There are cars you respect, and then there are cars you grow fond of. The kind that slowly become part of your daily rhythm — the ones you trust on long trips, admire in parking lots, and brag about when friends ask for buying advice. The Skoda Kushaq Facelift belongs to that second category. It’s not a car that tries to grab your attention with loud gimmicks or oversized drama. Instead, it shines with a quiet, confident charm — the kind that makes you realise it was built with intention, refinement, and a whole lot of understanding of what Indian drivers truly want.
| Variant | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission Options | Drivetrain | Mileage (Claimed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 1.0 TSI Petrol | 115 PS | 178 Nm | 6-speed MT | FWD | 17.4 km/l |
| Ambition | 1.0 TSI Petrol | 115 PS | 178 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT | FWD | 17.4 km/l / 16.5 km/l |
| Style | 1.0 TSI Petrol | 115 PS | 178 Nm | MT / AT | FWD | 17.4 km/l |
| Monte Carlo | 1.5 TSI EVO Petrol | 150 PS | 250 Nm | 6-speed MT / 7-speed DSG | FWD | 18.4 km/l |
| Topline | 1.5 TSI EVO Petrol | 150 PS | 250 Nm | DSG | FWD | 18.4 km/l |
The moment you step close to the Skoda Kushaq Facelift, you can sense that familiar European solidity. It feels like a machine carved with precision, not just assembled. And yet, the facelift adds a refreshing vibrancy — sharper lines, clever updates, tech upgrades, and a more mature personality. This is no minor nip-and-tuck. It’s a thoughtful evolution.
Before we dive into the design metaphors, driving feel, and cabin experience, let’s place the facts clearly on the page.
Introduction
The original Kushaq was already one of the most enjoyable compact SUVs to drive, but the Skoda Kushaq Facelift seems like the version that was always meant to exist. It feels more polished, more confident in its skin, and more aligned with what the modern Indian buyer expects in 2026 — tech-rich comfort, sharper styling, and an emotional driving experience.
The facelift doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it corrects, enhances, and fine-tunes the fundamentals. It’s like watching a musician re-release their best album with cleaner production, richer tones, and a deeper understanding of their audience.
And that’s where the story begins.
Exterior Design: Familiar Soul, Sharper Expression
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift still carries the robust, squared-off stance that made it instantly recognisable, but now the edges feel more sculpted, the elements more mature. When you see the updated front fascia, it almost feels like the Kushaq just came back from a refreshing vacation and returned with newfound confidence.
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift revised grille feels bolder and more premium, as if someone finally decided to unlock its full design potential. The LED headlamps, now slimmer and more assertive, give the Kushaq Facelift a sharper gaze — almost predatory in bright daylight. The DRLs sweep elegantly, adding character without the need for unnecessary flair.
Moving Skoda Kushaq Facelift to the side, the proportions remain beautifully balanced. The wheel arches are chunky without feeling exaggerated, and the ground clearance gives the Kushaq a truly commanding road presence. The facelift brings redesigned alloy wheels, cleaner spoke patterns, and a slightly more athletic stance.
At the rear, the LED taillamps now look sleeker and more international. The boot has a more refined design flow, making the entire car look costlier than it is. This is the visual equivalent of wearing a tailored suit — simple, sharp, effective.
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift doesn’t shout. But it speaks with authority.
Interior: Where European Charm Meets Indian Practicality
Step Skoda Kushaq Facelift inside the cabin, and the first thing you notice is maturity. The facelift brings a more cohesive layout, new textures, updated screens, and an interior language that feels like it belongs in a car segment above.
The dashboard gets a revised design with smoother layers and cleaner finishes. The center console feels more premium and less cluttered. Soft-touch materials enter the cabin in more places, giving the Kushaq Facelift a richer, more welcoming feel.
The updated touchscreen — now larger and more fluid — responds faster, displays better, and integrates beautifully into the dashboard. The instrument cluster gets new graphics that feel crisp and contemporary. Everything feels thoughtfully placed; nothing feels gimmicky or forced.
The seats remain one of the biggest strengths of the Kushaq lineup. Supportive, well-bolstered, and comfortable even on long journeys, they strike a perfect balance between firmness and cosiness. Rear-seat comfort has also been fine-tuned, especially with improved cushioning and slight tweaks in angles.
The cabin of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift is a place where you want to sit back, breathe in, and spend time.
Features & Technology: Finally at Par With the Segment’s Big Names
The facelift ensures the Kushaq is no longer a half-step behind rivals. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now work seamlessly. The HVAC controls get better tactile feedback. The infotainment layout has been improved so drivers don’t lose themselves in menus while driving.
There’s now a 360-degree camera system — crisp, accurate, and extremely useful in tight Indian parking spaces. Ambient lighting adds a premium vibe, especially in the evenings. The sunroof area sees improvements in material quality and mechanism noise reduction. Sound insulation is noticeably better.
