First Look 2026 koda Kushaq. Fixing the gaps, listening a little late.
The Škoda Kushaq was never short on ability. From the way it drove to the way its engines delivered performance, it always felt engineered with intent. What held it back were the gaps - features buyers expected, tech rivals flaunted, and a few omissions that made explaining the price harder than it needed to be.
The 2026 facelift is Škoda's attempt to close those gaps. And for the most part, it succeeds. But not without leaving a few questions unanswered.
Design
Škoda hasn't altered the Kushaq's basic shape, proportions or stance. That's sensible - the design has aged well. Instead, the updates focus on detailing and presence.
From the Signature variant upwards, there's now an illuminated light band integrated into the grille, matched by illuminated 'Škoda' lettering at the rear. Sequential rear indicators are standard across the range, as are LED headlights and taillights. At night, the Kushaq finally looks as premium as its positioning suggests.
Higher trims get fresh alloy wheel designs, and Škoda has also introduced three new colours - Shimla Green, Cherry Red and Steel Grey - taking the total colour options to eight. The naming is deliberate. Shimla Green, like the Kushaq itself, is a quiet nod to the car's made-for-and-in-India brief.
Kushaq Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo variants continue to play the role of the sportier Kushaq. Apart from the evident Monte Carlo badges on the sides and the tailgate, these variants also add blacked-out elements instead of chrome, red ribs in the grille and red brake callipers for visual flair.
On the inside, it wears maroon inlay panels officially called 'Nashik Red interiors', inspired by the red wines produced in the Nashik region. It's an interesting cultural reference that adds warmth and is subtle enough to feel tasteful, giving the Monte Carlo a clearer identity.
Cabin
Across the line-up, the cabin sees the most meaningful upgrades. The dashboard layout remains familiar, but the technology finally feels current.
Prestige and Monte Carlo variants now feature a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, while Signature and Sportline trims get an 8-inch digital cluster for the first time. This single change makes the mid-variants feel far less compromised than before.
The infotainment system grows to a 10.1-inch unit from Signature upwards and integrates a companion app powered by Google Automotive AI. Voice commands are tuned for Indian English accents and allow hands-free control of music, calls and climate functions. It's not flashy tech for the sake of it, but it works in the real world - which suits the Kushaq's character.
Material updates include new upholstery and décor across all variants, along with dual-colour ambient lighting from Signature upwards. The cabin now feels cohesive, contemporary and far more in step with buyer expectations in this segment.
Comfort and convenience
Škoda has clearly paid attention to feature feedback. Electric front seats with ventilation are now available on Prestige and Monte Carlo trims, and the addition of a rear seat massage function is genuinely unexpected in this class. Its a great addition for those considering the Kushaq as a chauffeur-driven car.
Practical features have also been pushed lower down the range. Front parking sensors, rear camera, wireless charging, cooled glovebox and KESSY remote functions are available from Signature upwards. TPMS is standard from Classic+, while cruise control is offered on Classic+ automatic variants.
The result is a line-up where the lower and mid variants no longer feel like placeholders.
What's changed under the bonnet
Mechanically, the Kushaq sticks with the proven 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines, but the transmission story is where the facelift makes its biggest statement.
The 1.0 TSI now gets an all-new 8-speed torque converter automatic - a segment-first. It's a move that prioritises smoothness, durability and everyday usability, especially for urban buyers wary of complex gearboxes. The 6-speed manual remains available.
The 1.5 TSI continues as a DSG-only offering, but now finally gets disc brakes on all four wheels - a necessary and welcome update. Monte Carlo trims remain automatic-only, with additional visual distinction through those red callipers.
Dimensions, ride and handling remain unchanged, which means the Kushaq retains its balanced dynamics, 188mm ground clearance and generous 491-litre boot.
The omissionsÂ
For all the boxes the facelift ticks, two omissions stand out.
There's still no 360-degree camera - a feature that has gone from luxury to necessity in cars of this size and price, especially in tight urban environments. Škoda's explanation may revolve around prioritising driver skill, but practicality says otherwise.
ADAS is missing, too. Škoda claims that while Indian buyers are becoming safety-conscious, they haven't shown strong demand for ADAS in local driving conditions. That may be true for intrusive systems, but offering ADAS as an optional safety pack would have given buyers the choice - and future-proofed the Kushaq better against newer rivals.
First impressions
The 2026 Škoda Kushaq facelift feels less like a cosmetic update and more like a course correction. It listens, it responds, and it fixes most of what needed fixing - from cabin tech and comfort to transmission choices. The Kushaq is now easier to recommend, easier to justify, and more complete than before. It just stops one step short of being bulletproof.
To watch the walkaround click here:https://youtu.be/lSi_JMN2g9g?si=E7oADqsc85IkbrLA