Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq is a compact SUV built on the MQB A0 IN platform, tailored for Indian roads. It features a bold design with a muscular stance, updated LED headlamps, and a distinctive grille. The cabin is spacious, with ergonomic seating and ample legroom, making it comfortable for families. Safety is a highlight, with six airbags, ESC, TPMS, and a five-star Global NCAP rating. The 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI engines offer strong performance and smooth driving dynamics, with the DSG transmission adding to the refinement. The Kushaq is available in multiple variants, including the sporty Monte Carlo Limited Edition, catering to different preferences. Its blend of safety, comfort, and driving pleasure makes it a top choice in the segment.

The Skoda Kushaq is a premium compact SUV engineered on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0-IN platform, specifically tuned for Indian roads. It features bold, muscular styling with updated LED headlamps, a pronounced black crystal grille, and sharp design cues in its 2025 facelift. The cabin prioritizes driver and passenger comfort, with spacious seating, ergonomic controls, adjustable steering, and quality materials. Under the hood, it offers two turbocharged petrol engines: a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder and a 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder with cylinder deactivation for efficiency. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DSG in the higher variants. Safety is a standout aspect, with six airbags standard across variants, ESC, traction control, hill hold assist, TPMS, and a reinforced body structure. The Kushaq’s ride and handling are tuned for a smooth yet engaging driving experience, handling both urban traffic and highways with confidence, making it a well-rounded option for Indian buyers seeking a premium, safe, and driver-focused compact SUV.

The Skoda Kushaq stands out in India’s compact SUV segment with its blend of European engineering and practicality. It offers a solid, well-built feel, backed by a five-star Global NCAP safety rating and a comprehensive list of features including six airbags, electronic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring. The driving experience is engaging, with sharp handling and a comfortable ride, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway journeys. The 1.5-litre TSI engine delivers strong performance, while the 1.0-litre variant is efficient for daily use. The cabin is spacious and ergonomically designed, with good seat support and adjustable steering. While some cost-cutting is evident in certain materials, the overall package is compelling for buyers seeking a premium feel without compromising on safety or driving dynamics.

The Skoda Kushaq impresses with its European build quality, solid safety credentials, and engaging driving dynamics, offering a refined experience that stands out in the compact SUV segment. Its powerful turbo-petrol engines, including the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI units, deliver swift acceleration and smooth gear shifts, making city commutes and highway drives equally enjoyable. The 2025 facelift brings sharper styling and enhanced safety features such as six airbags and electronic stability control across variants, ensuring peace of mind. The interior strikes a good balance between ergonomics and space, with well-cushioned seats and adjustable steering, although it lacks some premium equipment found in rivals. The Kushaq’s solid ride quality and surefooted handling appeal to drivers who value comfort and control. While it does come at a slightly premium price compared to some competitors, the overall blend of performance, safety, and build quality makes the Kushaq a compelling choice for Indian buyers looking for a refined yet practical compact SUV.

I've been tracking the Skoda Kushaq's evolution closely, and the 2026 facelift just unveiled in India marks a significant refresh for this India-made compact SUV. Sporting the new "Modern Solid" design, it features a bold front grille with chrome ribs and an illuminated light band, sharper LED headlights, connected taillights with sequential indicators, and glowing ŠKODA lettering at the rear—all while retaining its 4225mm length, 188mm ground clearance, and robust MQB-A0-IN platform for Indian roads. Powertrains stay punchy with the 1.0 TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm) now offering a segment-first 8-speed torque converter automatic alongside the 6-speed manual, and the 1.5 TSI (150 PS, 250 Nm) paired exclusively with a 7-speed DSG; mileage hovers at 18-19.76 kmpl ARAI. Inside, a 25.6cm touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 20.32cm digital cockpit, Climatronic AC, panoramic sunroof in higher trims like Prestige and Monte Carlo, ventilated seats, and a 491-litre boot elevate comfort. Safety shines with over 25 standard features including six airbags and five-star Global NCAP across variants from Classic+ to Monte Carlo, priced around Rs 10.66-18.79 lakh ex-showroom. This update makes the Kushaq even more compelling against Creta and Seltos, blending European dynamics with practical upgrades.

