Skoda Kushaq Facelift Unveiled, New 8-Speed AT Gearbox Added

The facelifted Skoda Kushaq will continue to rival a long list of compact SUVs such as Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and Volkswagen Taigun to name a few.

Skoda has introduced a much-needed facelift to the Kushaq. This will be the first major update to the Kushaq ever since it was first launched in 2021. In fact, it was the first model to be launched under the Skoda Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 programme. Prices of the new Skoda Kushaq haven’t been revealed yet and are expected to be announced soon.

As expected from the recent teasers, the new Kushaq gets plenty of cosmetic and feature updates over the previous. That said, there is also a major mechanical update that we didn’t anticipate. 

Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Styling Updates

Skoda has introduced some meaningful cosmetic enhancements to give Kushaq a new identity. Up front, the face has been redesigned courtesy of a revised iteration of the Butterfly grille flanked by sleeker LED headlamps integrated with LED DRLs. The highlight, however, is the connected LED strip embedded within the grille. The bumper has been reprofiled to house a larger air dam that gives the Kushaq a more SUV-ish stance this time.

The side profile remains intact with no big change except for new designs for the 17-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, changes are more significant with a new LED light bar connecting the taillamp clusters. The icing on the cake, however, is the illuminated “SKODA” lettering in bold and the sequential LED turn indicators. The rear bumper, too, has been reprofiled that gives the car a much bolder presence.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Interiors & Features

Inside the cabin, Skoda has made an effort to improve the overall quality of the cabin, although the layout remains largely the same. There are some critical additions to the equipment including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an updated 10-inch infotainment system with a Google-powered AI companion, panoramic sunroof, front parking sensors, and massage function for rear seats. 

The 1.5-litre TSI models also get rear disc brakes now. Other notable features include 6-way electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation, auto climate control, and rain-sensing wipers. 

Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Powertrain

Skoda has retained the same turbo petrol engine options for the Kushaq: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI unit and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TSI unit. However, the biggest highlights is the addition of an 8-speed automatic torque converter automatic transmission that replaces the 6-speed automatic gearbox from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor.

Also READ: New Skoda Kushaq Facelift Teaser Reveals Key Design Elements