The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is the latest update to this popular compact SUV. It launched in India on January 20, 2026. This is the first major refresh since 2021. Prices are expected to start from Rs 10.70 lakh ex-showroom. The top model may go up to Rs 19 lakh. In Ranchi, Jharkhand, on-road prices could range from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 22 lakh. This depends on variants and local taxes. Skoda has opened pre-bookings now. Deliveries start by end of March 2026. The Kushaq competes with Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It also fights Tata Sierra and Maruti Victoris. In India, buyers want good value. The facelift adds new features. It keeps the strong build. For Jharkhand roads, high ground clearance helps. Potholes are common here. This review covers all details. We use info from top sources like Autocar India and CarDekho. It is for 2026 model.
The Kushaq is built on MQB A0 IN platform. It shares parts with Volkswagen Taigun. Sales were good last year. Skoda grew 107 percent in 2025. Now, they aim higher. The facelift makes it fresh. It adds premium touches. In cities like Ranchi, it suits daily drives. Highways to nearby states are smooth. Fuel costs matter. It gives 18 to 20 kmpl ARAI. Real world is lower. Around 14 kmpl in mixed use. No diesel option. Only petrol turbo. For families, space is key. Boot grew bigger. Safety stays 5-star. This beats many rivals.
Quick Spec Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0L TSI / 1.5L TSI Petrol |
| Power | 115 PS / 150 PS |
| Torque | 178 Nm / 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 8AT / 7DSG |
| Mileage | 18-20 kmpl ARAI |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm |
| Boot Space | 491 litres |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 10.70 – 19 lakh |
| Safety Rating | 5-star GNCAP |
Exterior Design
The Kushaq Facelift looks sharper now. Front has a new grille. It is bigger and glossy black. Headlights are slim LED. They have eyebrow DRLs. A light bar connects them. This comes from new Kodiaq. Bumper is revised. It has angular skid plate. Fog lamps are LED too. Sides keep clean lines. Wheel arches are bold. Alloys are new. Base gets 16-inch. Others 17-inch. Roof rails are silver. Rear has connected LED tails. They light up sequential. Skoda logo glows. Bumper has matte silver. Monte Carlo trim adds red stripes. It has black trims. Badges are exclusive.
Dimensions stay same. Length is 4229 mm. Width 1760 mm. Height 1612 mm. Wheelbase 2651 mm. Ground clearance 188 mm. This handles bad roads well. In Jharkhand, rural paths are rough. No scrape on bumps. Colours are eight. New ones are Cherry Red and Shimla Green. Others Steel Grey. Old ones like Candy White stay. Tornado Red is gone. Design feels premium. It looks European. Not flashy like Korean SUVs. Paint is thick. Resists dust scratches. In Ranchi traffic, it stands out. Facelift adds wow factor.
Compared to old model, front is elegant. It shifts from basic to upscale. Profile is tall. Rear is modern. Overall, exterior scores high. It ages well.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kushaq feels more premium. Dashboard layout is same. But colours are new. Prestige has black beige. Monte Carlo has crimson red. Materials are soft touch. Some hard plastics remain. Fit finish is solid. No rattles. Seats are leatherette. Front are powered six way. They ventilate. This cools in hot Jharkhand summers. Rear seats massage now. This is first in segment. Bolsters are good. Cushions firm. Space is ample. Legroom fits tall people. Headroom okay. Three in back is tight. But comfy for two. AC vents in rear. Climate is auto single zone. It cools fast.
Sunroof is panoramic in top trims. It opens wide. Lets in light. But dust enters on open roads. Boot is 491 litres now. Up from 385. Seats split 60:40. Expands to 1405 litres. Loading lip is okay. Spare tyre full size. Steering is two spoke. It tilts. Ambient lights dual colour. 30 options. Cabin is quiet. Less noise on highways. Storage is plenty. Door bins big. Glovebox cooled. Console deep. For families in Ranchi, it works. Kids have space. ISOFIX for seats. Comfort beats old model. Feels like upgrade.
Users say seats support well. No fatigue on long drives. To hills from Ranchi, it relaxes. Overall, interior is a pro.
Also Read Volkswagen Taigun Review 2026: Is This Compact SUV Worth Buying in India?
