Skoda Kushaq Facelift Teased Again Ahead of January 2026 Launch

Skoda Auto India has dropped yet another teaser of the Skoda Kushaq facelift and this time, it’s not just about metal and LEDs. The brand is clearly chasing emotion. With a Bollywood-inspired DDLJ theme and the line “Get ready to fall in love”, Skoda wants you to feel something before you even see the SUV properly.

The Skoda Kushaq facelift is officially set for a January 2026 launch, marking the first major refresh since the SUV debuted in 2021. But between brutal competition and shifting buyer expectations, this update feels less like a routine facelift and more like a survival move.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift Design Updates

The teasers confirm what spy shots had already hinted at. The Skoda Kushaq facelift will feature connected LED lighting at both ends, a full-width DRL-style setup at the front and illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering at the rear.

Key exterior highlights include the following:

• Redesigned LED headlights with segmented DRLs
• New grille and sportier bumper with angular silver accents
• Connected LED tail lamps with illuminated branding

This is exactly what the Kushaq needed. In a segment where visual drama sells, the old design was starting to fade next to flashier rivals.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift Interior Changes

Skoda hasn’t revealed the cabin yet, but all signs suggest meaningful upgrades. The Skoda Kushaq facelift is expected to finally address long-standing feedback around features and comfort.

What’s likely coming:

• Panoramic sunroof on higher trims
• Updated digital cluster and infotainment graphics
• Improved air-conditioning system
• Rear disc brakes on 1.5 TSI variants
• Rumoured rear-seat massage function (segment-first if true)

If Skoda actually delivers these, the Kushaq instantly becomes far more competitive.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift Gets ADAS

This is the big one. The Skoda Kushaq facelift is widely expected to introduce Level 2 ADAS, something that rivals already offer.

Expected safety upgrades are listed below:

• Level 2 ADAS suite
• 360-degree camera
• Six airbags as standard
• ESP, traction control and TPMS

With competitors like Hyundai, Kia and Tata Motors pushing safety hard, Skoda simply can’t afford to skip ADAS anymore.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift Engines and Gearbox options

Mechanically, the Skoda Kushaq facelift will stick to its proven formula:

• 1.0L TSI petrol: 115hp, 178Nm
• 1.5L TSI petrol: 150hp, 250Nm

Gearbox options at launch should remain:

• 6-speed manual
• 6-speed torque converter (1.0L)
• 7-speed DSG (1.5L)

However, Skoda is expected to introduce a new localized 8-speed automatic for the 1.0L engine later. That’s a smart move for smoother driving, better fuel efficiency and compliance with upcoming CAFE 3 norms.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift Faces Tough Rivals

The Skoda Kushaq facelift isn’t launching into an easy market. It takes on heavyweights like:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Honda Elevate
• Tata Sierra (new-generation)

Design and features alone won’t save the Kushaq. Pricing and ownership experience will decide its fate.

Skoda Kushaq facelift launch and price expectation

This facelift is expected to be unveiled around January 20, 2026, with prices starting near ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom). Variants and positioning should stay familiar, but features will finally justify the premium.

Skoda Kushaq Facelift: Why This Update Actually Matters

This facelift is more than cosmetic. It’s Skoda admitting that India demands more, more tech, more safety, more emotion. The DDLJ-themed teaser might sound dramatic, but in a crowded SUV market, emotion sells just as much as horsepower.

If Skoda gets the pricing right and delivers these upgrades without compromises, the Skoda Kushaq facelift could finally reclaim attention it lost over the years.

Now the real question: will this be a comeback story or just another facelift lost in the noise?

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