I've been tracking the Skoda Kushaq facelift closely, and with its recent unveiling in India, pre-bookings open and prices due in March, this update transforms it into an even stronger contender in the midsize SUV space. The exterior now sports Skoda's Modern Solid design with sleek LED headlights featuring eyebrow DRLs, a segmented grille light bar, redesigned bumpers, and a rear LED bar with illuminated 'SKODA' lettering and sequential indicators—Monte Carlo gets sportier gloss black accents and red stripes. Inside, it's a premium leap with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, 10.1-inch touchscreen on slicker software, dual-tone ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and a segment-first rear seat massage function, plus a boot expanded to 491 litres. Powertrains carry over with the 115hp 1.0-litre TSI now gaining an 8-speed torque converter automatic alongside the manual, while the punchy 150hp 1.5-litre TSI sticks to its 7-speed DSG and adds rear disc brakes—all maintaining 188mm ground clearance for Indian roads. Safety shines with over 25 standard features including six airbags and 5-star Global NCAP, up to 40+ in top trims like Prestige and Monte Carlo. Even the base Classic+ packs 16-inch alloys, single-pane sunroof, LED lights, auto AC, and that 8-speed AT option, making it value-packed from ₹11 lakh expected, rivaling Creta and Seltos with superior European build and dynamics I love on twisty highways.

The Skoda Kushaq is set to receive a seven-seater version, expected to launch in India in 2027. This new generation model will be underpinned by a new platform, likely the MQB A0 37, allowing for the addition of a third-row seating layout. This move aims to help Skoda compete more effectively in the SUV market.

Skoda India has announced that the Kushaq 1.5-litre engine variants will now only be available with automatic transmission options. This move is part of the companys strategy to streamline its powertrain offerings. I think this will make the Kushaq more appealing to those who prefer the convenience of an automatic gearbox.

Skoda has dropped the prices of the Kushaq by up to Rs. 2.19 lakh and restructured the variant lineup. The 2024 model year update includes five variants: Classic, Onyx, Signature, Monte Carlo, and Prestige. This price cut and new variant lineup are expected to boost sales.

The Skoda Kushaq in India starts at around ₹11.5 lakh ex-showroom for the base Active variant and goes up to ₹18.5 lakh ex-showroom for the top-spec Monte Carlo Limited Edition. On-road prices typically range from ₹13 lakh to ₹21 lakh depending on the city and variant. The pricing is competitive, positioning the Kushaq as a value-for-money option in its segment. The higher variants offer premium features and sporty styling, justifying the premium. For buyers looking for a well-equipped SUV with strong safety credentials, the Kushaq offers a balanced proposition. The Limited Edition models add exclusivity with unique badging and red accents, appealing to those who want a touch of flair. The price spread allows flexibility for different budgets, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.

In India, the Skoda Kushaq’s pricing generally ranges from approximately Rs. 10.99 lakh to Rs. 17.50 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant and transmission options. The 1.5-litre TSI DSG automatic, which is the flagship variant, is priced towards the higher end around Rs. 16.50 to 17.50 lakh ex-showroom. On-road prices, including insurance, registration, and taxes, vary across cities but typically add 15-20% to the ex-showroom rate, making the top variants cross Rs. 20 lakh at the dealership. The pricing reflects its premium positioning with features like a robust safety package, powerful turbo engines, and a refined cabin experience. From a buying perspective, the Kushaq is competitively placed against rival compact SUVs but leans towards buyers prioritizing build and performance over outright cost minimization. Potential buyers should factor in the slightly higher ownership costs in exchange for a well-rounded vehicle that offers European design and engineering tailored for Indian roads.

The Skoda Kushaq delivers practical mileage for Indian conditions. The 1.0-litre TSI engine returns around 18-19 kmpl on the highway and 11-12 kmpl in the city, while the 1.5-litre TSI offers slightly lower figures but better performance. Both engines feature cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency. For buyers prioritising running costs, the 1.0-litre variant is more economical, especially for city driving. The 1.5-litre is better suited for those who frequently drive on highways or want more power. Overall, the Kushaq’s mileage is competitive in its segment, making it a sensible choice for daily use and occasional long drives.

The Skoda Kushaq delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of around 18.09 km/l for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol automatic and up to 18.86 km/l for the 1.5-litre turbo petrol DSG automatic. Real-world mileage typically ranges between 11 to 14 km/l in city conditions depending on driving style and traffic, and around 16 to 18 km/l on highways. Its cylinder deactivation technology in the 1.5-litre engine helps improve efficiency during light loads. If mileage and running costs are a top priority, the smaller 1.0-litre variant offers better fuel economy, but the 1.5-litre variant balances power and efficiency well for Indian driving conditions.