Škoda Auto India has officially unveiled the new Škoda Kushaq Facelift on 20 January 2026, marking a major step forward in the brand’s commitment to delivering European engineering tailored for Indian roads. Built on the philosophy of being #EasyToLove, the latest Kushaq introduces meaningful upgrades across design, performance, comfort, safety, and ownership experience.
Positioned as one of the most complete compact SUVs in India, the new Kushaq blends modern styling, advanced transmissions, segment-first features, and class-leading safety—making it a strong contender in its segment for 2026.
Skoda’s Vision Behind the New Kushaq
The Kushaq has been a crucial product for Škoda in India, and the 2026 update elevates it significantly. The brand continues its mission of democratising European technology, ensuring premium features and robust safety are accessible to Indian customers without compromise.
The new model is not just a cosmetic refresh—it represents a holistic upgrade that enhances everyday usability, long-term ownership confidence, and driving pleasure.
Easy to Flaunt: Modern Solid Design with European DNA
The new Škoda Kushaq 2026 adopts the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy, giving the SUV a bolder and more contemporary road presence while preserving Škoda’s clean European character.
Key Design Highlights
- Sharper LED headlamps and LED taillamps
- Bold front grille with enhanced detailing
- Clean body lines with a strong shoulder profile
- Sporty alloy wheels offered from the base variant
- Premium paint finish and refined proportions
Monte Carlo Variant from Launch
A major highlight is the Monte Carlo badge being available from launch, adding a sportier and more performance-oriented appeal. This variant is aimed at buyers who want:
- Distinctive exterior accents
- Premium interior theme
- A more dynamic visual identity
The Monte Carlo edition reinforces the Kushaq’s sporty personality without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
Easy to Drive: Turbocharged Performance Across the Range
Škoda continues to rely on its proven TSI turbo-petrol engines, offering strong performance, refined drivability, and efficient fuel consumption.
Engine Options
1.0-litre TSI Petrol
- Turbocharged for responsive performance
- Balanced for city and highway usage
- Now paired with a brand-new automatic transmission
1.5-litre TSI Petrol
- More powerful and engaging
- Ideal for highway cruising and enthusiastic drivers
- Known for smooth performance and efficiency
Both engines reflect Škoda’s focus on fun-to-drive characteristics, a key strength of the brand.
Segment-First Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Debuts
One of the biggest highlights of the new Kushaq is the introduction of an all-new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, a segment-first offering.
Transmission Options Explained
- 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic (1.0 TSI)
- Smooth gear shifts
- Improved low-speed drivability
- Better suited for Indian traffic conditions
- 6-speed Manual Transmission
- Precise gear changes
- Preferred by driving enthusiasts
- 7-speed DSG Automatic (1.5 TSI)
- Proven dual-clutch system
- Quick shifts and sporty performance
This wide range of transmission choices ensures the Kushaq appeals to both comfort-focused and performance-oriented buyers.
Easy on the Experience: Comfort Taken to the Next Level
Škoda has significantly upgraded the interior experience of the Kushaq, focusing on comfort, technology, and everyday convenience.
Segment-First & Premium Comfort Features
- Rear Seat Massage Function (Segment-First)
A standout feature that transforms rear-seat comfort, especially on long journeys. - Panoramic Sunroof (First time on Kushaq)
Enhances cabin openness and adds a premium feel, a highly demanded feature in India. - Premium seat cushioning and supportive ergonomics
- Refined cabin insulation for a quieter drive
- Thoughtful storage spaces and practicality
These upgrades position the Kushaq as one of the most comfortable SUVs in its class.
Feature-Rich from the Base Variant Itself
Unlike many competitors, the new Škoda Kushaq offers an impressive list of features as standard, even on the base variant—making it a strong value proposition.
Standard Features Include
- Alloy wheels
- Electric sunroof
- Climatronic automatic climate control
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear wiper and defogger
- Auto-dimming IRVM
- LED headlamps and LED taillamps
This approach ensures buyers do not need to move to higher trims just to get essential premium features.
Easy to Trust: Class-Leading Safety Standards
Safety remains one of the strongest pillars of the Kushaq brand.
Safety Highlights
- 5-Star Global NCAP safety rating
- Six airbags standard across all variants
- Over 25 active and passive safety features standard
- Up to 40 safety features on the top-end variant
Key Safety Technologies
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- Multi-collision braking
- Advanced braking systems
- High-strength body structure
Škoda’s decision to offer six airbags as standard sets a new benchmark in the compact SUV segment.
Easy to Own: Škoda Super Care Package
Ownership experience has been significantly strengthened with the introduction of the Škoda Super Care package, aimed at reducing long-term running costs and increasing peace of mind.
What’s Included
- 4-year standard warranty
- 4-year roadside assistance
- 4 labour-free scheduled services
This makes the new Kushaq one of the most worry-free SUVs to own in its category, especially for first-time Škoda buyers.
Pre-Bookings and Delivery Timeline
Škoda Auto India has already opened pre-bookings for the new Kushaq.
Booking & Delivery Details
- Pre-booking amount: ₹15,000
- Bookings available via Škoda Auto India’s official channels
- Deliveries expected to commence by the end of March 2026
The early booking window indicates strong confidence from the brand in the product’s market response.
Who Should Buy the New Skoda Kushaq 2026?
The new Kushaq is ideal for:
- Buyers seeking European build quality
- Families prioritising top-class safety
- Drivers wanting real automatic gearbox options
- Customers looking for premium features without moving to a larger SUV
- Those valuing long-term ownership peace of mind
Final Verdict: Is the New Skoda Kushaq Worth It?
The Skoda Kushaq 2026 emerges as one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs in India. With its combination of:
- Modern European design
- Segment-first 8-speed automatic
- Rear seat massage and panoramic sunroof
- 5-star safety with standard six airbags
- Strong ownership package
…it clearly raises the bar in its segment.
For buyers looking for a premium, safe, and feature-loaded compact SUV that feels engineered rather than compromised, the new Kushaq is genuinely Easy to Love.
