The SUV that started Skoda’s “India 2.0” revolution has officially entered its second act. This morning the first 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift rolled off the production line in Pune. While the market is flooded with generic SUVs, Skoda has doubled down on what it does best: solid build quality, sharp dynamics and major mechanical upgrade that will leave enthusiasts drooling.
Here is everything you need to know about the facelifted Kushaq that’s set to reclaim its throne.
1. Sharp New “Modern Solid” Design
The 2026 Kushaq adopts a more mature and aggressive look inspired by its global siblings.
- Crystal Face: It features new 3D effect LED headlamps and revised signature grille with subtle chrome accents.
- Aggressive Stance: The R Style trim now comes with newly designed 17 inch “Tiger” alloy wheels and a reworked rear bumper with a more prominent silver skid plate.
- New Color: A viral “Deep Forest Green” matte finish has been introduced, replacing the older Lava Blue as the flagship color.
2. The Mechanical Game Changer: 8-Speed Auto
The biggest news isn’t the looks—it’s the transmission. Skoda has officially upgraded the mechanical heart of the Kushaq:
- The 8-Speed Shift: For the 1.0L TSI variants, the older torque converter has been replaced by a much smoother 8-speed AISIN automatic gearbox.
- Turbo Power: It retains the legendary 1.5L TSI engine (150 PS / 250 Nm) for those who want pure speed, while the 1.0L TSI remains the efficiency king.
- Refined Suspension: Skoda engineers have tweaked the damping for better “plushness” on broken Indian city roads without losing that high-speed cornering stability.
3. A Tech-Loaded Premium Cabin
Skoda has addressed the most requested features from Indian customers, making the cabin feel truly “Lounge like”:
- Cinema-Grade Screen: A new 10.25 inch high definition infotainment system now features lag free UI and wireless Arcade.ev integration.
- Safety First: It maintains its 5-star Global NCAP pedigree thats now offering 6 airbags, Hill Hold Control and Multi Collision Braking as the standard across all variants.
- Luxury Touches: The facelift adds 360 degree camera, an auto dimming IRVM an and finally full powered seat adjustment for the driver.
4. Launch Date & Expected Price
With production already live, the official price reveal is just days away.
- Expected Price: ₹11.59 Lakh to ₹20.50 Lakh (ex-showroom).
- Deliveries: Early bird customers who pre booked can expect keys in early March 2026.
- The Competition: It’s ready to lock horns with Hyundai Creta EV, Maruti Grand Vitara and its twin an the Volkswagen Taigun Facelift.
Why This Car Wins in 2026
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift win because it doesn’t try to be the everything to everyone. It remains a car for the “Pure Driver.” In a world of soft crossovers, the Kushaq’s new 8-speed gearbox and 5-star safety make it the most logical choice for anyone who values “Smiles per Hour” over just features.