2025 Skoda Kushaq Facelift – Rumored Design Changes, New Features, Engine Choices, and Launch Date
The Skoda Kushaq has been the company’s best-selling model in India since its release in 2021. The compact SUV segment being highly competitive, the Kushaq managed to impress customers with its European design, robust build, and a 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating. With increasing rivalry from Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and the recent launch of Maruti Victoris, Skoda is gearing up a facelift of the Kushaq to keep it new and attractive.
Scheduled to hit the market in late 2025 or early 2026, the Skoda Kushaq facelift has already been seen undergoing testing several times. Let’s have a close look at the changes in design, features, performance, and price that the new version will bring.
Exterior Design – Subtle But Effective Updates
Spy photos of the Skoda Kushaq facelift confirm that the SUV will get noticeable styling changes at the front and rear. The overall proportions and silhouette are unchanged, but the details do make a difference.
At the front, Skoda will unveil a new grille with more angular detailing and a new bumper. The LED headlights will be updated, with new LED DRLs placed on the top bar, which will also serve as turn signal lights. This arrangement will improve visibility while making the SUV look contemporary.
Side profile remains little altered, but a new alloy wheel design has been seen on test mules. Features such as traditional door handles, blacked-out B-pillars, roof rails, wheel arch cladding, and dual-tone ORVMs will likely stay on.
The back will most likely get a connected LED tail lamp treatment, already followed by many of its competitors. Small bumper refinements and detailing are also imminent. With these cosmetic changes, Skoda may also add new colour schemes like lighter hues for younger customers and understated metallic finishes for luxury look.
Interior Refurbishments – Panoramic Sunroof and Technology Enhancements
The most highly awaited feature on the Skoda Kushaq facelift is a panoramic sunroof. Presently, the Kushaq has a solitary sunroof, whereas numerous competitors like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, and Maruti Grand Vitara already have a panoramic sunroof. Such a feature ranks high on the wish list of Indian SUV customers, and with it, the Kushaq will gain a competitive edge.
Within the cabin, Skoda is also likely to revamp the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The present 10-inch infotainment display is touch-sensitive and feature-packed, but the facelift model may get an upgraded unit with better graphics, quicker processing, and additional connectivity features. Likewise, the present 8-inch instrument cluster may be replaced with a bigger and more dynamic digital display.
Soft-touch surfaces, new trim, and refreshed upholstery can also be provided to make the cabin look and feel fresh and premium. Skoda might also further enhance practicality features such as wireless charging, more USB-C outlets, and enhanced storage solutions.
High-Tech Safety Features – ADAS in the Pipeline
Safety has ever been Skoda’s biggest selling factor, and the Kushaq is already equipped with six airbags as a standard feature, plus ESC, traction control, hill hold assist, ABS, multi-collision braking, and an electronic differential lock system.
The facelift will also feature a 360-degree camera system to facilitate parking in narrow spaces. Of greater significance, Skoda will implement an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, possibly featuring lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. This will keep the Kushaq on the same footing as its rivals like the Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and the ADAS-enabled Maruti Victoris.
Along with these updates, Skoda will solidify its position as being among the safest compact SUVs in India.
Engine and Performance – No Mechanical Updates
The Skoda Kushaq facelift is likely to retain the current powertrain offerings, which are already well-sourced for their mix of performance and economy.
The 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine churns out 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency values are at 19.76 kmpl (manual) and 18.09 kmpl (auto).
For those looking for more power, the 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This motor comes paired to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and is equipped with Active Cylinder Technology to help with better fuel efficiency, at 18.86 kmpl.
Though there are no hybrid or diesel options available, these petrol engines are calibrated to Indian conditions and are renowned for their smoothness, mid-range pull, and very engaging driving dynamics.
Variants and Expected Pricing
The existing Skoda Kushaq ranges from ₹11 lakh to ₹18.5 lakh (ex-showroom). With the addition of new features such as ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, newer displays, and cosmetic changes, the facelift model is expected to have a marginal premium.
The price range for the 2025–2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift can be estimated at ₹11.5 lakh to ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom), pitting it against Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor.
Skoda can continue to offer special trim levels like Monte Carlo and Onyx, which have been bestsellers among younger buyers.
Launch Timeline
Skoda Kushaq facelift has been seen testing in India on several occasions, and that means development is well underway. It is likely that the launch will be around the end of 2025 or the early part of 2026. It will be offered in petrol-only versions to begin with, but Skoda may venture into electrified powertrains in the future as part of its India 2.5 plan.
Final Thoughts
The Indian compact SUV market is among the most fiercely competitive segments, with new launches and revisions coming at frequent intervals. To continue its robust existence, the Skoda Kushaq facelift arrives at the opportune moment.
With its renewed exterior design, new alloy wheels, integrated LED tail lamps, panoramic sunroof, bigger digital displays, ADAS, and an already impressive underpinning of 5-star safety and turbocharged petrol engines, the facelifted Kushaq has all the makings to be a big player once again.
If Skoda manages to price it competitively, the facelifted Kushaq will find favor with driving enthusiasts as well as family-conscious buyers seeking a safe, stylish, and feature-loaded compact SUV.
As the launch date nears, everyone will be watching Skoda to know how it positions the Kushaq facelift in the Indian market. Rest assured – the Kushaq badge will continue to mean Skoda’s promise of safety, engineering prowess, and value-for-money in the SUV segment.
FAQs on 2025 Skoda Kushaq Facelift
Q1. When will the 2025 Skoda Kushaq facelift hit Indian roads?
The Skoda Kushaq facelift should be launched in late 2025 or early 2026. Test mules have already been seen on Indian roads, indicating that development is nearing completion.
Q2. What are the new design changes in the Skoda Kushaq facelift?
The facelift will sport an updated grille, new front bumper design, new LED headlights with DRLs, connected LED tail lights, and new alloy wheels. Skoda will also launch new exterior colors.
Q3. Will the Skoda Kushaq facelift have a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, the Skoda Kushaq facelift will have a panoramic sunroof for the first time. The SUV currently has a single-pane sunroof only.
Q4. What will be the new features available within the Kushaq facelift?
The interior is likely to get an updated infotainment system with improved graphics, a digital-only instrument cluster, wireless charging, USB-C ports, and premium seats.
Q5. Will the Skoda Kushaq facelift come with ADAS?
Yes, Skoda will probably make available ADAS features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking, along with a 360-degree camera system.
Q6. What will be the engine choices for the 2025 Kushaq facelift?
The SUV will retain the present petrol engines:
- 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol with 115 PS and 178 Nm, with a 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT.
- 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol with 150 PS and 250 Nm, with a 7-speed DSG automatic.
Q7. Will Skoda offer a diesel or hybrid engine with the Kushaq facelift?
No, Skoda won’t be bringing diesel or hybrid engines for the facelift. The SUV will be petrol-only for the time being, though powertrains could be electrified in the future.
Q8. How much will the 2025 Skoda Kushaq facelift cost?
The facelifted Kushaq should cost between ₹11.5 lakh and ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom), a little more than the current car thanks to additional features and technology.
Q9. Against which SUVs will the Skoda Kushaq facelift compete?
It will compete with hot sellers such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor.
Q10. Will Skoda retain the Monte Carlo and Onyx variants in the facelift model?
Yes, Skoda is expected to continue its special trims such as Monte Carlo and Onyx since they have been young buyers’ hot picks.
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