The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is a refreshed compact SUV. It launched in India in January 2026. Skoda unveiled it on January 19. Pre-bookings started at Rs 15,000. Deliveries begin by end of March 2026. This is the first major update since 2021. It sits in the mid-size SUV segment. Prices are expected from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20 lakh ex-showroom. This makes it competitive. Rivals include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Tata Sierra, and MG Astor. For buyers in Jharkhand, it suits mixed roads in Ranchi. It offers good ground clearance. The facelift brings new looks and features. It keeps the 5-star safety rating. Let us look at the details.
Quick Spec Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.0L TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm), 1.5L TSI (150 PS, 250 Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT, 8-Speed AT, 7-Speed DCT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18-19 kmpl |
| Boot Space | 491 Liters (up to 1405) |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star GNCAP |
| Price Range | Rs 11-20 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating | 5 |
Exterior Design
The Kushaq Facelift has a modern look. It follows Skoda’s Modern Solid design. Length is 4229 mm. Width is 1760 mm. Height is 1612 mm. Wheelbase is 2651 mm. Ground clearance is 188 mm. This helps on bad Indian roads. In Ranchi, it avoids scrapes on potholes. The front has new LED headlights. They are angular. LED DRLs look like eyebrows. The grille is black with chrome strips. It has an illuminated band. The bumper is blacked out. It has a latticed air dam. A silver skid plate adds toughness. In Monte Carlo, grille strips are red. The grille is fully black. Side profile stays similar. It has new alloy wheels. They are 17-inch or 18-inch. Cladding around wheels and sills. Clean lines give a sporty stance. Roof rails are there. At the rear, LED taillights connect with a light bar. It has illuminated Skoda lettering. Turn indicators are sequential. The bumper is redesigned. It has a dark diffuser. No fake exhausts. Colors include eight options. Carryover: Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Lava Blue, Deep Black. New: Shimla Green, Steel Grey, Cherry Red. Dual-tone with black roof in some. Paint quality is high. It shines well. The design is premium. It looks wider at front. But some say rear is generic. Overall, it appeals to families. In Jharkhand highways, it stands out.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kushaq Facelift feels premium. Dashboard is layered. It has gloss black and chrome trims. Fit and finish is good. But some plastics feel hard. Dual-tone theme in Prestige. Black and beige. Monte Carlo has crimson scheme. Seats are leatherette. Front seats are ventilated. They adjust in six ways electrically. Driver and passenger get good support. Steering is two-spoke. It tilts and telescopes. Rear seats suit two adults. Legroom is decent. But under-thigh support is average. Middle seat is tight. Rear has AC vents. But no fan control. Segment-first rear massage function. This relaxes on long trips. From Ranchi to Patna, it helps. Headroom is good. Boot is 491 liters. It expands to 1405 liters. Fold seats flat. Spare is space-saver. Storage includes door pockets. Cooled glovebox. Cup holders. Ambient lighting has two colors. Noise insulation is better. Double glass cuts wind noise. In hot Jharkhand summers, AC is stronger now. But real tests pending. Entry is easy. But elders may find seats low. Overall, cabin is spacious. It fits families well.
Also Read Volkswagen Tayron Review 2026 | Performance & Pricing
Features and Technology
The facelift adds many features. Infotainment screen is 10.1 inches. It is touchscreen. Responsive. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Google AI assistant is new. It handles voice commands. Recognizes Indian accents. Gives news and controls AC. Driver display is 10.25 inches digital. It shows maps and speed. From Signature trim. Mid trims have 8 inches. Panoramic sunroof is new. It opens wide. In top trims. Base has single-pane. Audio has six speakers. Subwoofer. Sound is clear. Climate control is automatic. Rear vents. Wireless charging for phones. USB-C ports at back. Keyless entry. Push start. Cruise control. Rain-sensing wipers. Auto-dimming mirror. Rear wiper and defogger standard. Front parking sensors from mid trims. Electric seats with ventilation. Rear massage is unique. App connects to car. Track location. In Jharkhand traffic, camera helps park. But no 360 view. Features make it modern. But some miss ADAS. Software is slick. Updates keep it fresh.
