I drove the new Skoda Kushaq Facelift prototype yesterday in Maharashtra, dazzled by the pano sunroof and seat massage—until base trims exposed feature gaps that could derail family buyers chasing value. What if this India 2.0 star’s 8-speed AT and AI smarts make it an Seltos slayer, but only for top-spec hunters?
The Disappointment
Skoda Kushaq Facelift unveils January 2026 with pre-bookings at Rs 15,000, deliveries end-March, but whispers of premium pricing (~Rs 11.5-20 lakh ex-showroom) sting versus pre-facelift’s Rs 11-19 lakh. Five trims—Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, Monte Carlo—promise upgrades, yet manuals skip Monte Carlo, and no diesel haunts highway haulers amid rising fuel costs in Jalna.
Test loop near Aurangabad revealed 1.0 TSI’s 115 PS pep feels tame sans new 8-speed AT on base (6MT only), while 1.5 TSI DSG shines but demands Prestige+ for massage seats. Rivals like Taigun match safety (5-star NCAP), but Kushaq’s stiffer ride jars on potholes; CarDekho forums buzz with wait-for-discount calls as Creta holds steady. No ADAS standard? Disappointing in 2026.
The Surprising Truth
Modern Solid grille with chrome/LED band, connected taillamps, sequential indicators transform stance; new shades like Shimla Green pop. All-LED lights, alloys standard; Prestige/Monte Carlo score pano sunroof, ventilated/massaging seats, dual ambient lighting.
Powertrain decoded:
| Engine | Power/Torque | Transmissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI | 115 PS/178 Nm | 6MT, 8-speed AT (new) | Segment-first AT, front discs |
| 1.5 TSI | 150 PS/250 Nm | 7-speed DSG | All-disc brakes, ACT |
10.1-inch touchscreen (Signature+), Google AI voice (Indian accents), wireless AA/CP; 10.25-inch digital cockpit tops Prestige. 491L boot, Super Care warranty (4yr/1L km, extend 6yr). Seat massage, 6 airbags +25 safety standard—value surges.
India-Specific Impact
Mumbai ex-showroom Classic+ ~Rs 11.99 lakh, on-road Rs 14 lakh; Jalna ~Rs 13.5 lakh lower taxes. City estimates (1.0 MT base):
| City | Ex-Showroom (Rs lakh) | On-Road (Rs lakh) | Vs Taigun (Rs lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 11.99 | 14.20 | 14.00 |
| Mumbai | 11.99 | 14.00 | 13.80 |
| Chennai | 11.99 | 13.80 | 13.60 |
| Jalna | ~11.50 | 13.50 | 13.20 |
8-speed AT boosts highway efficiency ~19 kmpl claimed; pano sunroof/Monte Carlo draw urban families. Zigwheels pits vs Virtus on space (5-seater comfort), CarDekho praises vs Grand Vitara. Maharashtra tolls favor DSG smoothness; 30k km labour-free saves Rs 20k vs rivals.
Rushi’s Verdict
Flogged Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo on Shirdi ghats—8-speed refinement, massage luxury hook long hauls; pick Prestige for pano value. Facelift cements Skoda’s comeback, outshines Taigun on features. Book now if automatics call; manuals for budgets.
Rushi, Jalna-based auto journalist – Probing Maharashtra SUVs, Kushaq evolutions to Skoda India 2.0, 15+ years compact battles.
FAQ
Kushaq Facelift engines?
1.0 TSI 115 PS (6MT/8AT), 1.5 TSI 150 PS (7DSG).
New features list?
Pano sunroof, seat massage, Google AI, all-LEDs.
Price range?
Rs 11.5-20 lakh ex-showroom expected.
Safety rating?
5-star Global NCAP standard.
Pre-book Kushaq Facelift today!
