After being on sale since 2021, the Skoda Kushaq has received its first facelift in India. This mid-cycle update has rendered it with a slightly redesigned exterior and cabin, and has equipped it with some new features and improvements to make it more competitive in its segment. Here’s a list of all the updates the Kushaq facelift gets over the outgoing model.
1. Larger digital driver’s display
The driver’s display also features turn-by-turn navigation now.
The facelifted Skoda Kushaq features a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, which is larger in comparison to its predecessor’s 8-inch screen that had massive bezels. The new instrument cluster now features turn-by-turn navigation as well. Notably, this screen is available from the one-over-base Signature trim.
2. Panoramic sunroof
Also offers a single-pane sunroof from the Classic+ trim.
One of the biggest criticisms of the pre-facelift Kushaq was the lack of a panoramic sunroof, which Skoda has finally addressed with the facelifted model. A panoramic sunroof is available on the higher-spec Prestige and Monte Carlo trims. However, even the base Classic+ trim comes equipped with at least a single-pane sunroof.
3. Massage function on the rear seat
Only SUV in its segment to offer this feature.
With the Kushaq facelift, Skoda has equipped the midsize SUV with a massage function on the rear seat backrest. This has made it the only midsize SUV in India to get such a feature, although Skoda is yet to reveal which trims it will be offered on. While massaging seats for front passengers have become common in premium cars, rear massaging seats are only available in ultra-luxury offerings; It's notable that Skoda is now offering this in a mass-market product.
4. A new automatic transmission
Debuts a new 8-speed torque converter option for the 1.0-litre TSI engine.
The facelifted Kushaq continues with the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options as before. However, what has changed now is that the smaller engine is offered with a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission alongside the existing 6-speed manual gearbox. The new 8-speed automatic unit allows for smoother transitions and less fuel wastage during acceleration and deceleration, compared to the previous 6-speed torque converter unit.
Google AI companion
The bigger 10-inch infotainment system is equipped with this feature.
The Kushaq facelift comes with two infotainment screen options – a 7-inch unit on lower trims and a 10.1-inch unit on higher trims. The bigger screen comes with a Google-powered AI companion app, which the Czech manufacturer claims is a first for the midsize SUV segment. Moreover, the touchscreen unit has also become slicker than before with the facelift.
Front parking sensors
Front parking sensors are offered on all but the base-spec trim.
The Skoda Kushaq facelift now comes with front parking sensors, but it is offered on all trims except the base-spec Classic+ trim.
Improved climate control performance
Skoda claims to fix the Kushaq's low climate control performance with the facelift
One of the other criticisms of the Skoda Kushaq was the poor climate control performance, which the manufacturer now claims to have fixed with a stronger air conditioning system on the updated SUV. However, as the mid-size SUV has not been driven, we have yet to test the claim in real-world conditions.
New exterior lighting elements
The new lighting elements make it look more like the flagship Kodiaq now.
The Skoda Kushaq facelift comes with sleeker lighting elements, including sleeker projector LED headlights and LED tail-lights. There's also a new illuminated 'Skoda' lettering on the contrasting trim joining the tail lamps and segmented illuminated portions on the grille as well, which make it look like the bigger Kodiaq.
The new Kushaq also comes with three new colour options: Shimla Green, Cherry Red and Steel Grey, all of which are also available as a dual-tone option with a black roof.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