Engine and Performance
Engines stay the same. But transmissions update. 1.0-liter TSI petrol. It makes 115 PS. Torque is 178 Nm. It has active cylinder tech. Four cylinders. Pairs with 6-speed manual. Or new 8-speed automatic. This is torque converter. Smoother shifts. Better efficiency. Replaces old 6-speed auto. 1.5-liter TSI. 150 PS. 250 Nm. Four cylinders. With 7-speed DSG auto. Quick shifts. No manual for 1.5. Acceleration is good. 0-100 in 11 seconds for 1.0. 1.5 is faster. Mileage ARAI is 18-19 kmpl. Real city 12-15 kmpl. Highway 16-18 kmpl. Tank is 50 liters. Range okay. Engines are refined. Low noise. Pull from low revs. Overtakes easy. In Ranchi hills, it climbs well. Fuel costs add if heavy foot. Maintenance is average. Service every 15,000 km. Parts available. No diesel. This hurts mileage lovers. Overall, balanced for India.
Ride and Handling
Ride is comfortable. Suspension absorbs bumps. It is firm. Handles potholes in Ranchi well. At low speeds, it feels jittery. But settles at highway. Stability is high. Up to 140 kmph no issue. Body roll is low. Steering is precise. Weighs nice. Corners flat. Brakes are strong. Discs all around in 1.5. Drums in 1.0 rear. ABS works. Ground clearance helps. No scrapes. In rain, traction is good. NVH is low. Quiet cabin. Wind noise minimal. Engine sound only when revved. For Jharkhand mixed roads, it balances fun and comfort. Better than old model. But some want softer ride.
Safety Features
Safety is strong. 5-star GNCAP rating. Six airbags standard. Driver, passenger, side, curtain. ESC, traction control. Hill hold. TPMS. Roll-over protection. Brake disc wiping. ISOFIX for kids. Rain-sensing wipers. Auto-dimming mirror. Rear defogger. Front sensors. No ADAS. No 360 camera. Body is strong. MQB-A0-IN platform. For Indian roads, it gives peace. In Jharkhand traffic, basics help.
Variants and Pricing
Variants are five. Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, Monte Carlo. Base Classic+ has basics. Signature adds digital cluster. Sportline has sporty bits. Prestige is premium. Monte Carlo has red accents. Prices expected Rs 11-20 lakh ex-showroom. In Ranchi, on-road Rs 12-22 lakh. EMI Rs 20,000-40,000. Bookings open. Service in cities. Costs Rs 15,000 yearly. Parts okay.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- New premium design.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Rear massage unique.
- Strong safety.
- Smooth 8-speed auto.
- Good space.
- Refined engines.
Cons:
- No ADAS.
- Weak AC in past.
- No diesel.
- Hard plastics inside.
- Rear space average.
- High service costs.
- No 360 camera.
FAQs
What is the mileage of Skoda Kushaq Facelift?
ARAI is 18-19 kmpl. City 12-15 kmpl. Highway 16-18 kmpl.
Which engine is better?
1.0 for city and fuel. 1.5 for power and highways.
Is it safe for family?
Yes. 5-star rating. Six airbags standard.
What are competitors?
Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra. Kushaq wins in build.
Any 2026 changes?
Facelift with new grille, sunroof, 8-speed auto.
How is service in India?
Good in cities. Costs higher. Reliable.
Better than old Kushaq?
Yes. More features. Better transmission.
Conclusion
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is a solid update. It adds premium touches. Safety is top. Drive is fun. In January 2026, it stays fresh. Price is competitive. In Jharkhand like Ranchi, it handles well. No diesel is a miss. But for petrol lovers, it shines. Book now. Test drive in March. Worth in Rs 11-20 lakh range. A good family SUV.
