Skoda India has announced prices for the Kushaq facelift, priced between Rs 10.69 lakh and Rs 18.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The mid-lifecycle update to the midsize SUV brings slight exterior and interior tweaks, longer list of features, and a new automatic gearbox choice. As before, the Kushaq is up against Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Tata Sierra, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris, Honda Elevate and more.
- New 8-speed AT unit introduced for the 1.0 TSI engine
- 1.5 TSI lineup gets rear disc brakes as standard
- Panoramic sunroof, rear seat massaging function among new feature additions
Skoda Kushaq facelift price list
Prices have increased by up to Rs 94,000
Compared to the pre-facelift model, prices have increased by up to Rs 94,000, depending on the variant. The new Classic+ replaces the earlier Classic as the base variant. Notably, the Classic+ also offers an AT choice, which wasn't available with the Classic.
Its Rs 10.69 lakh starting price puts it slightly above entry-level versions of the Victoris and Duster, but it also gives you a more powerful engine and a better feature list. The automatic version is priced at Rs 12.69 lakh, which is a noticeable jump, but the gap gets smaller as you move up the range. This is also an 8-speed automatic, which is more than many rivals offer. If you want more power, the 1.5-litre versions cost about Rs 1 lakh more, with the Prestige priced at Rs 18.79 lakh and the Monte Carlo at Rs 18.99 lakh.
Skoda Kushaq facelift engine and gearbox options
New 8AT replaces the 6AT unit
The biggest update on the Skoda Kushaq facelift is the new 8-speed torque-converter automatic for the 115hp 1-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, replacing the 6-speed unit; this engine is also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Those wanting more performance can opt for the 150hp 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine is offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; a manual is not on offer.
Mileage
With the new Kushaq, Skoda claims better fuel efficiency across the range. The biggest improvement is with the new 8-speed automatic, which now returns 19.09kpl, up from 15.78kpl for the older 6-speed AT. The 1.5-litre DSG also gets better, with a claimed 18.72kpl versus 17.71kpl earlier. The 1.0-litre automatic is now more efficient than the 1.5 DSG, something that was not the case before. The 1.0-litre manual also sees a gain, with the claimed figure improving from 17.88kpl to 19.66kpl.
Skoda Kushaq facelift exterior highlights
Connected light bars at the front and rear, new alloy wheel design
The Skoda Kushaq facelift adopts Skoda’s latest Modern Solid look up front: slim LED headlights with eyebrow-like DRLs and L-shaped light signatures joined by a segmented light bar in the grille, a detail borrowed from the Skoda Kodiaq. The bumper has been reshaped and now features an angular, ridged silver skid plate. The Monte Carlo trim replaces chrome with gloss-black, adds two red grille stripes and carries unique badging.The sides are largely unchanged apart from new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels (variant dependent).
At the rear, the Kushaq gets a full-width LED light bar with illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering and sequential turn indicators. Skoda has also added three new colours: Cherry Red, Shimla Green and Steel Grey.
Skoda Kushaq interior and features
Lower-spec variants get a single-pane sunroof as standard
Inside, the Skoda Kushaq facelift gets a black-and-beige theme for Prestige and a crimson scheme for Monte Carlo. The layout is familiar, but the car now has a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen running updated software, plus dual-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof; lower variants get a single-pane unit.
The facelift also gets a rear-seat massage function, which none of the segment rivals offer. 6-way powered seats with ventilation, front parking sensors, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system and a wireless charging pad are also one offer. Skoda has also integrated the Google Gemini AI assistant into the infotainment system for news, real-time information and hands-free control of in-car functions. Boot space is listed at 491 litres, 106 litres more than before, though Skoda now measures capacity up to the roof rather than to the parcel tray.
Rain-sensing wipers, rear wash-wiper are now standard
Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, traction control, an electronic differential lock, hill-hold assist, rain-sensing wipers, ISOFIX mounts and an auto-dimming IRVM. With this year's update, Skoda has also added rear disc brakes to the 1.5 TSI lineup. The Skoda Kushaq facelift also retains the 5-star Global NCAP safety rating from the previous model.
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
