Skoda Kushaq facelift teased ahead of launch

The Skoda Kushaq SUV is due for a facelift this year. The updated model has been spotted testing on Indian roads on numerous occasions in the last few months. Skoda India has now dropped the first teaser video for the facelifted model on Instagram. While the teaser does not give away any details about the cosmetics or features, it confirms that the launch of the SUV is imminent. 

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Skoda Kushaq facelift: Here’s what we know so far

The test mules of the Skoda Kushaq give us a glimpse of what to expect from the facelifted model. The front and rear sections of all the mules have been draped in camouflage so far. This is where all the major updates will lie, as the undisguised profile of the facelift looks identical to the current model. The cutouts along the front fascia suggest redesigned LED headlamps and DRLs along with a bolder, more premium grille. Expect some tweaks on the front bumper as well. The LED tail lamps will follow the design language of the DRLs and will be connected by a light bar. As mentioned earlier, the profile will remain unchanged, but the alloy wheels may don a new look.

Inside, the Skoda Kushaq facelift will get a new dashboard layout. It will rock a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The current model has a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Skoda may equip the higher variants of the Kushaq with a triple display system, with an extra entertainment screen for the passenger.

The spy shots that have surfaced so far have confirmed a panoramic sunroof and the presence of a massage function for the rear seat. The Kushaq will be the first SUV in its segment to offer the latter. Both of these features will be limited to the higher variants. The entry-level and mid-spec variants will have to contend with a single-pane sunroof. The midsize SUV will also pack a Level 2 ADAS package. It will get 6 airbags as standard, along with safety features like Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Differential Locking System (EDS), and a 360-degree camera.

 

No changes are expected under the hood as the Kushaq facelift will retain the 2 engine options from the current model. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces a maximum power of 115hp and 175Nm peak torque. It can be mated to a 6-speed manual or torque converter gearbox. Skoda may add an 8-speed torque converter gearbox down the line. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 150hp and 250Nm peak torque. It can be mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

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Final Thoughts

While Skoda hasn’t confirmed an official launch date for the Kushaq facelift, it will go on sale by the end of January. Its booking window will open in the coming days. Prices for its current model start at Rs 10.61 lakh and go up to Rs 18.43 lakh. The facelift will demand a small premium. Upon launch, it will rival the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, and Volkswagen Taigun.