Engine and Performance
The Kushaq keeps two petrol engines. Both turbo TSI. 1.0 litre makes 115 PS. Torque 178 Nm. 1.5 litre gives 150 PS. Torque 250 Nm. No changes in power. But transmissions update. 1.0 has 6-speed manual. Or new 8-speed auto. This is torque converter. Replaces old 6-speed. Smoother shifts. Less lag. 1.5 has 7-speed DSG only. No manual now. All wheel disc brakes in 1.5. Rear was drum before.
Performance is peppy. 1.0 suits city. Turbo kicks quick. 0-100 in 10 seconds. Good for traffic. 1.5 pulls strong. Overtakes easy on highways. 8-9 seconds to 100. DSG is fast. Paddles add fun. Modes like eco save fuel. Sport holds gears. Engines refined. No loud noise. But premium fuel needed. In India, available at pumps.
Mileage ARAI 18-20 kmpl. Real city 12-14. Highway 17-20. Tank 50 litres. Range 600-800 km. In Jharkhand heat, no issues. Performance stands out. Better than some rivals.
Ride and Handling
Ride is firm. It absorbs bumps. Low speed feels stiff. Sharp potholes jar. But highway is stable. No bounce. Handling is sharp. Steering precise. Light in city. Heavy in sport. Body roll low. Corners well. Brakes strong. All disc in 1.5. Grip from tyres good. 205 wide. On wet roads, traction helps. Ground clearance 188 mm. Handles uneven paths. In Ranchi outskirts, fine. Light off-road okay. Not deep mud.
Stable at 150 kmph. Wind noise low. Suits Indian mix. Better than soft SUVs. Fun to drive.
Features and Technology
Features are updated. Screen is 10.1 inch. Touch fast. Wireless CarPlay. Android Auto. Cluster 10.25 inch digital. Shows nav. Panoramic sunroof. Rear massage. Ventilated seats. Cruise control. Rain wipers auto. Lights auto. Sensors front rear. Camera rear. TPMS. Keyless entry. Push start. Wireless charge. USB ports. Ambient light. Audio 6-8 speakers. Clear sound.
Google Gemini AI assistant. Gives news. Controls car. Hands free. In top trims, more. No dual zone AC. No HUD. But beats price point. For India, practical. No ADAS yet. Some sources say coming later.
Safety
5-star GNCAP. Adults and kids. Six airbags all. ESC. ABS EBD. Hill hold. TPMS. Traction control. ISOFIX. Rain wipers. Defogger. Structure strong. High steel. In crash, protects. All disc brakes in 1.5. Front sensors. Auto dim mirror. Safer than many. In Jharkhand risky roads, helps.
Pricing and Variants in India
Variants are five. Classic Plus base. Signature. Sportline. Prestige. Monte Carlo top. Ex-showroom Rs 10.70-19 lakh. In Ranchi, add RTO. Around Rs 12-22 lakh on road. Booking Rs 15,000. Warranty 4 years 1 lakh km. Extendable. RSA 4 years. Free service 4 times. Parts cost okay. Reliable.
Rivals cheaper some. But premium feel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fresh design.
- Premium interior.
- Strong engines.
- Good handling.
- Rich features.
- Top safety.
Cons:
- Firm low ride.
- No ADAS.
- Mileage city low.
- No diesel.
- Boot load high.
- Service net small.
FAQs
What is the price of Skoda Kushaq Facelift in India?
Starts at Rs 10.70 lakh ex-showroom. Top Rs 19 lakh.
Is Kushaq Facelift available in diesel?
No. Only petrol.
What is the mileage?
ARAI 18-20 kmpl. Real 12-16 kmpl.
Does it have ADAS?
Not now. Maybe later.
Is it good for Indian roads?
Yes. 188 mm clearance. Handles potholes.
What colours are available?
Cherry Red, Shimla Green, Steel Grey, etc. 8 options.
What is the warranty?
4 years/1 lakh km. Extendable.
When do deliveries start?
End of March 2026.
Conclusion
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is a solid update. It adds style and features. For Indian buyers like in Ranchi, safety matters. Engines are fun. Ride suits mixed roads. Space grew. But wait if want ADAS. In 2026, it competes well. Against Creta, choose for European build. Test drive soon. Worth if budget fits. Sales may rise. Future looks good.
