2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift First Look
What’s New, What’s Missing, and What Actually Matters
The camo is off, and the updates are finally here. This is the facelifted Skoda Kushaq, and instead of chasing dramatic redesigns, Skoda has focused on fixing gaps, adding features buyers actually asked for, and polishing the rough edges.
This is not a revolution. It is a sensible, feature driven evolution, with some genuinely surprising additions.
Table of Contents
Engine and Gearbox Options
Proven Engines, One Big Mechanical Upgrade
Under the hood, Skoda sticks to what works.
Engine lineup
1.0 litre three cylinder TSI petrol
1.5 litre four cylinder TSI petrol
The big news is the automatic gearbox on the 1.0 TSI.
Gearbox options
6 speed manual continues
New 8 speed torque converter automatic (AQ300)
7 speed dual clutch automatic for the 1.5 TSI
This makes the Kushaq the first car in its segment to offer an 8 speed torque converter with a turbo petrol engine.
There is no diesel engine. Skoda has acknowledged demand, but for now, petrol only remains the reality.
Exterior Design
Familiar Shape, Fresher Details
At first glance, the Kushaq facelift looks familiar. Look closer, and the changes start to show.
Key exterior updates include
New front grille with vertical chrome ribs
Chrome strip from the older model removed
New LED fog lamps replacing halogen units
Updated LED indicators and Skoda crystal lighting signature
Revised front and rear bumpers
Connected LED tail lamps with Skoda lettering
The bonnet and body panels remain unchanged. This is a facelift, not a sheet metal overhaul. Unless you already know the Kushaq well, most changes will only register on a second look.
What has not changed
No ADAS hardware
No front camera
No 360 degree parking camera
You do get four parking sensors at the front and three at the rear, which is an unusual but functional setup.
Wheels, Tyres, and Dimensions
Same Footprint, Smarter Details
New alloy wheel design with dual tone finish
Tyre size remains unchanged
Functional roof rails retained
Plastic body cladding used smartly to reduce visual bulk
Dimensions
Length just over 4.2 metres
Wheelbase around 2.65 metres
The wheelbase was once the longest in the segment at launch in 2021. Rivals have since moved ahead, but interior space remains competitive.
Interior and Cabin Updates
Same Layout, Better Execution
The dashboard design remains largely unchanged, but the experience improves thanks to feature additions.
Interior highlights
New beige upholstery on standard variants
Monte Carlo gets all black interiors with red inserts
Soft touch materials in select areas
Hard plastics still dominate lower sections
Some misses remain, including:
No rear sun blinds
One touch up down power window only for the driver
Manual handbrake instead of electronic
Yet, Skoda counters these with thoughtful details that many rivals miss.
Infotainment and Digital Displays
A Big Step Forward
The facelift introduces a more modern digital experience.
Screens
10.25 inch digital instrument cluster
10.1 inch touchscreen infotainment system
Key features
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Built in apps including Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music
Google Gemini AI support
Valet mode
Connected car technology
Reverse camera with door open indicators
The UI feels intuitive, responsive, and not overloaded with unnecessary screens. Ambient lighting is limited to two colors, but the execution feels premium.
Climate Control and Controls
Touch Done Sensibly
Single zone climate control
Physical buttons for ventilation and key functions
Touch sliders that remain usable
Ventilated front seats, slightly noisy but effective
Skoda avoids burying everything inside the touchscreen, which improves daily usability.
Panoramic Sunroof
Finally Added and Done Right
Yes, the Kushaq now gets a panoramic sunroof.
Why it stands out
Available even on the base variant
Dedicated physical buttons for sun blind and sunroof
Separate controls instead of a single confusing switch
This approach reflects Skoda’s focus on usability over gimmicks.
Rear Seat Experience
The Unexpected Showstopper
The rear seat is where the facelift truly surprises.
Rear seat features
First in segment rear seat massage function
Two USB C charging ports
Rear AC vents
Nearly flat floor for better middle seat comfort
Center armrest with cup holders
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Six airbags standard across all variants
Space is good across legroom, knee room, and headroom. The seatback angle is fixed and slightly upright, but comfort remains acceptable for long drives.
The massage feature alone changes how rear seat comfort is perceived in this segment.
Boot Space and Practicality
Marketing Math, Real Usability
Skoda now claims a boot capacity of 491 litres, measured till the roof without the parcel shelf. Earlier, the official figure was 385 litres.
Boot highlights
60:40 split folding rear seats
Multiple hooks rated at 3 kg
Skoda luggage straps
Spare wheel is smaller and steel
Subwoofer mounted under the boot floor
The boot is practical and well finished, even if the numbers need context.
Monte Carlo Variant
The One Enthusiasts Will Pick
The Monte Carlo version brings visual drama and mechanical punch.
