The midsize SUV segment in India is brutal. Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Elevate, Grand Vitara – the list goes on. And right in the middle of this cage fight sits the new, updated Škoda Kushaq, now with a 5‑star Global NCAP rating and six airbags standard across the range.
For 2026, Škoda hasn’t tried to be everything to everyone. Instead, the Kushaq doubles down on what enthusiasts and safety‑conscious families actually care about: punchy turbo‑petrol engines, composed highway manners, mature interiors and top‑tier safety tech. If you’re cross‑shopping a Creta, Seltos or Taigun, this detailed review will help you decide whether the facelifted Škoda Kushaq deserves your money.
Want ALL the specs? Grab the Škoda Kushaq brochure at the end of this post ↓
Skoda Kushaq Facelift Overview – What’s New for India in 2026?
The Kushaq continues on the India‑specific MQB‑A0‑IN platform and remains a 5‑seater, petrol‑only SUV with two TSI turbo‑petrol engine options: a 1.0‑litre three‑cylinder and a 1.5‑litre four‑cylinder, both paired with manual and automatic gearboxes.The big news in the MY24/MY26 update is safety – Škoda now offers six airbags as standard on every variant, on top of the already impressive 5‑star Global NCAP score for both adult and child occupants.
Price‑wise, the Kushaq range starts around ₹10.69 lakh ex‑showroom and goes up to about ₹18.99 lakh, placing it right in the heart of the midsize SUV bracket. With 11+ variants, multiple trim lines (Classic, Onyx, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo, Prestige etc.) and three different transmission types (6‑MT, torque‑converter AT and 7‑speed DCT), the line‑up covers everyone from first‑time SUV buyers to enthusiasts wanting DSG punch.
Performance & Handling – Driver’s SUV First, Family SUV Second
If you enjoy driving, the Kushaq is instantly likeable. Škoda’s TSI engines are known for their strong mid‑range and the Kushaq is no exception. The tuned‑for‑India suspension offers a mature ride at highway speeds, yet doesn’t feel floaty or vague around bends.
The steering is on the lighter side at city speeds – good for traffic and parking – but weighs up predictably as you go faster, offering more confidence than many rivals. Combined with the relatively compact footprint (around 4,229 mm length and 1,760 mm width) and 5‑seater layout, the Kushaq feels easy to place in tight city lanes and tight parking spots.
Where it really shines is on the highway: solid straight‑line stability, reassuring braking and well‑controlled body roll give it a distinctly European flavour – something that’s still rare in this price band in India.
Engine Specifications – 1.0 TSI vs 1.5 TSI Explained
Under the hood, the new Škoda Kushaq facelift continues with two turbo‑petrol engines. Here’s a quick spec snapshot:
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmissions | Claimed Mileage (ARAI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI Petrol | 999 cc, 3‑cyl | 115 PS @ ~5,500 rpm | 178 Nm @ 1,750–4,000 rpm | 6‑speed MT / 8‑speed AT (TC) | Up to 19.76 km/l (MT), ~19.09 km/l (AT) |
| 1.5 TSI Petrol | 1,498 cc, 4‑cyl | ≈150 PS (148 bhp) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | 250 Nm | 6‑speed MT / 7‑speed DCT (DSG) | Up to 18.86 km/l (DCT) |
Figures compiled from multiple credible Indian automotive sources and variant listings.
The 1.0 TSI is the workhorse: punchy enough for city and light highway use, more fuel‑efficient and cheaper to buy. The 1.5 TSI is the enthusiast’s choice, offering a lot more shove on open roads and a slick 7‑speed DCT (DSG) for quick shifts.
A highlight of the 1.5‑litre engine is active cylinder deactivation – at low loads, it can shut down two cylinders to save fuel, which is why its official mileage figures rival or exceed the smaller 1.0 in some tests.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency – Realistic Numbers for Indian Conditions
Official ARAI‑certified mileage for the Škoda Kushaq ranges roughly between 18.7 km/l and 19.7 km/l, depending on engine and gearbox combination. Variant‑wise figures published by multiple sources look like this:
>1.0 TSI MT: up to 19.66–19.76 km/l (ARAI)
>1.0 TSI AT (TC): around 18.09–19.09 km/l (ARAI) >1.5 TSI DCT: up to 18.86 km/l (ARAI)In the real world, expect:
>City: 9–12 km/l for the 1.0 TSI (MT/AT), 10–12 km/l for the 1.5 TSI DCT with sedate driving.
>Highway: 14–16.5 km/l if you cruise at sane speeds and use cruise control where available.For a turbo‑petrol SUV with this performance, these are very respectable numbers. If your running is mostly urban and you’re sensitive to fuel costs, the 1.0 TSI MT is the sweet spot. Highway‑heavy users who enjoy spirited driving will gravitate towards the 1.5 TSI DCT.
Interior & Comfort – Euro Feel with Indian Practicality
Step inside the facelifted Kushaq and it feels distinct from its Korean rivals. The dashboard design is clean and layered, with a floating touchscreen, tactile switchgear and a solid, almost European sense of build quality.
