Skoda Auto India is all set to launch the new Skoda Kushaq facelift SUV on March 21, 2026. Pre-bookings for the new SUV have already started. Interested customers can book the new Kashqa online or by visiting the nearest dealership. Shipments are expected to begin by the end of this month. Skoda is offering an extended warranty of up to six years, a six-year corrosion warranty and three years for paint. The SUV competes with VW Taigun, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra and Maruti Suzuki Victoris. Before we begin, let’s take a look at everything we know so far. The new Kushaq is offered in five variants: Classic Plus, Signature, Sport Line, Prestige, and Monte Carlo. It marks the first facelift for the Qashqai since its launch in 2021 and includes cosmetic changes to the exterior, a tweaked interior with added features, and more.
The overall silhouette of the SUV remains the same. However, it now gets a completely reworked front and rear end. Up front, it now features a redesigned grille with chrome accents, thinner headlamps, and a new LED DRL signature that extends to the grille. The lower end gets a fresh skid plate, while the bumper adopts a honeycomb-style design. Changes to the sides are subtle, limited to redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels and thick black cladding that enhance the SUV’s road presence. At the rear, it gets a redesigned tailgate with new connecting LED taillights and glowing ‘Skoda’ lettering. Other highlights include shark fin antenna, silver skid plate, rear wiper with washer, roof rails, integrated spoiler and more.
Moving inside, the overall layout is still the same with minor changes. It continues to get a capacitive climate control panel, two-spoke steering wheel and control panel. In terms of features, it has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 10.25-inch full digital cluster, a six-speaker Skoda sound system with subwoofer and amplifier, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, electric seats with front seats, adjustable leather seats. Google-powered companion, segment-first rear massager and more.Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, all-wheel disc brakes, rain-sensing wipers, defogger, auto IRVM and also gets a five-star rating from GNCAP for both adults and children. Mechanically, there is no change; It continues to offer two engine options: a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo-petrol with 115 hp and 175 Nm of torque. The other engine is a 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder, turbo diesel with 150 hp and 250 Nm. Gearbox options include a 7-speed DSG only for the 1.5. The smaller 1.0-liter gets a 6-speed manual, along with a new 8-speed torque converter auto, which replaces the 6-speed torque converter auto.
