Skoda India has been drip-feeding teasers of the Kushaq facelift, which is set to be revealed on January 20. The Skoda Kushaq, introduced in June 2021, was the brand’s first model under its India 2.0 reboot. Keep reading to find out everything we know so far about this Skoda midsize SUV.
Which new features are likely on the new Skoda Kushaq?
Individual light elements connecting the headlights
The current Kushaq already packs a lot of features, including an 8-inch driver’s display, a 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats and a single-pane sunroof. A recent video from the brand teased the facelift with a new design for the daytime running lamps (DRLs), which are connected by individual light elements, an angular silver trim on the front bumper and an illuminated ‘SKODA’ wordmark at the back.
Also expected are LED headlights and rear sequential turn indicators (standard across variants), a panoramic sunroof, a larger 10.25-inch unit for instrumentation and a rear-seat massage function.
Will the new Skoda Kushaq add more safety features?
Front parking sensors
The standard safety features on the current Kushaq are 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold assist, 3-point seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. It has even received a full 5-star rating in the 2022 Global NCAP crash assessment tests. To enhance its safety credentials, the upcoming Kushaq could be equipped with front parking sensors and an ADAS suite.
What engine options will the new Skoda Kushaq offer?
115hp 1L and 150hp 1.5L turbo-petrol engines
It may continue to offer 115hp 1-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol and 150hp 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine options. A 6-speed manual gearbox is currently available only with the 1-litre unit, and it remains to be seen if the new Kushaq will offer it with the larger 1.5 TSI engine. Both engines also get automatic transmission choices; however, the 6-speed torque converter could be replaced with an 8-speed unit. Variant-wise engine and transmission options for the Kushaq will be revealed tomorrow.
Which SUVs will the new Skoda Kushaq rival?
Hyundai Creta, upcoming Renault Duster
Competing in the hotly contested midsize SUV space, the Skoda Kushaq rivals the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti’s Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor. The upcoming Renault Duster and its badge-engineered sibling, the Nissan Tekton, will also join the list.
What is the new Skoda Kushaq price estimate?
Could start at around Rs 11 lakh
Currently, the Skoda Kushaq prices range between Rs 10.66 lakh and Rs 18.49 lakh, ex-showroom. With the addition of new features, prices could rise by Rs 30,000 or more, depending on the variant. It should be noted that these figures are only indicative and not final.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Suraj Viswanathan
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
