New Delhi: Skoda India has announced prices for the Kushaq facelift, pricing it between Rs 10.69 lakh and Rs 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The mid-lifecycle update to the mid-size SUV comes with a few exterior and interior tweaks, a lengthy list of features and a new automatic gearbox option.
Just like before, Kushaq will be competing against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara and the lot. With the mid-size SUV segment competition heating up more, it is understood that Skoda wanted to put their best foot forward going into the year.
Skoda Kushaq facelift exterior
Skoda Kushaq comes with Skoda’s newest modern Solid look up front, slim LED headlights with eyebrow-like DRLs and L-shaped light signatures merged with a segment of light bar in the grille, taken from the Skoda Kodiaq. The bumper is reshaped and now gets an angular, ridged silver skid plate.
Skoda Kushaq facelift rear gets minor tweaking as well
The Monte Carlo trim replaces chrome with gloss-black, adds two red grille stripes and carries unique badging. The sides remain the same with new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim chosen. The back gets a full-width LED light bar with illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering and sequential turn indicators. Skoda has also added three new colours, which are Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey.
Skoda Kushaq facelift interior
On the inside, the Skoda Kushaq comes with a new black-and-beige theme for Prestige and a crimson configuration for Monte Carlo. The layout is quite familiar, but it now comes with a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen running updated software, along with dual-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.
Skoda Kushaq facelift upgraded interior
The boot space is 106 litres more now, standing at 491 litres, though Skoda now measures capacity up to the roof instead of the parcel tray.
The facelift comes with a rare-seat massage function, 6-way ventilated power front seats, front parking sensors, leatherette upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, a six-speaker audio system and a wireless charging pad. Skoda has also integrated Google Gemini AI assistant in the infotainment system for news, hands-free control of in-car functions, and real-time information.
In terms of safety, it comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, an electronic differential lock, rain-sensing wipers, traction control, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounts and an auto-dimming IRVM. The facelift Kushaq also gets a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating that it takes forward from the previous model
Skoda Kushaq facelift retains its bold stance
Skoda Kushaq facelift powertrain and gearbox options
One big change for the Skoda Kushaq is the new eight-speed torque-converter automatic for the 115 bhp making 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, coming in place of the older 6-speed unit. The engine also has an option of a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is the 1.5-litre engine as well, which makes 150 bhp and can be availed only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
In the update, the Skoda has also added rear disc brakes to the 1.5 TSi variant.