Kochi – Škoda Auto India has officially unveiled the new Kushaq, and if the earlier version was a solid European gentleman in Indian traffic, this one has clearly been to the gym, learnt Hindi slang, and downloaded Google Gemini for good measure. Staying true to the brand’s promise of democratising European technology for Indian roads, the refreshed Kushaq arrives with sharper design, smarter tech, more comfort, and enough new features to make even your smartphone feel slightly insecure.
The Kushaq continues to be the poster child of Škoda’s India 2.0 strategy, a car that was born out of Indo-Czech collaboration and raised on Indian potholes. Now in its latest avatar, it adds segment-first goodies like an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic, a rear seat massage function, and a panoramic sunroof – because clearly, traffic jams feel better when your back is being massaged and the sky is visible.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said the updated Kushaq underlines India’s importance as a global growth hub for the brand. According to him, the new model not only strengthens Škoda’s SUV portfolio alongside the Kodiaq and Kylaq, but also raises the bar on comfort, safety and digital experience. In simpler words: this isn’t just a facelift, it’s a proper glow-up.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, added that the new Kushaq reflects changing Indian aspirations, where customers want global tech, premium features and peace of mind, without having to sell ancestral land. With a strong focus on “real automatics”, safety-first engineering and modern design, the new Kushaq aims to feel equally at home in metro malls and mountain highways.
Easy to Love. Made in India, for India
First launched in 2021, the Kushaq derives its name from the Sanskrit word for Emperor, which feels appropriate given how confidently it has ruled Škoda’s Indian lineup. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, specifically engineered for Indian conditions, the new Kushaq carries forward practical strengths like ventilated electric seats, cruise control, wireless charging and a rear-view camera, while adding fresh tech and comfort upgrades that make everyday driving far more enjoyable.
With Kushaq now standing alongside the premium Kodiaq and the compact Kylaq, Škoda Auto India claims to have an SUV for almost every budget and aspiration. Basically, whether your dream is “first European car” or “upgrade from German sedan”, there’s now a Škoda SUV waiting politely in the showroom.
Easy to Flaunt with Modern Solid Design
Design-wise, the new Kushaq adopts Škoda’s Modern Solid philosophy, which sounds like a Marvel superhero but actually translates into a bolder, cleaner and more futuristic look. The front gets a redesigned grille with chrome ribs and an illuminated light band, flanked by new LED headlamps and fog lamps. At the rear, connected LED taillights with sequential indicators and illuminated ‘Škoda’ lettering add serious night-time drama.
The SUV rides on standard alloy wheels across all variants, with strong body cladding and clean side lines giving it a confident road presence. New colour options like Shimla Green, Steel Grey and Cherry Red join the existing palette, and for those who prefer their SUVs with extra attitude, the Monte Carlo badge is now available from day one.
Easy to Drive with Real Automatics
Under the hood, the Kushaq stays faithful to its driving DNA. The big headline is the segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic, paired with the 1.0 TSI engine producing 85 kW and 178 Nm. This engine is also available with a six-speed manual for those who still enjoy shifting gears manually, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic for character building.
For performance lovers, the 1.5 TSI engine continues with 110 kW and 250 Nm, now paired exclusively with the seven-speed DSG. This four-cylinder turbo also gets disc brakes on all wheels, making sure the extra power is matched with proper stopping confidence. Add 188 mm of ground clearance, and the Kushaq remains equally capable on highways, broken roads, and the occasional “shortcut” Google Maps suggests.
Easy on the Experience
Inside, the new Kushaq feels more premium and more digital. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, while dual-colour ambient lighting sets the mood depending on whether you’re going to work or escaping it. Ventilated electric seats, a six-speaker sound system with subwoofer, Climatronic Auto AC and a massive 491-litre boot make it both comfortable and practical.
Higher variants get a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, while mid variants come with an 8-inch version, ensuring drivers always feel like they’re piloting something smarter than themselves.
AI Companion Powered by Google
The highlight of the new digital experience is the AI-powered infotainment system with Google Automotive AI Agent. Yes, the Kushaq now has Gemini inside it. The 10.1-inch touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the voice assistant can fetch news, manage music, control climate, and respond to Indian English accents without pretending not to understand you. In short, your car finally listens better than most people.
Easy to Trust, Easy to Own
Safety remains a strong pillar for the Kushaq, which carries forward its five-star Global NCAP rating. Six airbags and over 25 safety features are standard across all variants, going up to more than 40 in top trims. Practical safety elements like rear wiper, defogger, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming mirrors are now standard too, making Indian monsoons slightly less dramatic.
On the ownership front, Škoda introduces the Super Care package, offering a standard four-year or 1,00,000 km warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free services. The warranty can be extended up to six years, along with corrosion and paint protection, ensuring the Kushaq stays worry-free long after the honeymoon period.
Pre-bookings for the new Škoda Kushaq are open at ₹15,000, with deliveries set to begin by the end of March 2026. With European engineering, Indian sensibilities and now even artificial intelligence onboard, the new Kushaq isn’t just easy to love – it’s dangerously easy to get attached to.
