Skoda Kushaq : Skoda’s Kushaq has always turned heads since it first rolled out back in 2021, blending that crisp European flair with Indian road realities.
Now, with the 2026 facelift hitting showrooms this March, it’s like the SUV got a fresh gym membership—sharper looks, smarter tech, and features that scream premium without breaking the bank.
A Design That Demands a Double Take
Picture this: you’re cruising down a bustling Chandigarh highway, and the Kushaq pulls up beside you. Its front grille now sports chrome ribs and an illuminated light band connecting those sleek LED headlights, giving it that bold “Modern Solid” vibe Skoda’s pushing hard.
The bumper’s been reworked with fog lamps tucked into new vents and a shiny skid plate that adds some rugged charm.
Around back, connected taillights with sequential indicators and glowing “Skoda” lettering light up the night like a runway—subtle yet impossible to ignore. I remember test-driving the old one; it felt solid but a tad conservative.
This update flips that script. Sides stay muscular with cladding hugging the arches, but fresh alloy wheels on every trim make it look sportier, especially in the Monte Carlo badge that’s now available from day one.
New shades like Shimla Green or Cherry Red pop against the urban jungle, turning commutes into style statements.
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Inside: Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Tech
Step inside, and it’s clear Skoda listened to us Indian buyers who spend hours in traffic. The cabin’s dual-tone now, black-beige for Prestige or crimson for Monte Carlo, with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit staring back like a cockpit from a sci-fi flick.
That 10.1-inch infotainment screen? Powered by Google Cloud’s AI assistant—Gemini, no less—handling everything from “play some Bollywood beats” to “crank up the AC” in perfect Indian English accents.
But the real wow? Rear seat massage function—a segment-first that feels like a spa day after a long shift. Up front, six-way electric seats with ventilation keep you cool in summer swelter, while a panoramic sunroof floods the space with light.
Boot’s generous at 491 liters, stretching to 1,405 when folded—perfect for weekend getaways to the hills. Ambient lighting and a six-speaker sound system with subwoofer turn it into a rolling concert hall.
Skoda didn’t skimp on practicality either: Climatronic AC, wireless charging, and USB-C ports everywhere are now standard.
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Powertrains That Punch Above Their Weight
No major engine tweaks, but the drama’s in the gearboxes. The 1.0 TSI (115hp, 178Nm) now pairs with a slick new eight-speed torque converter auto—smooth shifts for city crawls or highway hauls—or sticks to a six-speed manual if you love rowing gears.
Hungry for more? The 1.5 TSI (150hp, 250Nm) with Active Cylinder Tech and seven-speed DSG delivers that turbo punch, now with all-disc brakes for confident stops.
Ground clearance holds at 188mm, tackling potholes like a champ, and ARAI mileage hovers around 19-20kmpl—real-world around 16-17 if you’re honest.
It’s not the quietest three-pot, with some vibes at high revs, but the ride firms up low-speed bumps while cruising like a dream.
Safety First, Always
Kushaq’s five-star Global NCAP stays intact, with six airbags standard and up to 40 safety bits on top trims—think rear wipers, rain sensors, auto-dimming mirrors.
Front parking sensors and a rear camera add eyes where you need them. In a segment full of flashy rivals, this built-like-a-tank ethos sets it apart.
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Pricing, Ownership, and the Buzz
Starting at Rs 10.69 lakh ex-showroom (up a smidge from the old Rs 10.66 lakh base), it tops at around Rs 19 lakh for loaded Monte Carlo—still value-packed against Creta or Seltos. Pre-book for Rs 15,000; deliveries kicked off end-March from Pune’s Chakan plant.
Ownership sweetens with Skoda Super Care: 4-year/1 lakh km warranty, 4 years RSA, four free labor services. Extendable to six years—peace of mind in a market where surprises lurk.
Since launch, Kushaq’s sold over 89,000 units, averaging 1,800 monthly, fueling Skoda’s 107% growth last year. Facelift buzz is real; pre-books are pouring in as buyers eye its edge over Taigun kin or Tata Sierra.
Skoda Kushaq : Why Kushaq Wins Hearts (and Roads)
In India’s cutthroat midsize SUV ring, the new Kushaq doesn’t chase trends—it sets them. It’s for the family man dodging monsoon floods, the young pro needing tech smarts, or the enthusiast craving drives that thrill.
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Sure, wind noise creeps in at speed, and low-speed ride could soften, but at this price? It’s a steal. As deliveries ramp up this month, expect lots clogging Skoda lots. If you’re hunting an SUV that’s easy to love, drive, and own, this emperor’s reclaiming its throne.