Kamal Ghorui
Skoda Auto India has released the first teaser of the upcoming Skoda Kushaq facelift, expected to launch later this month. While the brief teaser keeps design details under wraps, showing only a shadowy view of the SUV’s nose, it clearly signals that the midsize model is in line for a comprehensive mid-cycle update. This marks the first facelift for the Kushaq since its debut in 2021. With strong competition from upcoming models such as the Tata Sierra, Maruti Victoris, and Kia Seltos, Skoda’s decision to update the Kushaq comes at a crucial time. Here’s what you can expect from the refreshed SUV. As mentioned before, the teaser doesn’t really show much in terms of details. The updated Kushaq has been spotted testing several times, offering a clearer idea of what to expect from the revised model. While its overall silhouette appears familiar, noticeable revisions are planned for both the front and rear sections. Up front, the design is expected to draw cues from the global models, featuring a sharper lighting arrangement, a reworked grille, and dark-finished alloy wheel elements already seen on camouflaged test vehicles. Changes at the rear include a full-width tail-lamp design.
It will continue to ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a fresh new design, and Skoda will also introduce new colour options. Other exterior highlights include LED headlamps, LED DRLs, along with sequential LED turn indicators, skid plates on both ends, functional roof rails, an integrated spoiler and more. Moving inside, the Kushaq is also expected to receive minor changes, with the overall layout expected to be the same, with a few improvements. It’s also expected to get soft-touch materials all around with the same touch capacitive climate control panel. It’s also expected to get the same two-spoke steering wheel, and expected features include a larger touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS and more.Mechanically, there are no changes expected. It will continue to get two engine options – a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol with 115 hp and 175 nm torque. Another engine is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel with 150 hp and 250 nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT Auto (1.5) and 6-speed torque converter auto (1.0). Skoda might also tune the suspension for better handling and comfort.
