Skoda Kushaq Facelift Unveiled in India: New Design, Features and 8-Speed Automatic

The Skoda Kushaq has been a pivotal model for the Czech brand in India, playing a central role in its resurgence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. Built on the heavily localised MQB-A0-IN platform, the Kushaq struck a balance between European engineering and Indian market realities, helping Skoda regain relevance beyond niche positioning.

Now, Skoda has officially unveiled the Kushaq facelift, bringing comprehensive updates to design, interiors, features, and powertrain options. With pre-bookings open and prices expected to be announced shortly, the facelift aims to sharpen the Kushaq’s appeal against entrenched rivals in the segment.

Exterior Updates: Sharper, More Premium, More Skoda

The Kushaq facelift adopts Skoda’s latest Modern Solid design language, aligning it more closely with newer global models. The changes are immediately noticeable up front, where the SUV gets new LED headlamps with eyebrow-style DRLs, a redesigned bumper, and a revised grille featuring segmented LED inserts inspired by the new Kodiaq.

In profile, changes are subtle but effective, with newly designed alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 17 inches depending on the variant. At the rear, the facelift introduces a connected LED light bar with illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering and sequential turn indicators, giving the SUV a more contemporary and premium presence.

Skoda has also added three new exterior colours—Cherry Red, Shimla Green, and Steel Grey—further refreshing the Kushaq’s visual appeal. Buyers opting for the Monte Carlo variant get additional sportier elements such as red grille accents, gloss-black exterior trim, dual-tone paint options, and exclusive badging.

Interior and Features: A Clear Step Up

Inside, the Kushaq facelift delivers one of its most significant upgrades. While the dashboard layout remains familiar, the cabin now feels notably more upmarket, with improved materials, new colour themes, and a longer feature list.

A major highlight is the segment-first rear-seat massage function, aimed at improving comfort for passengers—an unusual but welcome addition in this class. The facelift also introduces an electric sunroof as standard from the base variant, while higher trims offer a panoramic sunroof, addressing a long-standing buyer demand.

Other key additions include a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-colour ambient lighting, leatherette upholstery, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, front parking sensors, and all-LED interior lighting. The Kushaq facelift also offers a larger 491-litre boot, making it one of the more practical SUVs in the segment.

Safety: Proven Credentials Continue

Safety remains a strong pillar of the Kushaq brand. The facelifted model continues to carry a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, matching the outgoing version. Six airbags are now standard across the range, along with ESC, traction control, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, and an extensive suite of electronic safety aids.

For buyers prioritising structural integrity and crash protection, the Kushaq facelift remains one of the safest choices in the mid-size SUV space.

Engines and Gearboxes: A Key Mechanical Upgrade

Under the hood, the Kushaq facelift retains Skoda’s familiar turbo-petrol engines but introduces an important new transmission option.

The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine continues to produce 115hp and is now offered with a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, replacing the earlier 6-speed unit. This update is expected to significantly improve low-speed smoothness and everyday drivability—an area where buyer feedback played a crucial role. A 6-speed manual remains available.

The more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine, producing 150hp, continues with the 7-speed DSG automatic. Importantly, Skoda has finally equipped the 1.5 TSI variants with rear disc brakes, addressing a long-standing enthusiast and safety-focused request.

Monte Carlo Variant: Sporty Appeal from Day One

Unlike previous updates, Skoda is offering the Kushaq Monte Carlo variant right from the facelift’s unveiling. This version is positioned for buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic, with blacked-out exterior elements, red accents, unique interior colour schemes, and distinctive branding that sets it apart visually from the standard trims.

Warranty and Ownership Support

The Kushaq facelift is backed by a standard 4-year / 1,00,000km warranty, extendable up to 6 years. Skoda also includes 4 years of roadside assistance and four free labour services for up to 2 years or 30,000km, reinforcing peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Expected Positioning and Buyer Takeaway

With its comprehensive updates, the Skoda Kushaq facelift is clearly aimed at buyers who value driving performance, safety credentials, and feature depth over superficial refreshes. The addition of the 8-speed automatic, panoramic sunroof availability, and rear-seat comfort features directly addresses previous gaps, making the Kushaq a more complete package than before.

For new-car buyers evaluating mid-size SUVs, understanding variant-wise feature differences and gearbox options will be crucial to extracting the best value—especially with multiple engine and transmission combinations on offer.

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