
Skoda Auto India has unveiled the facelifted Kushaq mid-size SUV, introducing a range of updates across design, technology, comfort, powertrain, safety, and ownership benefits. Pre-bookings for the new Kushaq are open at Rs 15,000, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of March 2026. The updated model continues to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform and retains its five-star Global NCAP safety rating, while adding several segment-first features and first-time upgrades for the Kushaq line-up.

On the exterior, the Kushaq facelift adopts Skoda's 'Modern Solid' design language, highlighted by a redesigned front grille with chrome ribs and an illuminated light band. The SUV now features new LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, front parking sensors and newly designed connected LED taillights with sequential turn indicators. A notable addition at the rear is the illuminated SKODA lettering bridging the taillamps. Alloy wheels are now standard across all variants, enhancing the SUV's stance and visual appeal. Skoda has also expanded the colour palette by introducing three new shades -- Shimla Green, Steel Grey and Cherry Red -- while continuing existing options such as Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue and Deep Black. The Monte Carlo badge will now be available from the start of sales, catering to demand for sportier-looking variants.

Inside the cabin, the facelift brings several upgrades focussed on comfort and premium appeal. The new Kushaq now offers a panoramic sunroof for the first time, along with dual-colour ambient lighting. A segment-first rear seat massage function has also been introduced, enhancing rear passenger comfort. The SUV continues to offer six-way electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, a wireless charging pad, cruise control, and a rear-view camera with sensors. Boot space is 491 litres, expandable to 1,405 litres, supporting everyday practicality. The digital instrument cluster has been updated, with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit offered in higher variants and an 8-inch digital cockpit available in mid-spec trims.
The infotainment system has also been upgraded with a new 10.1-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A major addition is the integration of a Google-powered AI voice assistant built on Google Automotive AI Agent and Gemini technology. This system enables context-aware voice commands, real-time information access, and hands-free control for functions such as music, calls, and climate settings. The assistant has been developed to recognise Indian English accents, aiming to improve usability for local customers.

Several comfort and convenience features have also been standardised from the base variant, including alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, Climatronic automatic air conditioning, LED headlamps and taillamps, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming IRVM. These additions aim to improve the overall value proposition and reduce the feature gap between entry and higher trims.

Safety remains a critical element for the Kushaq facelift. The model continues to carry a five-star Global NCAP safety rating and now offers six airbags as standard across all variants. More than 25 active and passive safety features are included as standard, with higher variants offering over 40 safety features. Visibility and preventive safety have been strengthened through standard features such as rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, a rear wiper, and a rear defogger across the line-up.

Under the hood, the Kushaq facelift introduces a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. This engine produces 115PS of max power and 178Nm of peak torque and continues to be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as well. Buyers seeking higher performance can opt for the 1.5-litre TSI engine, which delivers 150PS of max power and 250Nm of peak torque and is exclusively paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The 1.5 TSI engine continues to feature Active Cylinder Technology for efficiency and now benefits from disc brakes on all four wheels. Ground clearance remains unchanged at 188mm.

While buyers have been critical about the maintenance cost of Skoda cars, the company has tried to address their concerns with a new ownership package for the Kushaq facelift. The company has introduced the Skoda Super Care ownership package with the SUV. This includes a standard four-year or 1 lakh kilometre warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services for up to two years or 30,000 kilometres. The warranty can be extended to six years, and customers also receive a six-year corrosion warranty and a three-year paint warranty.

In the Indian mid-size SUV segment, the refreshed Skoda Kushaq continues to compete with models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, Tata Curvv, and the new Tata Sierra.

The pre-facelift Kushaq was priced between Rs 10.66 lakh and Rs 18.69 lakh (ex-showroom). After we have seen the new model, we expect it to sit in the price bracket of Rs 10.99 lakh and to Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom).
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