2025 has been an important year for Skoda India, marked by the launch of two new-generation models in the form of the Kodiaq premium SUV and the Octavia RS performance sedan. But to balance its portfolio at the other end – the mass-market segment – Skoda is lining up facelifts for the Kushaq and Slavia next year. Notably, both midsize models are set to receive major updates since their respective launches in 2021 and 2022.
Skoda Kushaq facelift
Expected launch: Q1 2026; estimated price: Rs 11 lakh-18 lakh
Recent spy shots suggest minor front and rear updates, with the possibility of full-length LED light bars. As for the interior, not much has been revealed, but slight changes to trims, materials and colours can be expected. Skoda’s answer to rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra and Maruti Grand Vitara is also expected to get a segment-first rear-seat massage function, along with new graphics for the digital driver’s display and touchscreen next year.
Safety will a big step up withLevel 2 ADAS, as well as all-wheel disc brakes on the 1.5 TSI variants; a 360-degree camera setup is likely, too. Additionally, Skoda has worked on improving the AC performance over the current model, and going by previous spy shots, a panoramic sunroof could finally make its way onto the Kushaq. Both petrol engines – 115hp 1.0 TSI and 150hp 1.5 TSI – are expected to continue unchanged, though sources suggest the 6-speed torque-converter automatic could be phased out in favour of an 8-speed unit.
Skoda Slavia facelift
Expected launch: Q4 2026; estimated price: Rs 10 lakh-18 lakh
The Slavia facelift’s arrival next year feels timely, especially with 2026 set to bring facelifts for rivals like the Honda City, which will receive its second update in the current generation, and the Hyundai Verna. The Skoda sedan's badge-engineered sibling, the Volkswagen Virtus, is also likely to get a refresh next year.
Sheet metal changes are unlikely, as previous spy shots of a Slavia test mule showed a silhouette almost identical to the current sedan, but typical of facelifts, slight tweaks to the lights, bumpers and alloy wheels are anticipated. The Slavia may follow the 2026 Kushaq with updated displays and the addition of ADAS. The latter would be an important upgrade, especially since both the Honda and Hyundai rivals already offer the safety suite, making its absence on the current Slavia more noticeable. More details on new features should become clearer closer to the launch. Also, the only major powertrain change could be the 8AT replacing the 6AT on the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol.
Skoda Elroq
Expected launch: H2 2026; estimated price: Rs 45 lakh
While Skoda has yet to confirm, the Elroq could also be on the cards for 2026. If launched in India, the electric SUV will take on rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW iX1 LWB. In Europe, the Elroq is sold in three rear-wheel-drive versions – 50, 60 and 85 – with 52kWh, 59kWh and 77kWh battery packs, respectively, along with a range-topping dual-motor RS variant. The 85 version, which we recently reviewed in Germany, claims a range of up to 560km and can sprint from 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds.
Design-wise, the Elroq follows Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language and looks sharp. At around 4.4 metres in length with a 2.7-metre wheelbase, it’s bigger than most midsize SUVs, which translates into a generous cabin. It also packs in plenty of storage areas and a comprehensive feature set, comprising a 13-inch infotainment screen and an ADAS suite.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
