In March 2026, Skoda launched the updated Kushaq, and one of the biggest updates was the introduction of an 8-speed torque converter (automatic) with the smaller 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, replacing the older 6-speed automatic. We’ve put the 2026 Kushaq 1.0L 8AT through our real-world fuel efficiency tests to see how it fares.
- Gets an aggressive auto stop-start system
- Weighs 1,300kg
- Claimed efficiency is 19.09kpl, 1kpl more than the 1.0 6AT’s
Skoda Kushaq 1.0L automatic mileage explained
Powering the Kushaq is the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that produces 115hp and 178Nm. With the 8-speed automatic gearbox, claimed efficiency has gone up by 1kpl to 19.09kpl.
In our real-world tests, the Kushaq returned 10.7kpl in the city and 15.1kpl on the highway, bringing its overall average efficiency to 12.9kpl. Compared to the older Kushaq with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, that’s an increase of 1.8kpl in the city and 2.7kpl on the highway, despite the new model being 14kg heavier.
Notably, like the outgoing version, the Kushaq 1.0 8AT doesn’t get drive modes, but it retains an automatic engine stop-start feature that’s quite aggressive and often tends to cut the engine while decelerating, even before the car has come to a complete stop. Also, while the creep function is less aggressive than it was in the 6-speed auto version, it still feels quite eager off the line.
Autocar India’s fuel efficiency testing
Before our real-world fuel efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, there is only one person in each car, running the aircon at 22deg C in full-auto mode, and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and wipers, when required, just like a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tanks to full again.