Wireless charging is now more stable and less finicky. The audio system has been tuned to deliver more bass depth and clarity.
Every update feels meaningful. Nothing feels like a checkbox addition.
Engine & Performance: Two Engines, Two Personalities, One Purpose
The heart of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift remains its TSI engine lineup. And thank goodness for that, because these engines are the very reason many enthusiasts gravitated toward the Kushaq in the first place.
The 1.0 TSI is still the lively, eager performer it always was. It may be small on paper, but its turbo-petrol character gives it the punch of a much larger engine. Acceleration feels linear and spirited. The gearbox options complement its personality — the manual feels tight and purposeful, the torque converter smooth and predictable.
The 1.5 TSI, however, is where the true magic lies. This engine transforms the Kushaq into something you genuinely enjoy pushing. The 150 PS output and 250 Nm torque feel strong and urgent. The cylinder-deactivation tech makes the engine efficient when cruising, but when you step on the throttle, it wakes up like a bear shaken from a nap.
The DSG gearbox is still lightning quick, still incredibly satisfying, and still something you need to treat with a bit of respect. When you ask for performance, it responds instantly. When you ask for calmness, it delivers smoothness.
Driving the Skoda Kushaq Facelift feels like engaging in a conversation — the car listens, responds, and communicates right back.
Driving Dynamics: This Is Where the Kushaq Still Dominates the Segment
One of the strongest elements of the Skoda Kushaq has always been the way it drives. And the facelift doesn’t touch what wasn’t broken — it enhances what was already brilliant.
The steering is beautifully weighted, offering feedback that few rivals do. The suspension is firm in the right places, soft in the right angles, and incredibly confidence-inspiring on long highway curves. Speed breakers, potholes, uneven tarmac — the Kushaq dances over them like a car that knows Indian roads intimately.
High-speed stability is exceptional. The car feels planted, mature, and confident even at triple-digit speeds. Corners become fun rather than intimidating. Body roll is controlled without disturbing comfort.
Whether you’re driving through city traffic or sweeping mountain roads, the Skoda Kushaq Facelift feels like a partner that knows how to complement your style.
Comfort & Practicality
The cabin of the Kushaq Facelift is spacious, airy, and cleverly organised. Rear legroom is adequate for tall passengers. The boot is well-shaped, making airport trips easy. Cup holders, door pockets, charging ports — everything feels well-distributed and thoughtful.
The ride quality stands out the most. It’s comfortable without being floaty, firm without being harsh. Long drives become less tiring, especially with Skoda’s excellent seat ergonomics.
This is a car that manages to balance family practicality with driving fun — a rare mix in this segment.
Safety: Still One of the Safest Choices in the Segment
The Kushaq is already a 5-star GNCAP-rated SUV, and the facelift continues to build on that legacy. You get multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, traction control, hill assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and now enhanced camera systems.
Skoda’s structural integrity remains one of the best in class. The car feels tough, planted, and secure.
If safety is a priority, the Skoda Kushaq Facelift is easily among the top choices under 20 lakh.
Price & Value: Worth Every Rupee of the Experience
The facelift will see a slight premium over the outgoing model, but the improvements justify it. Skoda packs more features, better build quality, more refined engines, and an overall premium ownership feel.
In a world where cars are becoming expensive anyway, the Kushaq Facelift stands out as a product that gives genuine value — in experience, not just equipment.
Verdict
At the end of the day, the Skoda Kushaq Facelift delivers something rare — a balance of heart and mind. It looks sharper, drives cleaner, feels richer, and behaves more maturely. It’s not a car that tries to be everything to everyone. It tries to be the right car for people who love driving, love comfort, and love thoughtful engineering.
It’s an SUV that grows with you. One that feels alive on open roads. One that adapts to your daily pace without losing its edge.
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that brings together European engineering, Indian practicality, and driving emotion, the Skoda Kushaq Facelift is a choice that will leave you smiling every time you grab the keys.
FAQs
Is the Skoda Kushaq Facelift good for long highway drives?
Absolutely. Its stability, comfort, and engine refinement make it ideal for long trips.
Does the Kushaq Facelift offer good mileage?
Yes. Both the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engines are surprisingly efficient, especially on highways.
Is the DSG reliable?
Modern Skoda DSGs are significantly improved. Regular maintenance ensures long-term reliability.
How does it compare to Creta and Seltos?
The Kushaq beats both in driving feel, build quality, and engine performance, while they offer more features.
Is the Skoda Kushaq Facelift worth the upgrade?
Yes. The added features, improved styling, and refined cabin experience make it a strong upgrade.
Disclaimer
This review of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. Specifications, features, performance figures, and pricing mentioned in the article are based on publicly available data, expected updates, and industry predictions.
Actual details may vary depending on regional availability, model year changes, and manufacturer revisions. Readers are advised to verify final specifications and pricing with authorised Skoda dealerships before making any purchase decisions. All driving impressions and opinions shared are subjective and may differ based on individual experience.