Monte Carlo highlights
Gloss black grille, roof, mirrors, and roof rails
Red brake calipers
Sporty bumpers and badging
All black interior with red stitching
Metal pedals
Unique instrument cluster graphics
Powertrain
1.5 TSI petrol
150 horsepower
250 Nm torque
0 to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds
7 speed dual clutch automatic only
No manual option exists for the 1.5 TSI, which may disappoint purists.
Safety and Ownership
Strong Focus on Peace of Mind
Six airbags standard
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Traction control with physical off switch
Skoda also offers a Super Care package that includes:
4 year warranty
4 year roadside assistance
4 labour free services
This shows clear intent to improve long term ownership confidence.
What’s Missing
Still Room for Improvement
No diesel engine
No ADAS
No 360 degree camera
No blind spot monitoring
No heads up display
Some rivals offer these features, and Skoda could have gone further with the facelift.
Verdict
Sensible, Feature Rich, and Thoughtfully Updated
The Skoda Kushaq facelift does not chase trends blindly. Instead, it adds features customers genuinely asked for, fixes comfort gaps, and improves the overall experience without complicating things.
Rear seat massage, panoramic sunroof, a new automatic gearbox, and a modern digital setup give it strong reasons to stay relevant.
It is not perfect, but it feels more complete, more mature, and more confident than before. For buyers who value driving feel, thoughtful engineering, and long term ownership confidence, the Kushaq facelift makes a solid case.
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift FAQs
What are the major exterior changes in the Skoda Kushaq facelift?
The Kushaq facelift gets a revised front grille with vertical chrome ribs, updated LED fog lamps, new LED indicators, refreshed bumpers, and connected LED tail lamps. The bonnet and body panels remain unchanged, so the update feels evolutionary rather than a full redesign.
Does the Skoda Kushaq facelift get ADAS features?
No, the Skoda Kushaq facelift does not offer ADAS features. There is no radar, lane keep assist, or adaptive cruise control. However, it does get a rain sensing wiper.
What engine options are available with the Kushaq facelift?
The facelift continues with the 1.0 litre three cylinder TSI petrol engine and the 1.5 litre four cylinder TSI petrol engine. Both engines are carried forward without mechanical changes.
What is the new automatic gearbox offered on the 1.0 TSI?
The 1.0 TSI now gets a segment first 8 speed torque converter automatic gearbox called AQ300. The 6 speed manual gearbox continues alongside it.
Is there a diesel engine option in the Kushaq facelift?
No, the Kushaq facelift does not get a diesel engine. Skoda has acknowledged the demand, but currently the model is petrol only.
Does the Skoda Kushaq facelift get a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, the Kushaq facelift now offers a panoramic sunroof. Impressively, even the base variant gets a sunroof along with dedicated physical buttons for the sun blind and sunroof operation.
What new features are offered in the rear seat?
The biggest highlight is the first in segment rear seat massage function. Rear passengers also get rear AC vents, two USB C charging ports, a center armrest with cup holders, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
How comfortable is the rear seat in the Kushaq facelift?
The rear seat offers good legroom, knee room, and headroom. The seatback angle is fixed and slightly upright, but overall comfort is good, especially with the addition of the massage feature.
What is the ground clearance of the Skoda Kushaq facelift?
The Skoda Kushaq facelift offers a ground clearance of 188 mm, which is suitable for Indian road conditions.
What is the claimed boot space of the Kushaq facelift?
Skoda claims a boot capacity of 491 litres when measured till the roof without the parcel shelf. Earlier, the boot space was rated at 385 litres using a different measurement method.
Does the Kushaq facelift get a 360 degree parking camera?
No, the Kushaq facelift does not offer a 360 degree parking camera. It gets front and rear parking sensors and a reverse parking camera without adaptive guidelines.
What infotainment system is offered in the Kushaq facelift?
The facelift features a 10.1 inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported.
Does the infotainment system support connected apps and AI features?
Yes, the system supports connected car technology, inbuilt apps like Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and also offers Google Gemini based AI assistance.
How is the audio quality in the Skoda Kushaq facelift?
The car gets a non branded audio system with multiple speakers, tweeters, and a subwoofer. The sound quality is decent for daily use, though it is not class leading.
What makes the Kushaq Monte Carlo variant special?
The Monte Carlo variant gets gloss black exterior elements, red design accents, black interiors with red stitching, metal pedals, unique instrument cluster graphics, and the powerful 1.5 TSI engine.
What are the performance figures of the 1.5 TSI engine?
The 1.5 TSI engine produces 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It is paired only with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and delivers a sub 10 second 0 to 100 kmph time.
Does the 1.5 TSI get a manual gearbox option?
No, the 1.5 TSI engine is available only with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. There is no manual option.
What safety features are standard in the Kushaq facelift?
Six airbags are standard across all variants. The car also offers traction control with a physical off switch and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
What ownership benefits does Skoda offer with the Kushaq facelift?
Skoda offers a Super Care package that includes four years of warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and four labour free services.
