If Indian roads had a royal court, the Škoda Kushaq would probably walk in wearing a blazer, speak fluent Czech-accented Hindi, and quietly take the throne without making too much noise about it. After all, “Kushaq” literally translates to “king” in Sanskrit—and unlike some self-proclaimed kings in this segment, this one actually knows how to rule.
Originally launched in 2021, what you’re looking at now is the 2026 first-generation facelift of the Kushaq, a car that has aged like a well-maintained European espresso machine—still sharp, still premium, and still capable of waking you up with a strong punch of performance. Available only with petrol engines, the pricing starts at around ₹10.69 lakh and stretches up to approximately ₹19 lakh for the fully-loaded Prestige variant you see here, which is basically the Kushaq wearing its sherwani at a wedding.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 IN platform, the Kushaq shares its DNA with the Slavia, Taigun, Virtus, and a few international cousins. This platform is not just a fancy acronym—it’s the reason why the Kushaq drives like it went to finishing school in Germany but graduated with honours in handling Indian potholes. And speaking of potholes, the 192 mm ground clearance ensures that even the moon-like surfaces of some Indian roads won’t make this king bow down.
From the outside, the facelifted Kushaq now looks sharper, more confident, and slightly more expressive—like it just discovered Instagram. The signature Škoda grille now gets an illuminated light band, giving it a premium presence at night, while the crystalline LED headlamps with multi-bar DRLs and coming-leaving home function ensure that even your neighbours know when you’ve arrived. The LED fog lamps with static cornering function are not just functional but also a subtle flex. The silver diffusers at the front and rear, black cladding, roof rails with 50 kg load capacity, and those handsome 17-inch Radim alloy wheels complete the SUV stance beautifully.
The new Shimla Green colour deserves a special mention—it’s fresh, classy, and has just enough attitude to make people ask, “Bhai, kaunsi gaadi hai ye?” Add to that the illuminated ŠKODA lettering at the rear, split LED tail lamps with sequential turn indicators, and an aerodynamic spoiler, and you have a design that doesn’t scream for attention—but gets it anyway.
Step inside, and the cabin greets you with a familiar yet upgraded European vibe. The beige leatherette upholstery adds an airy premium feel, though you can also opt for black or fabric if you’re the practical type who travels with chai and samosas. The seats are not just comfortable but also come with ventilation and even massage function at the rear—because clearly, Škoda understands that Indian traffic can be more stressful than a family WhatsApp group.
The dashboard is dominated by a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Skoda Play apps, and even an AI assistant powered by Google Cloud. It’s like having a co-driver who doesn’t argue with your playlist choices. The MyŠkoda Connect app further adds a layer of smartness, allowing you to track your car, monitor driving behaviour, set geofencing alerts, and even book services—all from your smartphone.
Right behind the steering wheel sits a 10.24-inch virtual cockpit, which looks crisp, modern, and packed with information—from speed and RPM to navigation and fuel stats. The two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a signature Škoda touch, feels premium and slightly different from the usual three-spoke crowd, almost like choosing a boutique café over a chain outlet.
Comfort and practicality are also well taken care of. You get a generous 385-litre boot, which can expand to 1405 litres with the rear seats folded, making it road-trip ready. There are thoughtful touches like a cooled glovebox, ambient lighting, wireless charging, Climatronic AC with Air Care function, and even small details like ticket holders and reflective tapes on doors—because Škoda engineers clearly don’t believe in half measures.
Under the hood, the Kushaq offers two petrol engine options, both of which are E20 compliant. The 1.0-litre TSI engine produces 114 horsepower and 178 Nm torque, delivering a decent balance of efficiency and performance. But if you really want to experience the Kushaq’s royal personality, the 1.5-litre TSI engine is where the magic happens. Producing 147 horsepower and 250 Nm torque, it feels eager, refined, and surprisingly quick. The Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts off two cylinders during light driving, is like the car taking a power nap to save fuel—smart and efficient.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed DSG, and even an 8-speed torque converter automatic, ensuring there’s something for every kind of driver. The DSG, in particular, shifts gears faster than your friend changes opinions about cars.
On the road, the Kushaq continues to shine with its well-balanced suspension setup—McPherson struts at the front and a twist beam at the rear. It handles corners confidently, absorbs bumps reasonably well, and maintains that European driving feel that enthusiasts love. It’s not just about going from point A to B; it’s about enjoying the journey in between.
Safety is another area where the Kushaq wears its crown proudly. With a full 5-star Global NCAP rating, six airbags, ESC, multi-collision braking, hill hold control, TPMS, traction control, and a long list of electronic aids, it ensures that you and your family are well protected. It’s the kind of car that makes your parents say, “Haan beta, ye wali theek hai.”
Ownership experience is also thoughtfully planned. Škoda offers a standard 4-year/1 lakh km warranty, extendable up to 8 years, along with roadside assistance, corrosion warranty, paint warranty, and even labour-free services. The service interval of 15,000 km means fewer trips to the workshop and more time on the road—exactly how it should be.
In the end, the Škoda Kushaq doesn’t try too hard to impress—and that’s exactly why it does. It’s not the loudest, flashiest, or most gimmick-loaded SUV in the segment, but it quietly delivers where it matters—driving dynamics, safety, build quality, and a premium feel that doesn’t fade after the first few months.
Think of it as that well-dressed, soft-spoken guy at a party who doesn’t say much but ends up being the most interesting person in the room. The Kushaq may not shout “I’m the king,” but once you drive it, you’ll probably agree—it doesn’t need to.
