Skoda Kushaq

The Kushaq continues on the MQB-AO-IN platform, with major sheet metal unchanged. However, the facelift looks dramatic. Up front, there’s a new bumper, slimmer fog lamps and a wider grille with a segmented DRL running through it. The headlights get a new eyebrow-style DRL.
The side profile is largely unchanged apart from new alloy wheel designs. At the rear, a new bumper and connected taillights with segmented lighting and illuminated Skoda lettering give it a distinctive look. It’s striking without being over the top.

The update addresses several equipment gaps. A panoramic sunroof is offered on top variants, others get a single pane unit. Alloy wheels, auto HVAC, rain-sensing wipers, rear wash-wipe and auto-dimming IRVM are standard. A new 10.24-inch digital cluster adds freshness.
Rear seat massagers are unique to the segment, though offering them only at the rear feels odd. The Google-powered assistant requires phone data and disables Android Auto. Missing features include a 360-degree camera and ADAS.
Safety includes six airbags and ESP as standard, and Skoda says it is engineered for a 5-star rating.

AC performance is noticeably improved thanks to a new variable displacement compressor. Front seat ventilation works well.
Space remains unchanged — rear room is sufficient but doesn’t feel as generous as some newer rivals. The panoramic sunroof adds airiness. Seats are comfortable with the right firmness, even over a full day’s drive.
Rear massagers cover the lower and mid-back but offer only an on/off function and feel gentle. Storage is practical with a large glovebox and good door pockets. Boot space remains 385 litres and is well shaped.

Efficiency has improved across the range. The 1.0 litre 8-speed automatic now claims 19.09kpl versus 15.78kpl earlier. The 1.5 DSG improves to 18.72kpl from 17.71kpl, and the 1.0 manual rises to 19.66kpl. Interestingly, the 1.0 AT is now more efficient than the 1.5 DSG.
On our drive, the 1.0 automatic showed an MID-indicated 11.7kpl over a mixed cycle. For reference, the previous 6-speed AT returned 10.45kpl in our standard test.

The Kushaq continues with the 115hp 1.0 TSI and 150hp 1.5 TSI petrol engines. The big change is the new 8-speed torque converter on the 1.0, replacing the earlier 6-speed. It remains smooth and seamless in its shifts and reduces the old car’s tendency to lurch forward. Manual inputs feel impressively quick, almost DSG-like, and it holds revs high, making it engaging. Our 0-100kph run of 11.57s is much quicker than before. Ratios feel short and cruising revs are higher than ideal. Refinement remains average, especially past 2500rpm. The 1.5 litre remains stronger, smoother and more effortless, though insulation could be
better here too.

Ride remains typically European — firm at low speeds with a sharp edge over broken roads. You also hear the suspension at work, adding to the firm impression. As speeds rise, pliancy improves and it becomes more comfortable, with the 1.5 feeling slightly better.
Body control is good, roll is well contained and grip levels are strong. The steering is light and could use more weight at speed. The 1.5 now gets rear disc brakes and braking feels strong and confident.
Overall, it remains stable and enjoyable, even if low-speed comfort isn’t its strongest suit.
 

The Skoda Kushaq range starts at Rs 10.69 lakh for the manual 1.0 litre car and tops out at Rs 18.99 lakh for the top end version of the 1.5 litre engine. What’s also nice is that Skoda has not limited the 1.0 litre engine to lower trims and even offers the top end Monte Carlo trim with the 1.0 powerplant, and for most this will be all the car they need. So pricing is right in there with the rest of the segment and Skoda has also put a lot of effort into this update, addressing aesthetics, features and technical updates too. Shortcomings remain like its compact size, high NVH, and missing features like a 360-degree camera, branded audio and ADAS but it offers all the essentials, some nice to have features and those unique rear-seat massagers. The 1.5 is strong and effortless; the 1.0 with 8-speed torque converter is smooth yet adequately responsive. Stable handling keeps it engaging. All in all it delivers enough to keep you interested and with the update, Skoda has managed to keep it fighting fit.