segment that includes some very popular models such as the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

The Kushaq was first launched in India in June 2021. It was Skoda's first product under the India 2.0 Project and marked the company's entry into the mid-size SUV space.

Based on VW Group's India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform, the Kushaq is currently offered with two petrol engine options. These include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine producing 115PS and 178Nm, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI engine producing 150PS and 250Nm.

The 1.0-litre engine is available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.5-litre engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic. The Skoda Kushaq facelift is expected to retain these powertrains, along with the return of a manual transmission for the 1.5-litre engine that was offered at the time of the original launch.

In terms of features, the outgoing Skoda Kushaq offers ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable driver and co-driver seats, leatherette upholstery, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also offers wireless charging. Other features include an electric sunroof with bounce-back function, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming interior mirror, cooled glovebox and a rear-view camera with static guidelines.

On the safety front, the Kushaq has received a five-star rating at Global NCAP. Safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, traction control, rollover protection, brake disc wiping, ISOFIX child-seat mounts and tyre pressure monitoring.

While the Kushaq is known for its performance and safety, it trails some rivals such as the Sierra, Creta and Seltos in terms of features. Skoda is expected to address this with the facelift. Spy images suggest updates such as new LED headlamps and taillamps, revised bumpers, new alloy wheels and the addition of a panoramic sunroof. The facelift may also introduce a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.

The Skoda Kushaq is currently sold in six variants -- Classic, Onyx, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo and Prestige. Prices range from Rs 10.61 lakh to Rs 18.69 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on variant and powertrain. Prices of the facelifted model are expected to go up. At present, Skoda is offering discounts of up to Rs 3 lakh on existing Skoda Kushaq stock.