Key comfort highlights include:
.webp "Rear seat massage segment-first feature for a compact SUV")
>Spacious 5‑seater cabin with supportive front seats and good under‑thigh support.
.webp "Skoda Kushaq facelift features an electric sunroof as standard across its variant range")
The rear bench is optimised for two adults plus a child, like most midsize SUVs – three full‑size adults will fit, but long journeys are more comfortable with four. Overall, for a nuclear family looking at weekend getaways and city use, the Kushaq hits a very usable comfort sweet spot.
Technology & Features – Loaded Where It Matters
Depending on the variant, the new Škoda Kushaq offers a rich feature list aimed at both convenience and connectivity.
.webp "Digital cockpit that supports turn-by-turn navigation")
>Large touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.
>Digital or semi‑digital instrument cluster (trim‑dependent).Newer MY24 updates have also brought features like electric seats in certain trims, keeping the Kushaq competitive against fresh rivals. Importantly, most of the tech works in a fuss‑free, intuitive manner; it feels closer to a European car than a typical mass‑market SUV.
Safety Ratings – 5‑Star Global NCAP & Six Airbags Standard
Safety is where the Kushaq really justifies its positioning. Under the updated Global NCAP protocol, the made‑in‑India Kushaq scored a full 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection, becoming one of India’s safest compact SUVs.
Key crash‑test highlights:
>Adult occupant protection: 29.64/34 points, with a stable bodyshell and good to adequate protection in frontal and side impacts.
>Child occupant protection: 42/49 points, with high protection for both 18‑month and 3‑year‑old dummies in rear‑facing child seats.Equipment‑wise, Škoda has now made:
>Six airbags standard across all variants in MY24 onwards.
>ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS with EBD, hill‑hold control and multi‑collision braking standard on the India 2.0 cars.If your first filter while shortlisting a family SUV is “5‑star safety”, the Kushaq deserves to be right at the top of your list.
Price & Variants – Which Skoda Kushaq Should You Buy?
As of early 2026, the Škoda Kushaq price range is approximately ₹10.69 lakh to ₹18.99 lakh ex‑showroom in India, spanning multiple variants and engine/gearbox combos.
Broadly, the line‑up looks like this:
>Classic / Classic Plus / Onyx: Entry trims with 1.0 TSI, focus on value, still get key safety and comfort features.
>Signature / Ambition: Mid variants adding more tech and convenience – ideal for most family buyers.Pick for most buyers: A mid‑spec 1.0 TSI AT “Signature/Ambition” variant if you want convenience and decent performance, or the 1.5 TSI DSG Sportline/Monte Carlo if you enjoy driving and can stretch budget.
FAQs – New Skoda Kushaq Facelift in India
1. Is the Skoda Kushaq a good family car?
Yes. It seats 4 adults comfortably, has a 491‑litre boot, rear AC vents, strong safety rating and refined turbo‑petrol engines, making it a solid choice for a nuclear family.
2. What is the real‑world mileage of the Skoda Kushaq?
In mixed driving, expect roughly 11–12 km/l in the city and 14–16+ km/l on highways, depending on engine, gearbox and driving style. ARAI figures go up to 19.76 km/l for the 1.0 TSI MT and up to 18.86 km/l for the 1.5 TSI DCT.
3. Is the Skoda Kushaq safe?
Absolutely. It has a 5‑star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants and now offers six airbags as standard across the range, along with ESC and a raft of active safety aids.
4. Which engine is better: 1.0 TSI or 1.5 TSI?
Choose the 1.0 TSI if you prioritise lower upfront cost and mainly drive in the city. Go for the 1.5 TSI if you do frequent highway runs, drive fast, or plan to keep the car long term and want the extra power + DSG experience.
5. What are the rivals of the Skoda Kushaq?
Main rivals include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and its own platform cousin, the Volkswagen Taigun. Compared to most of them, the Kushaq offers a more European driving experience and class‑leading safety credentials.
Conclusion – Should You Buy the New Skoda Kushaq Facelift?
The facelifted Škoda Kushaq isn’t a “feature gimmick” update. Instead, it quietly doubles down on the fundamentals – refined turbo‑petrol performance, planted handling, genuinely premium feel and benchmark safety – while MY24/MY26 updates like six standard airbags and enhanced feature packs keep it competitive in a very crowded segment.
If you want the flashiest screens and gimmicks, some Korean rivals may still tempt you. But if your priority list reads: “safe, solid, fun‑to‑drive, and built to last”, the new Škoda Kushaq deserves a serious test drive. For many buyers in 2026, it will be the most balanced driver‑focused family SUV in the ₹12–20 lakh bracket.
Over to you: Are you considering the new Kushaq over the Creta or Seltos? Which engine and variant are you leaning towards? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and share this review with anyone in your circle currently hunting for a safe midsize SUV.
Download New Škoda Kushaq Brochure (PDF)Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information, manufacturer releases and credible automotive sources at the time of writing and is intended for general informational purposes only. Specifications, features, prices and variants may change without prior notice. Please check with an authorised Škoda dealership for the latest details before making a purchase decision.
Post a Comment