The first thing you’ll notice about the new Kushaq is its fresh, modern look. Skoda has given it a major design overhaul, inspired by its new "Modern Solid" design language . It’s more aggressive, more premium, and definitely stands out in a crowd.
- Front Fascia: The SUV gets a completely new front grille with chrome ribs. It’s paired with all-new LED headlamps and LED fog lamps .
- Rear Profile: The back is just as stylish, with new connected LED taillights that feature sequential turn indicators. Adding to the premium feel is the illuminated ‘Škoda’ lettering on the tailgate, which bridges the gap between the taillights .
- Fresh Colours: Skoda is offering the 2026 Kushaq in some stunning new shades, including Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red, alongside popular existing options like Carbon Steel and Lava Blue .
- Monte Carlo from Day One: For the first time, the sporty Monte Carlo variant is available right from the launch. It features blacked-out elements, red accents, and exclusive badging for those who want an extra sporty look .
Powertrain and Performance: New Gearbox Steals the Show
Under the hood, the 2026 Kushaq retains its beloved and powerful TSI petrol engines, but with a major twist in the transmission department. Skoda is doubling down on its "Easy to Drive" philosophy by offering a range of "real automatics" .
- Here are the detailed engine and transmission options:
The biggest headline here is the new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox mated to the 1.0 TSI engine. This is a segment-first feature and a welcome change for those who find traditional automatics smoother than DSGs in stop-and-go traffic. It makes the automatic Kushaq more accessible and appealing . The 1.5 TSI continues with the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG and now gets disc brakes on all four wheels for enhanced stopping power .
Mileage and Efficiency
While the official ARAI-certified figures for all variants are still trickling in, we have some initial estimates. The mileage will vary depending on the engine and gearbox combination.
- The new 1.0 TSI with the 8-speed automatic is expected to deliver around 18.09 kmpl .
- The 1.0 TSI manual version is likely to be slightly more efficient, with figures around 19.8 kmpl .
All versions come with a 50-litre fuel tank, making it well-suited for both city commutes and long highway drives .
Interior, Features, and Technology: A Premium Lounge on Wheels
Step inside, and the 2026 Kushaq greets you with a cabin that’s packed with features that were previously unheard of in this segment.
- Panoramic Sunroof: For the first time, the Kushaq gets a massive panoramic sunroof (on higher trims), making the cabin feel airy and spacious .
- Rear Seat Massage: This is a segment-first feature. The rear seats on the Prestige and Monte Carlo variants now have a massage function—a boon for rear-seat passengers on long journeys .
- Digital Cockpit: Depending on the variant, you get either an 8-inch or a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that displays all essential driving information in crisp detail .
- AI-Powered Infotainment: The centrepiece is a new 10.1-inch infotainment system (standard from Signature variant upwards). It’s powered by an advanced voice assistant integrated with Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. It understands Indian English accents and can control the climate, music, and more, besides providing real-time information .
- Comfort Features: Other highlights include ventilated front seats (with 6-way electric adjustment for the driver), a premium sound system with a subwoofer, and dual-colour ambient lighting .
Safety First: Built Like a Tank
Skoda has always prioritised safety, and the 2026 Kushaq is no exception. It retains its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, giving you immense peace of mind .
- Standard Safety: A staggering 25+ active and passive safety features are standard across all variants. This includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Hold Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
- Features like rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, and rear defoggers are also standard across the range .
Variants and Pricing
- Here’s a quick look at what key variants offer:
Pricing: The ex-showroom price for the 2026 Kushaq is expected to start from around ₹11.69 lakh for the base Classic Plus variant and go up to approximately ₹20 lakh for the top-end Monte Carlo .
Eligibility Criteria and Ownership
While there's no specific "eligibility" to buy a car, the Škoda Super Care package makes owning the new Kushaq easier than ever. It comes as standard with a 4-year / 1,00,000 km warranty, 4 years of roadside assistance, and 4 free labour services . You can also extend the warranty for up to 6 years. For those working in specific companies, Skoda also offers corporate and loyalty benefits that can save you up to ₹50,000, along with exchange bonuses of a similar amount .
Short Note Mein baat :
Toh baat karte hain 2026 Skoda Kushaq ki. Yaar, yeh gaadi ab aur bhi loaded aa rahi hai. Pehle jo log kehte the ki Kushaq mein sunroof nahi hai, features kam hain, unke liye yeh facelift ek jawab hai. Andar baitho toh panoramic sunroof poori cabin ko khulla kar deta hai, aur pichli seat par massage function to poori Vibe tagdi aayegi! Engine wahi TSI ki taakat hai, lekin ab 1.0 TSI ke saath jo naya 8-speed automatic gearbox aaya hai, wo city traffic mein makhan jaisi smoothness dega. Safety mein toh yeh 5-star rated hai, chinta bilkul nahi. Gaadi thodi mehengi zaroor hai, but jo safe, feature-packed aur driving pleasure wali European build quality milti hai, uske hisaab se yeh solid value for money hai. Agar aap nayi SUV le rahe ho aur chahte ho safety ke saath swag, toh Kushaq ekdum Perfect choice hai!
Final Verdict :
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is a compelling package that addresses nearly every shortcomings of its predecessor. Beyond its head-turning design, segment-first features like the 8-speed automatic and rear seat massager, a feature-packed cabin, and its hallmark 5-star safety, it’s stronger than ever. Bookings are already open for a nominal amount, and deliveries are set to begin by the end of March 2026 . If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that’s fun to drive, safe, and now loaded with luxury, the new Kushaq deserves a top spot on your test drive list.
“get ready to fall in love.”
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